Koło Mego Uokiyneczka: A Folk Song Book Inspired by Manuscripts and Typewriters

A Unique Publication Celebrating the Pszczyna Region's Folk Songs

The publication, edited by Prof. Joanna Glenc, is the culmination of over 50 years of work by ethnographer, musician, and pedagogue Marian Ciesla. It brings together both well-known and forgotten folk songs, providing a comprehensive collection of the region's musical heritage. The five notebooks, bound together in a convenient case, are enriched with two CDs featuring selected recordings of these timeless songs.

What sets "Koło Mego Uokiyneczka" apart is its unique design and attention to detail. The publication is divided into five parts, each designed for easy use when singing and reproducing with a photocopier. The navigation, featuring the names of the chapters, is placed on the outside edges of the pages, allowing users to quickly locate specific songs.

The design of "Koło Mego Uokiyneczka" pays homage to the authentic writing style of folk manuscripts and typewriters. The typewriting errors, represented by the visual crossover "xxx," are visually reminiscent of traditional folkwear patterns. The three ink colors used throughout the publication – dark burgundy, dark blue, and dark violet – are inspired by the colors of the pen ink commonly used in manuscripts.

In addition to the song collection, "Koło Mego Uokiyneczka" features 40 pages in a smaller A5 size, showcasing close-up photos of folk costume patterns from the Pszczyna region. These pages are designed as detachable postcards, promoting the cultural richness of the region. The colorful elements of the postcards contrast with the single-colored notebooks, adding vibrancy to the overall design.

The technical specifications of "Koło Mego Uokiyneczka" include a soft binding, offset 100 g/m2 paper, and a format of 210 x 297 mm. The publication was produced in Cracow and Suszec, Poland, between September and November 2018.

Despite the challenges of combining folklore and ethno influences with the manuscript style, Aleksandra Toborowicz successfully created a modern and visually engaging publication. "Koło Mego Uokiyneczka" not only preserves the rich musical heritage of the Pszczyna region but also serves as a valuable tool for musicians and enthusiasts alike.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Print and Published Media Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges the creativity and ingenuity of the design, which seamlessly blends art, science, and technology. By incorporating best practices, "Koło Mego Uokiyneczka" contributes to the improvement of quality of life, making it a true testament to the power of design.