Alphathreat: A Book with a Powerful Message

Designer Rasesh Patkar's Award-Winning Project Sheds Light on Children in War Zones

The inspiration for Alphathreat came from the global conflicts that are often overlooked by those living in peaceful countries. Patkar wanted to highlight the experiences of children caught in these conflicts and make their struggles visible to a wider audience. The book is designed to look like a regular children's book, but it is actually aimed at adults, particularly parents, in peaceful countries.

Alphathreat is unique in its approach to storytelling. Each letter of the English alphabet is depicted as part of a barbed wire and is accompanied by an illustration that tells a story of children suffering in war zones. The illustrations are complemented by tweaked versions of popular nursery rhymes, adding a poignant layer to the narrative. The book ends with a call to action, encouraging readers to donate to UNICEF or Save The Children.

The design of Alphathreat was realized using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign. The book follows a traditional children's book format, measuring 210mm x 210mm with a total of 84 pages, including the front and back cover. The paper weight is 200 GSM, giving it a sturdy and high-quality feel.

One of the main challenges Patkar faced during the design process was maintaining the innocence inherent in a children's book while addressing grave topics such as abduction, suicide bombing, and rape. To overcome this, the designs were kept minimal, focusing on expressive eyes and innocent faces. Negative space and perspective were used to disguise the more disturbing elements.

Alphathreat is a testament to the power of design in raising awareness about important social issues. It serves as a reminder that art and design can be used as powerful tools for change. The book's success is evident in its recognition by the prestigious A' Social Design Award, which is awarded to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

Patkar's Alphathreat is a stark reminder of the realities faced by over 420 million children living in war-ravaged countries today. It is a call to action for those in peaceful countries to acknowledge these atrocities and take steps to help. The book is a powerful example of how design can be used to shed light on important social issues and inspire change.