Laura Morovská is a graphic designer and a master’s student at the UMPRUM in the Type and Typography Studio, whose work is characterized by a strong emphasis on color combinations and beautiful typographical solutions. Morovská designs visual identities, logos, books, and publications, and among her work is her most recent project: the publication svoja by Ema Müller. A book that celebrates individuality and encourages, especially women, to not be afraid to be yourself.
“svoja” is a Slovak word that translates into “my own“, “yours (hers)” or “your own“. “Every woman is unique and svoja”– Says Ema Müller about the concept of the book.
The publication svoja is an enhanced collection of the texts and articles Ema Müller has written for the Czechoslovakia Vogue over five years. “The texts are enriched with scans from my diaries, photos from my childhood, photos from my mobile phone, and photos from the wonderful Jakub Gulyás, which we took together during those five years, mostly in his living room,” Müller explains. “I write notes in the book and draw with a pink marker, just like I do on my Instagram. It is created as one big story full of all possible emotions and feelings of a young woman who keeps getting lost, searching and finding herself, and who has her flies but also butterflies.”
We chose the paper with our eyes closed, according to the feeling. We wanted it to be soft to the touch, but at the same time a little thicker, so that the photos stand out beautifully on it.
Müller’s and Morovská’s approach to selecting the paper for the book reflects their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to sensory experience. “We chose the paper with our eyes closed, according to the feeling,” Müller writes. “We wanted it to be soft to the touch, but at the same time a little thicker, so that the photos stand out beautifully on it.”
Images © Filip Beránek (products photos)
Opting for Munken Pure 120 gsm paper, the duo sought a balance between tactile softness and structural integrity, while ensuring that the photographs embedded within the book would be showcased beautifully. The choice of paper color, elegant and harmonious with the book’s design, further enhances the overall aesthetic and matches the red envelope.
The maker’s commitment to quality also shines through in the realm of printing and converting. While matte laminate was initially considered, technical constraints led to adopting a full-surface matte laminate, resulting in a durable and luxurious finish for the book’s cover. Printing with red ink and employing Pantone colors for inscriptions, it was ensured that every detail contributed to the book’s visual impact. “The color of the trim was mixed exactly with the shade of the cover, as well as the color of the thread with which the book is bound.”
What sets “svoja” apart is its thoughtful design elements, meticulously curated to resonate with readers on a personal level. The title “svoja” is deliberately placed both on the front and back, symbolizing the universality of the book’s message. Her handwritten notes, reminiscent of Instagram captions, add an intimate touch, inviting readers into her world with open arms. Yet, perhaps the most striking aspect of svoja lies in Müller’s intentional positioning of her own name. While subtly present with translucent UV varnish on the front cover, Müller’s name takes a backseat to the overarching theme of individuality and self-discovery. It’s a powerful statement, signaling to readers that “svoja” is not just a book about the author’s journey, but a mirror reflecting their own experiences and aspirations.
In svoja, Müller invites us to embrace our uniqueness, to revel in the beauty of our individuality, and to celebrate the journey of self-discovery. With each page turned, “svoja” serves as a reminder that we are all protagonists in our own stories, navigating the twists and turns of life with courage and grace.
You can purchase your copy of svoja here.
Images © Ivan Kašša (book launch)