Project Description

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Then and Now book is a comprehensive historical chronology of the DSS from the early 1900s to the present. As 2016 is also the 100 year anniversary of the DSS, this book was meant to be a memento for all Bureau of Diplomatic Security employees. Thus, I wanted to ensure that the layout, type, colors, and production materials were refined, elegant, clean; and a product worthy for employees to keep, long after they retire. Therefore, I designed a geometric theme for the cover, which allowed us to showcase some of our historical images in a clever way. For the earlier historical images, I found it uninteresting to keep all imagery in black and white. So for certain images, I added a subtle color overlay.

I also wanted to highlight the brilliance of Pantone 199, and decided that the cover was a great way to fully feature this hue. Through its use, I wanted to “€˜catch the eye”, without the color being too overwhelming. That is also why I used the color on the cover interior, under the fold-over flap. In efforts to engage the senses, I also selected a soft touch laminate for the cover, which allowed for a soft velvety feel, while also deepening the saturation of the rich black.  I'€™m extremely proud of this piece, and humbled that this book will be part of the historical collection of publications within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and U.S. embassies overseas. I think it’s also a great reflection of how designers are elevating federal government design, which, in our industry, so often has a reputation for being overly wordy, drab, and colorless.