Abstract
Food for Us is an illustrated cookbook that focuses on the ways that food and cooking is an integral part of my life and my connection to others. It is a completed 48 page cookbook that consists of 9 recipes, each of which holding personal significance to me. The categorization of the book reflects my personal experiences of when food and cooking holds the most significance. The recipes are divided into three categories; Picnic, Dinner Party and Celebration. Each category visually commu-nicates a different mood and occasion. The book is reflective of something that is personal to me, subtly highlighting themes of family and how food and cooking have been a large part of my rela-tionships with those around me. Included in each recipe spread is an illustration, an ingredient list, and instructions for the recipe. While the design of each spread clearly communicates how to make the recipe, the visual design is emblematic of my personal artistic style. The spreads are lightheart-ed, fun, and illustration focused. The cookbook is not only meant to inform the reader of new reci-pes but to bring joy and spark reflection on how food and cooking may be intrinsically intertwined within their relationships. The purpose of Food For Us is as a portfolio piece but it will also exist as a free epub/pdf download on my website. work completely with digital mediums to create a clean and polished final product. The intended audience includes many groups; those interested in food and cooking, those who are interested in art and illustration, and those who simply are drawn to cute and lighthearted images. The final product can exist for show as a coffee table book or tucked away in the kitchen for instructional purposes. I feel that many people have a similar relationship with food that I do and can relate to how it connects them with other people.
In total there will be twenty six pages in the cookbook consisting of ten separate recipes and full color spreads. I will also be illustrating front and back covers as well as three spreads introducing each new category of recipes. I will digitally execute all of my images and create the layout of the book in Adobe InDesign. The book will be bound
using resources at PNCA and I will create a limited number of copies to present at my thesis defense. In the future I can imagine my books being mass produced and sold to the public. As for recipes, ones that I do not already have I will consult supplementing recipes online for additional information and accuracy of the recipes. The recipes themselves will not follow a specific theme but rather will be ones that are important to me.
My influences include illustrators who often do food illustration, this includes Subin Yang and Lauren Martin. Both of these artists execute images of food that are accurate and appetizing as well as full of personality and life. Both of these artists cater to a variety of audiences, while their work is individual it is still palatable for a large market. My vision for my book is that anybody would enjoy it and using these artists for inspiration has proved very helpful. It is important to stick to my personal aesthetic
preferences and not be pressured by outside sources to create something that doesn’t reflect who I am, these artists are proof that this is possible. As for the layout of my book I will reference existing cookbooks, especially illustrated cookbooks, for inspiration. My design interests begin with art nouveau posters, the ornamental and illustrative qualities of this movement will be evident in my final product.
Artist Statement
Ruby Beech is a Pacific Northwest based illustrator who creates art inspired by the whimsy and joy that is hidden within everyday life. Ruby’s strengths lie in shape-based imagery and limited color palettes, she loves depicting playful characters, food, and animals. Her main illustrative passions include editorial work, ad campaigns, and packaging design.
