2021-08-10
Emma Fitzgerald
Design Dispatch, New York
Renowned designer Malou Messien explores the intersection of aesthetics in her work, delving into the world of display type, vintage book covers, and Estonian design with a passion that borders on obsession. Her unique blend of styles has garnered international attention, solidifying her position as a leader in the realm of graphic design.
A Designer's Unique Perspective
Malou Messien is a Paris-based graphic designer with an unrelenting passion for display type, secondhand book covers, and Estonian design. Her work is characterized by an alternative approach to typography and composition, which she achieves through the use of archival finds as inspiration. With her unique perspective, she has carved out a niche in the world of graphic design.
A Journey of Discovery
After graduating from her master's degree in graphic design, Malou Messien had grand ambitions – to specialize in book design. However, life had other plans. "It didn't quite happen like that," she admits with a smile. Instead, she found herself working in editorial and web design, but one thing remained constant: her fascination with the visual language of typography and composition.
Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places
Malou's approach to design is rooted in her love for secondhand book covers and Estonian design – a style that combines minimalism with functional simplicity. These influences seep into every aspect of her work, from the carefully chosen fonts to the composition of each piece. Her use of archival finds as inspiration adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to her designs, reflecting her appreciation for the past and its ability to shape the present.