Discover the minimalist visual identity for Margin Bookstore by Obereke Tijesuni. A design study of white space, typography and editorial layout systems.
The concept of a bookstore often conjures up busy shelves and dense text. Nigerian designer and illustrator Give birth to Jesus took a different path for Margin Bookstore. They focused on what remains off the page. This project uses the physical margin as a core design tool. It’s not just a border. It is a functional space for thought and clarity. The studio identifies the ‘soul’ of the brand through the lens of silence. In a world of loud graphics, this work speaks in whispers. It relies on the power of a sharp typographic system and the strategic use of empty space.
The primary visual solution is found in the grid. Tijesuni uses a flexible layout that mimics the experience of reading a well-organized book. The logo itself acts as a marker. It sits at the edge of the compositions, framing the content rather than dominating it. This choice reflects a deep understanding of editorial design, avoiding the common mistake of overbranding. Instead, they let the typography do the heavy lifting. The chosen font is sleek and functional. It works across both print and digital touchpoints without losing its character.
An important detail in the PDF is the use of monochrome palettes. By removing color the focus shifts to texture and form. This choice corresponds to the name ‘Margin’. It suggests that the bookstore is a place for the edges of ideas. There is a high degree of restraint in stationery and packaging items. Business cards use deep inscription to add tangible value. This detail bridges the gap between the digital design and the physical store. The layout of the brand book itself is a masterclass in balance. Each page uses a huge white space to highlight small, precise blocks of text.
The design problem was how to give a bookstore a modern yet timeless feel. Tijesuni solved this by looking at the history of the printed word. They took the basic elements of a page and scaled them up into a visual identity. The result is a system that feels both academic and accessible. It doesn’t try to sell books through flashy advertising. It sells the idea of ​​reading as a quiet, essential act. This work proves that the most impactful design often comes from what we leave out. It’s a study in subtraction.
Designers should pay attention to the specific alignment used in the posters. The text often hugs the far right or left edge. This reinforces the ‘margin’ concept in any application. This project shows that a strong idea can take a simple execution to world-class levels, a quiet triumph of modern branding.
Credits: Give birth to Jesus
Visual identity
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