BUFF BOOKS

RISD Graphic Design Capstone Thesis
Brand Design
2023

Buff Books is a humorous take on our never-ending desire for self-improvement. Whether we’re aiming to read more or work out more, the goal is always to do it all. Buff Books combines these efforts into a single, quirky package.

This project originated in the spring of 2023 as my final degree project for the Graphic Design department at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). My vision was to combine my two main interests, fitness and books, into a cohesive brand identity.

After designing the logo and brand identity, I developed a series of zines catered to what I dub "literary gym rats." Along with offering short-form content, each zine transforms into a poster. Among the other branded materials were Buff Books bookmarks and a journal designed for fitness and reading logs that also functioned as a weight.

Deliverables: Logo, brand identity, zines, bookmarks, fitness/reading journal

Buff Books logo – Playful on top and polished on the bottom, this design mixes bubbly letters with a refined serif to capture the brand’s identity

The front covers of three zines that offer short-form content on reading and gym culture

Poster for Buff Books Volume 1: I'm a Gym Bro but I Read

Cover and spread for Buff Books Volume 1: I'm a Gym Bro but I Read – The first volume introduces the Buff Books brand

Poster for Buff Books Volume 2: The Literary Gym Rat

Spread for Buff Books Volume 2: The Literary Gym Rat – The second volume of this zine series, which outlines the target audience for Buff Books

Spread for Buff Books Volume 2: The Literary Gym Rat

Poster and spreads for Buff Books Volume 3 Gym Library – This volume is all about that perfect third place for getting our exercise and reading done

Buff Books bookmarks – Hand-illustrated gym rats to mark your page and keep you motivated

Buff Books weighted fitness/reading journal – One place to log your reps, chapters, and personal goals. Plus, the 10 lb cover adds a little extra challenge