"Creativity" is an interactive pop-up book designed to inspire and engage young minds. Spanning 11 colorful pages, the book combines 2D and 3D pop-up elements, with Creativity itself as the main character. Set within the vibrant Universe of Creativity, the story invites children to explore what creativity is, how it can be nurtured, what threatens it, and why it is so essential to protect and cultivate.
Official video of the Creativity book
At the heart of this story are core values like inclusivity, empowerment, open-mindedness, and respect. I wanted the narrative to feel authentic, which is why moments where Creativity feels sad or frustrated are just as crucial as the playful and imaginative scenes. These emotions reflect the natural human experience, reminding children that creativity isn’t constant, and it's okay to face challenges. More importantly, the book offers tools to help kids overcome these moments and bounce back stronger.
Inclusivity plays a significant role throughout the story. It was important for me to emphasize that creativity belongs to everyone, regardless of background or abilities. The book aims to empower readers by showing that each person has the potential to be creative. By fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging self-expression, Creativity inspires children to embrace their own ideas and confidently share them with the world.
Process
What is a story without a well-developed character? That’s why designing and defining the appearance of Creativity was my first priority. I drew inspiration from a range of sources, including illustrators like Beatrice Blue and animated films such as Pixar's Soul. My goal was to create a character that felt both abstract and magical, while still being approachable and friendly. The design process involved several iterations, each refining Creativity's look until it fully embodied the essence of imagination and wonder I wanted to convey.
Evolution of character design
Digital sketch of the character and background
The most challenging aspect of designing and producing this book was mastering the pop-up mechanisms. Pop-up design is a unique art form that merges physics, engineering, and creativity. When I began this project, I had little knowledge of how to create these intricate elements, so I had to start from scratch. This journey was an intense learning experience that involved numerous experiments and prototypes. Each test brought valuable insights, and the learning curve proved to be exponential.
Early test of a pop-up mechanism
Advanced test of a pop-up mechanism
Illustrating the book and developing the pop-up components were parallel processes, with each aspect significantly influencing the other. As I crafted the illustrations, I continuously considered how they would interact with the pop-up mechanisms, ensuring a cohesive design throughout. I created the illustrations using a combination of Procreate and Illustrator, allowing for flexibility and creativity in my approach.
Final illustration for one of the spreads
The final steps involved printing all the pages and additional components, as well as laser cutting specific elements to enhance the design. Assembling everything was done by hand, using glue and double-sided tape, which required meticulous precision and concentration since I only had one chance to get it right.
Laser cutting
Gluing small paper pieces
Once assembled, the pages were carefully cut to size, and the book was bound using tape for a sturdy finish. To add a special touch, I applied a glossy finish to certain details on the last page—a surprise waiting for readers at the end!
Assembling the pop-up mechanisms
Outcome
This project holds immense personal significance for me, as it marked my introduction to book design and guided me through every stage of the creative process. I engaged in various aspects, including illustration, pop-up mechanisms, layout design, printing, book assembly, and documenting my journey. Writing a book about a topic I am so passionate about was particularly fulfilling.
After completing the book, I tested it with children, allowing them to read and interact with it. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, which was incredibly rewarding. However, reflecting on the experience, I see areas for improvement. Time constraints are evident in certain sections, and I believe the complexity of the pop-up mechanisms could be expanded, as they currently remain quite simple. Despite these observations, I am confident that the book possesses significant potential for growth and development.
