The Edible Ampersand: A Creative Fusion of Food and Typography

An Ongoing Project by Ashley Anastasia Howell

Inspired by a simple idea during a Sunday afternoon gathering, The Edible Ampersand was born. While bringing fruit salad to her in-laws, Howell noticed a marketing campaign by the Manulife Centre in Toronto, which invited creatives to create and photograph ampersands out of random objects. This sparked her creativity, and she decided to embark on a weekly project to create edible ampersands.

The main objective of The Edible Ampersand is to learn more about food photography while expanding knowledge of typography, specifically ampersands. Each week, Howell manually arranges food to resemble a specific ampersand and photographs it using a Canon Rebel T2i camera, along with various photo lights and equipment. The resulting images are then edited using programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro.

What sets The Edible Ampersand apart is its focus on using edible materials as the subject. Howell's project not only showcases her skills in food photography but also highlights the beauty and versatility of typography. By combining these two art forms, she creates visually stunning images that captivate and inspire.

The Edible Ampersand project is an ongoing endeavor that takes place in Howell's Avid Creative home studio. Since its establishment in January 2018, she has been consistently producing and sharing her work on the project's Instagram feed. Each image is carefully crafted to feature a different ampersand, showcasing the designer's attention to detail and commitment to creating unique content.

Throughout the project, Howell conducts research on food texture, color, and lighting, as well as various ampersand designs. This research helps her determine the most suitable ampersand for each food representation, ensuring a harmonious blend of typography and culinary art.

While The Edible Ampersand presents its own set of challenges, such as time constraints and the need to balance quality with quantity, Howell embraces these obstacles as opportunities for growth. The project teaches her to work efficiently within a limited time frame and to appreciate the imperfections that come with a side project.

The Edible Ampersand has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to design. In 2019, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges the project's creativity, resourcefulness, and contribution to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Ashley Anastasia Howell's ongoing project, The Edible Ampersand, is a testament to the power of combining different art forms. By seamlessly blending food photography and typography, Howell creates a visually captivating experience that inspires and connects individuals with a shared passion for design and food.