Jamison Lung, a trans designer born in Philadelphia and currently based in Brooklyn, is making waves in the design world by deliberately breaking traditional typography conventions and challenging the limits of legibility. Her unconventional approach to design reflects a rebellious spirit that questions established norms while exploring themes of identity, belonging, and critical examination through visual storytelling.
Lung's design philosophy centers around embracing what she calls "the degenerative digital texture of the internet," which she uses to create an intentionally abrasive and imperfect quality in her work. "I want to push the limits of legibility, disorienting the reader into considering a new perspective," Lung explains. Her upbringing and the historical curiosities it fostered have naturally contributed to her passion for critical examination through design, making nothing too precious or sacred in her creative process.
Her most notable work includes her collaboration with Ethics Magazine, a joint project between herself and True, where her experimental approach is fully on display. In these compositions, type snakes around pages in unconventional placements and shapes, creating visually striking layouts that challenge traditional reading patterns. The magazine features writings on American history presented alongside stark visual reminders of dark historical moments, including pages marked with bullet holes that serve as powerful symbolic elements.
The publication showcases Lung's ability to balance serious subject matter with playful experimentation. One particularly memorable page reads "He only knows my swag, not my lore," demonstrating how she incorporates internet culture and contemporary language into her designs. Her work explores complex themes surrounding identity and belonging while incorporating lines of online chatter, creating a unique blend of digital culture and traditional print design.
Lung maintains what she describes as a steady tonal and typographical balance across both print and digital mediums. Her work displays a sense of boundless play, informed by her attraction to satire and the deconstruction of language. "Nothing is particularly sacred and nothing lasts forever!" she states, reflecting her philosophy that challenges the permanence and reverence often associated with traditional design principles.
Her creative influences span a diverse range of sources, demonstrating her eclectic taste and broad cultural interests. Lung cites inspiration from the slapstick radio broadcast "Bob and Ray," Mark Jacobson's novel "Gojiro," designer Jona Lingitz's work, Will Harrison's writings, Phase Zero magazine, and even Mel Brooks' 1975 interview with Playboy. This varied mix of influences helps inform her unique approach to typography and design.
Collaboration represents the area where Lung finds her greatest satisfaction as a designer. Beyond her work with Ethics Magazine, she actively assists design studio No Ideas with their publishing initiative called Book Ideas. These collaborative efforts allow her to explore different aspects of design while working alongside other creative professionals who share her experimental approach.
Currently, Lung is working on an ambitious new project that combines multiple mediums and explores transgender themes. She is in the process of creating what she describes as a "Trans-fem Noir," which she envisions as both a film and publication created within a feminist and transgender writing collective. This project represents her continued commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring identity through innovative design and storytelling approaches.
Lung's work stands as a testament to the power of challenging established design conventions while maintaining clarity of message. Her approach demonstrates that legibility doesn't always require traditional formatting, and that sometimes disorienting readers can lead them to consider new perspectives and engage more deeply with the content. Through her continued experimentation and collaborative efforts, she continues to expand the possibilities of what typography and design can achieve in contemporary visual culture.
