‘Love in first gear’


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Work: Typography, publication, photography, design.
Location: Bristol
Date: 02/2023
Cover: Paperback 
Binding: Thread 
Pages: 26
Dimensions: 148 x 210 mm
Edition x 20

In the bustling city of Bristol, a unique and passionate community of cyclists pedals through the streets, forming a connection that goes beyond the mechanical intricacies of their bikes. This editorial photographic zine, titled "Two-Wheeled Bonds," delves into the intricate relationships between Bristol's cyclists and their two-wheeled companions. Through a flash interview process with riders spotted in the field, we explore the emotional and personal connections that transcend the traditional understanding of a cyclist and their bicycle.

This zine takes a creative leap by personifying the profound bonds cyclists share with their bikes. It's not just about gears, chains, and frames; it's about the unique personalities attributed to each bicycle, the silent confidant in every journey. By breathing life into this connection, we aim to explore the emotional terrain where human and machine become inseparable allies. 

Employing a dynamic flash interview process, we capture unfiltered moments with cyclists spotted in various Bristol locales. These spontaneous interactions provide a raw and authentic look into the diverse narratives of the cycling community. From seasoned commuters to thrill-seeking adventurers, each interview unveils the idiosyncrasies of the relationships nurtured on the saddle. Through these interviews, the stories unfold as a testament to the shared joys, challenges, and adventures that have forged an unbreakable bond. From the pragmatism of daily commuting to the euphoria of conquering challenging terrains, the zine captures the multifaceted nature of these connections.

A Chronicle of Community and Companionship: Beyond the individual stories, the zine also documents the collective spirit of the cycling community through coverage of group rides, events, and communal gatherings. These moments underscore the sense of camaraderie and mutual support that defines the Bristol cycling experience.

In essence, this editorial photographic zine is an exploration of the human side of cycling, a testament to the profound relationships formed between Bristol's cyclists and their two-wheel companions. Through the fusion of personal narratives and captivating visuals, the zine seeks to inspire, resonate, and celebrate the enduring bond between rider and bike in this dynamic and ever-pedaling community.




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As an emblem for this project, I redesigned a bicycle chain ring that holds a heart within its centre. This project is an attempt to not only reflect the importance of the chain ring on a bike, the bike would not move without this essential component (the heart of the bike.)  Mirroring the love, I personified the aspect of love found within humans. Shaped as a delicate heart, this unique cog is more than a mere component of the bicycle; it embodies the profound connection between its owner and the two-wheeled companion. 

As the pedals turn, the love-shaped cog whispers tales of countless rides shared, weathered paths conquered, and the rhythmic dance of tire on pavement. Each rotation is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the rider and the bicycle, an unspoken language of devotion translated through the revolutions of the love-engraved cog.  It serves as a reminder that, much like the intricate gears that mesh seamlessly, the bond between a cyclist and their bicycle is a finely tuned harmony that withstands the test of time. 

                                                                   



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To further elaborate on the emblem motive I further desinged and created a packaging outcome. This would be used for postage of the heart chain ring when purchasing, alongside the publiction.  







Projects: ❶Gaussian ❷ Orgreave ❸ Love story ❹ Recompensed ❺ Smiling is contagious ❻ Sketch ❼ Rustic Utopia . Stickers . Merchandise .