Ahmad-Ross

Technical Notes:

The couple wanted a simple, but effective design, keeping graphics to a minimum. They wanted to emphasize the text and keep with traditional wording according to Muslim culture. The overall result was to be more of a formal, legal document.

I particularly enjoyed working on this project, as it allowed me to tap into certain aspects that are inherent in this culture: color and pattern. I chose bolder colors such as crimson, deep emerald green, and velvet black, for both the folder and for the calligraphy. Crimson was essential in bringing out those passages within the text that referred to 'Allah' and 'Muhammad.' Gold coloring was used in the marbled folder endpapers, the 'Certificate of Marriage' banner, and in the medallion pattern to bring a sense of illumination and highlight to this overall presentation.

As you may notice, certain elements of the layout did change from initial mock-ups to the final piece. Most notable is the evolution from the gold swash flourish to the final medallion pattern. The change resulted from wanting to be more in tune with Islamic aspects rather than just inserting a generic artistic flourish.

I wanted the medallion pattern to be unique, yet based on the repeating, geometric designs that are found throughout Arabic art, particularly its calligraphic decorative borders and architecture. Keeping the graphic small (about 2" square) and more focal as a separator between the main text and the witness signature lines was a requisite so as not to overwhelm the document. It also accommodated personalization of the certificate without drawing emphasis away from the religious and legal overtones.

Rather than affixing actual ribbons running the entire length of the document on both sides, it should be noted that the black and gold "ribboning" you see is painted to keep the document flat and streamlined, yet still maintain a framing, formal layout.

Mueller-Mac Dowall

Smith-Blair

Smith-Evans

Tate-Forster

Terrell-Giandomenico

Winters-Jones

Ahmad-Ross

Gracestone Calligraphics

Technical Notes: