Louise Bainco


Case Studies & Selected Work


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IBM Plex - Type Specimen Editorial


This editorial publication reimagines the traditional type specimen by exploring IBM Plex through IBM's philosophy of "man and machine." Inspired by Mobile Suit Gundam, the project combines typography, editorial design, and visual storytelling to examine the relationship between humanity, technology, and industrial design.

Responsibilities: Editorial Design • Publication Design • Typography • Layout Design • Art Direction • Concept Development

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Concept
IBM Plex was designed to represent the relationship between humans and technology. Building on that philosophy, I developed an editorial narrative inspired by Gundam, using the franchise's exploration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and humanity as a conceptual framework.

Instead of simply showcasing the typeface, the publication demonstrates how typography can become an active storytelling element throughout an editorial experience.


Visual Language
A limited palette of cyan and magenta references IBM's technological heritage while introducing a contemporary, experimental visual language. The high-contrast colors emphasize the publication's energetic tone and reinforce the dialogue between technology and design.



Editorial Highlights


This publication explores IBM Plex through expressive editorial layouts, alphabet systems, glyph studies, and experimental compositions. Each spread investigates a different aspect of the typeface while balancing functional typography with visual storytelling.


Expressive Layouts



Alphabet & Glyph Systems




Typographic Explorations




Editorial Spreads





Project Outcome


This project challenged me to use typography as the primary storytelling device rather than relying on supporting imagery. By balancing structured editorial systems with expressive layouts, the publication demonstrates how a type specimen can become a narrative experience that celebrates both function and creativity.