Each issue is based around a theme — pantry, rice & beans, spices, and enclaves so far — so we started assigning a color and implementing a new typeface each time, allowing the design language to grow and evolve while still retaining its overall structure. As opposed to a traditional front and back of book format, recurring stories are sprinkled throughout each issue, breaking up the longer form features when needed. All of the elements are very intentionally gathered — from the writers, the photographers, and the contributing artists — to be a part of and nurture a growing sense of community and connection with each other as these stories are shared.

The magazine itself is printed on thick, uncoated paper and spiral bound — using that issues unique color, of course — an ode to old recipe books that allow you to stand the pages up while you try out a new recipe in the kitchen. The design is bright, loud and colorful!

Every feature is unique, containing a voice all its own, while still remaining connected to the visual thread that is Synonym. It is rare as a designer to contribute to a project that you absolutely believe in, yet this is one of them. A project that wholeheartedly stands in opposition to those that wish to divide and invoke fear in the diaspora and all of the wonder it contains. A project that refuses to accept any desire to be complacent during this terrifying time — one fueled by a colonialist ideology that destroys so many lives, and puts at risk even the very idea of sharing the universal language that is food. As Caroline so succinctly wrote in an editor’s letter:

“What will become of this world
as we keep pushing each other out
of the places we exist?”