Print & Publishing
The Sicilian Agenda 2023: Myths and Legends of Sicily
Since 2021, I have been publishing the Sicilian Agenda annually on Amazon. For the 2024 edition, the theme centred around the myths and legends of Sicily, capturing the region’s rich cultural history in a beautifully illustrated agenda. This specific theme holds special significance for me due to my Sicilian origins, and working on this project helps me feel connected to my roots, despite being far from home.
With a focus on traditional stories and folklore, the agenda combines vibrant illustrations, meticulously designed layouts, and engaging content that showcases Sicily’s legendary tales. Every element, from cover to interior pages, was designed from scratch to create a cohesive and enchanting product.
- Full custom design of illustrations, layout, and cover
- Use of Adobe Fresco for illustrations, InDesign for internal layouts, and Illustrator/Photoshop for the cover
- Multilingual content in Italian, Sicilian dialect, and English
- Amazon print publishing for global distribution
Client: Self Published
Project: Sicilian Agenda 2024 Design and Publishing
Sector: Print & Publishing (Amazon)
The Challenge
Each year, the Sicilian Agenda needs to present a fresh and compelling theme that reflects the rich cultural identity of Sicily. For the 2024 edition, I aimed to capture the essence of Sicily’s myths and legends, incorporating detailed illustrations and stories that have been passed down through generations. The agenda needed to appeal to both locals and those with a passion for Sicilian culture, all while maintaining a practical, user-friendly format.
My Approach
To ensure the agenda stood out, I designed all elements from scratch. Using Adobe Fresco, I created custom illustrations for each month, depicting key myths and legends such as La leggenda di Colapesce, Il vulcano Etna ed Efesto, and La leggenda delle teste di moro. These were paired with stories written in Italian, Sicilian dialect, and English, providing a bilingual and cultural experience for the user.
The interior design was crafted in InDesign, ensuring the agenda was both functional and aesthetically engaging. The weekly layout, goal-setting pages, and additional cultural elements, such as traditional Sicilian tongue twisters (scioglilingua), added depth and usability to the agenda. The cover was created using Illustrator and Photoshop, with a focus on vibrant yet professional visuals that conveyed the cultural richness of Sicily.
Key features of the design included:
- Custom illustrations: 12 unique illustrations showing famous Sicilian myths and legends, created using Adobe Fresco.
- Multilingual content: Each story and additional elements were presented in Italian, Sicilian dialect, and English to broaden the agenda’s appeal.
- Interior layout: Designed with user functionality in mind, featuring weekly overviews, project planning pages, and goal-setting sections for 2024.
- Cover design: A unique, colourful cover that stands out, designed from scratch to resonate with the agenda’s Sicilian theme.
The Result
The Sicilian Agenda 2024 successfully brings Sicily’s myths and legends to life in a practical, beautifully designed format. The agenda has been well-received, with its custom illustrations and thoughtful design making it a standout product on Amazon. Each year, the agenda continues to grow in popularity, providing users with an engaging way to stay organised while celebrating the cultural heritage of Sicily. For me personally, this project has a deep emotional connection, allowing me to stay close to my Sicilian roots and feel less far from home.
FAQs
Can you work with my existing branding?
Absolutely. As a web designer, it’s essential to adhere to brand guidelines and enhance them where possible. I tailor my approach based on your organisation’s needs, ensuring consistency while evolving the brand as necessary.
What is your design process?
If you’re interested in working with me, the first step is to get in touch and share your ideas. After a quick discovery call, I’ll provide tailored advice on what will work best for your business and outline the next steps.
What services do you offer?
I offer a range of services, including branding, logo design, website design, website maintenance, and more specialised tasks such as coding adjustments or setting up email signatures.
What information do you need from me to start a project?
The more information, the better! This could include branding guidelines, website content, design inspirations, or any specific preferences you have. These details help me understand your vision and create something that aligns with your goals.