he’s so MASC
Client: Auckland University Press
Book design, 2017
‘He’s so MASC confronts a contemporary world of self-loathing poets and compulsive liars, of youth and sexual identity, and of the author as character — pop star, actor, hitman, and much more. These are poems that delve into worlds of hyper-masculine romanticism and dancing alone in night clubs.’
‘It needs to look a bit brash and full of confidence, it’s very urban and up with the play.’ — AUP
At its heart, this design explores the tension between self-discovery and self-doubt, touching on feelings of melancholy and self-loathing that echo throughout the narrative. These are offset by moments of defiance, beauty, and queer joy.
Broken glass is a key symbol—it shows how identity can feel shattered or exposed, but also how breaking free from society’s rules can lead to growth and change. The bits of rainbow-like colour in the glass hint at LGBTQ+ pride, showing that living truthfully can be both painful and beautiful.
The design expresses queerness, vulnerability, and the bravery to be fully seen.
