Amazon Original Series Launch: Small Axe Anthology Zine
TAGS
Art Direction, Experiential Design, Print
CREDITS
FINAL DESIGN
Chindo Nkenke-Smith
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER
INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DESIGN
ALT COVER DESIGNS
Crown & Conquer
PROJECT MANAGER
I had the incredible opportunity to design the launch newspaper for Amazon’s Small Axe series, which was distributed at a special drive-in movie event in LA in 2020. The series, directed by Steve McQueen, highlights the civil rights movements led by Caribbeans and Africans in 1960s London. Being part of this powerful project allowed me to contribute to the celebration and awareness of these pivotal stories, and I’m grateful for the role I played in its launch.
The design for the Small Axe newspaper was deeply inspired by the essence of the series itself—highlighting blackness, activism, and the fight for civil rights. I created a moodboard that drew from iconic civil rights posters used during protests, focusing on the bold colors and strong typography that defined the era. The color palette and type family I chose were rooted in these historical visuals, aiming to reflect the powerful narratives of the series while maintaining authenticity to the time period.
Before finalizing the newspaper design, I presented several cover options that explored different facets of the series’ themes. Each design captured a unique angle—whether it was the vibrant community spirit, the defiant activism, or the intimate personal stories depicted in Small Axe. These alternate covers were carefully crafted to resonate with the themes of the series while providing a visually striking introduction to the content within.
The final design, selected for distribution at the LA drive-in event, encapsulated the spirit of Small Axe. The chosen cover and interior pages featured the vibrant color palette and bold typography inspired by the civil rights movement. The newspaper served not just as a keepsake for attendees but also as a meaningful piece of art that connected the audience with the powerful stories of resistance and resilience portrayed in the series.
Since you're still here, do you have a project in mind that you think I'd be a great fit for?