“Go On The The End”

A Book of Conclusions

Writers, orators, and songwriters put a lot of though into their conclusions. Whether it’s a call-to-action, a final pithy remark, or a gentle fade-out, endings have the power to stick with the reader, audience or listener. I’ve always been drawn to the way artists conclude their work (e.g. my favorites songs on most albums are the last tracks). This got me thinking: how do the writers of the world’s most published book, the Bible, end each of their books? This personal meditation expanded into a design project, which became this design project: Go On To the End — A Book of Conclusions.

I typeset the closing phrase of each of the sixty-six Bible books using typefaces, color and texture to convey the feelings of the text. Illustrative elements are minimal; I wanted this to be about the typography. While each conclusion received a unique design, I challenged myself to maintain cohesive art direction by limiting the font selection and color usage.

Viewing familiar content from a different point of view or in another context can help readers make connections and form memory aids they may not have made otherwise. And that’s certainly what this project did for me. Having said that, I don’t suggest any sacred meaning or hidden codes in theses verses. This is merely a design exercise; it’s a personal meditation in the form of a coffee table book. And I hope anyone who happens to flip through these pages enjoys every last word.