Zine 0007 - Building Bridges

The Challenge

Building Bridges was created to explore and celebrate connection. With contributions from 37 artists, a curated exhibition, and a vibrant launch event, the project aimed to bring people and communities closer together in meaningful ways.

Achieving this vision meant overcoming several challenges. The zine had to unify the voices of all contributing artists while maintaining a clear and cohesive narrative. The exhibition needed a venue that reflected the project’s theme while also accommodating the scale of the event. And with a volunteer-based team and limited funding, every decision had to be thoughtful and efficient.

A Zine with Intent

Co-designed by Ariane Bédard and me, Building Bridges redefined what a zine could be. The 228-page publication broke from tradition to create something bold and immersive, with every design decision grounded in the theme of connection.

Complementary colours like blue and orange were chosen to symbolize bridging divides, while vibrant corals injected energy and warmth throughout the pages. Gradients radiated from the spine, representing connections that extend outward in all directions.

The typography and layout were carefully designed to enhance the narrative. Pull quotes were strategically placed to highlight key moments and guide the reader’s experience. Specialty fluorescent ink, printed using Xerox Iridess technology, added a tactile and visual dimension. Two cover options—orange and blue—further reinforced the theme, giving readers a choice that echoed the concept of bridging divides.

The printing process brought the zine to life in a way that felt both innovative and intentional. By working with the Xerox Iridesse, we embraced advanced printing technology to highlight every detail. Fluorescent inks added vibrancy, ensuring the colours popped off the page, while maintaining the integrity of the overall aesthetic. This approach allowed us to achieve striking, high-quality results that elevated the zine beyond traditional printing methods.

Connection in Action

The exhibition, curated by Mai-Lan Tomkins, extended the zine’s themes into a real-world experience. AXENÉO7, located over the bridge between Ottawa and Gatineau, became the ideal venue. Its location perfectly reflected the project’s goal of bridging communities.

The launch event welcomed over 250 attendees, with 95% traveling from Ottawa to Gatineau. This was a major achievement for a space that had struggled to attract Ottawa audiences in the past. The exhibition continued for three days, drawing an average of 30 visitors per day, keeping the momentum alive beyond the launch.

Results That Made an Impact

The success of Building Bridges went beyond expectations:

Over 100 zines sold on launch night, making it the most successful release in the Ottawa Design Club’s history.
Recognition for Artists: Featured artists gained visibility, with several invited to apply for solo exhibitions at AXENÉO7.
Cross-Regional Engagement: The event succeeded in attracting Ottawa audiences to Gatineau, creating new opportunities for collaboration and connection.

The Takeaway

Every element of Building Bridges, from its bold design to the immersive exhibition, was crafted with the goal of creating connections. The project shows how design and storytelling can move beyond visuals to foster real impact in communities.

If you want to create work that connects, inspires, and delivers results, let’s build something extraordinary together.

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