Taalbarometer
For Academia Press, Studio Matti designed the book cover of Taalbarometer, a publication that offers an up-to-date view on multilingualism and the role of Dutch in Brussels. The challenge was to capture the city’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity in a single image that feels both contemporary and human. The result is a vibrant composition of 100 handmade illustrations that embody the voices and faces of Brussels.
Handmade Illustrations as a Human Touch
To reflect the human side of language and identity, we created 100 unique hand-drawn portraits. Each illustration represents the individuality behind statistics, turning numbers into faces and making the complexity of multilingualism approachable and relatable.
A Color Palette for Diversity
The design embraces a broad spectrum of colors—symbolizing the many languages, communities, and identities that coexist in Brussels. The interplay of tones creates an energetic yet balanced composition that mirrors the dynamism of the city itself.
Speech Bubbles as a Visual Language
Speech bubbles are woven into the design, highlighting that the book is about communication, dialogue, and interaction. These visual cues emphasize that language is not static but living—shaped by daily exchanges between people.
A Contemporary Yet Academic Expression
While playful and vibrant, the cover maintains a sense of academic authority suitable for a scholarly publication. The balance between artistic expression and structured typography ensures the book stands out without losing credibility.
REFLECTING
The cover of Taalbarometer transforms research into a visual story—one that celebrates the voices, faces, and languages that shape Brussels. With its 100 handmade illustrations and vibrant design, the cover doesn’t just present the book, it embodies its very essence: multilingualism as a living, human reality.