THE 1619 PROJECT
THE NEW YORK TIMES / HULU
GRAPHICS
MORE 1619:
The 1619 Project, created by Pulitzer Prize–winner Nikole Hannah-Jones, reexamines American history through the lens of the Black experience.
Originally a series of essays for The New York Times Magazine, it has since expanded into a best-selling book, podcast, children’s book, and now a six-part docu-series on Hulu.
THE POWER OF DATA
The series’ infographics draw inspiration from W.E.B. Du Bois’s turn-of-the-century data portraits, known for their bold, unconventional style. Du Bois subverted traditional charts with unexpected angles, unruly lines, and playful color, turning information into art.
While television required a more streamlined approach, we used animation and thematically rich textures to add subtle context and moments of surprise.
We selected two typefaces from Vocal Type for the series. Each of their designs draws from a moment in history tied to an underrepresented community.
Bayard is a sans-serif inspired by protest signs from the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Named for Bayard Rustin - civil rights strategist, advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., and later advocate for LGBTQ+ rights - the typeface carries a soft yet commanding presence.
Du Bois, inspired by the lettering in W.E.B. Du Bois’s early data portraits, channels the elegance and intellect of the sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist. The font feels stylish, confident, and unmistakably original.
The project demanded sensitivity and reverence. Our approach honors the weight of the story while celebrating the resilience of Black culture. The visual identity is confident, grounded, and human.
Cohesive archival photo treatments and a restrained motion language add quiet urgency, supported by streamlined toolkits for efficient, flexible production.
To visualize stories beyond existing footage, we composed dynamic collage sequences from historical documents, maps, and photos - creating visually rich narratives that deepen the viewer’s understanding.
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