Brief
Totally Imagined Cartography explores how the graphic designer supports and reinforces the politically sanctioned status quo within a fictional totalitarian world [UNA]. This is through government artifact design including state documents, passports, and maps where all are print artifacts.
Audience
The project was developed as a postgraduate exhibition and accompanying catalogue, designed to provoke the general public into thinking about the implications of government design.
Concept and approach
Due to the strong emphasis on state branding common in totalitarian regimes, UNA follows a series of strict design principles. Color is restrained; the header typeface and paper sizes follow a strict logo style and size ratio. The custom typeface created is monospaced and based upon the logo, making it the national font of UNA. A variety of printing methods are layered to create a distinct tactility to the artifacts. This device also acts as a counterfeit measure. Digital print, risography, letterpress, laser etching, screen-printing and stamps come together in a unique fusion of digital and analogue techniques. Through these replicable printing methods, the documents are mass-produced, functioning artifacts designed for record keeping, identification, and indoctrination.
The world map of UNA outlines the provinces, districts, and main cities. This is a standard issue, and some form of it is displayed in each household of the state. This serves to reinforce its ideological narrative. For example the reigning province Unehinge is central, it appears on both tiers of the map, making it appear larger, and more widespread.
As proof of certified UNA citizenship, the birth document is given to each child’s guardian for safekeeping once a license has been approved. However, this becomes an invalid form of identification once a Standard Passport has been issued.
The Standard passport is the primary form of identification that helps to quickly identify a citizen. The documentation of licenses displays a citizen’s contribution to the society, and therefore their dedication to the state. Issued after the National Examination at the age of 12, it is a signifier of adulthood and responsibility.
The Party Members Passport is issued once a citizen has proved their worth by contributing to the bettering of UNA. The new, larger passport is assigned to meet the needs and requirements of a party member to continue to work for the state.
