We Sang A Dirge
Creative Direction · Product Development · Launch Campaign
Marketing Strategy · Print and Layout Design
Bringing a powerful and poetic voice to the printed page and a larger audience
Lo Alaman is a tremendously gifted spoken-word artist and poet. He has been sharing his art with people throughout the US for over a decade, through in-person appearances and a steady stream of output on social media. Additionally, he appears each year on stage at Seedbed’s annual New Room Conference as the “Poet Laureate of New Room.”
In 2020, as the country grappled with several tragic incidents affecting the African-American community, our team at Seedbed felt compelled to elevate Lo’s words and perspective to a broader audience. It was essential for others to hear his passionate and prophetic insights into his community’s grief.
We secured a title, and I collaborated closely with Lo on every aspect of the project, including poem arrangement, project tone, cover design, and interior layout.
Early cover directions
The cover utilized Tre Seals’ Martin typeface, inspired by the placards featured at protests honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr shortly after his death.
By pairing that historic lettering with a current image of a more recent protest, the cover served as a fitting introduction to Lo’s poems that touched on themes like heritage, family, memories, and the kind of deep healing that’s required to care for deep wounds.
The project’s launch was highly successful, earning enthusiastic endorsements from various thought leaders and authors. It also led to Lo’s appearances on multiple podcasts and blogs, where he discussed the work and guided listeners and readers on how to engage with the weight of its content.
Front and back cover
Interior page spread
Interior page spreads - Section opener
Interior page Spread
Public performance, on-screen graphics and art direction
Other Projects
Book Covers
Brandmarks, Logos, etc.
