The Descendant

The Descendant is a self-initiated project for the 2019 International Society of Typographic Designers competition based on the theme of loss. The project is inspired by the debates surrounding the future use of the Cyrillic alphabet particularly in Bulgaria - the country of its origin. It investigates foreign influences through typography and uses traditional literature to showcase the significance of the alphabet in the culture, education and self-identity of Bulgarians. The final outcome is an A3 sized portrait publication giving an insight into Bulgarian history, literature and the vast legacy of the Cyrillic alphabet, which is slowly being taken over by the processes of Westernisation. The publication consists of three overarching sections illustrating the Ottoman, Soviet and Western influence over the Bulgarian culture. The typographical elements in each section interpret the era’s visual legacy and interference.