Adam Savage of Tested talks with The Expanse graphic designer Kim Sison, who not only designed the show’s iteration of the Savage Industries logo, but many of the signs, labels, patches, and brands you’ve seen on The Expanse since Season 2.
“In the real world, it’s the result of hundreds of hours of meetings and decisions and efficiencies and industrial design… and then you have to do this all yourself?!”
The Expanse is a television show shot in Toronto which originally aired on Syfy until it was cancelled in Season 3. However, fans of The Expanse spoke up in a big way and the show was saved by Amazon Prime which premiered Season 4 of the series on December 13, 2019. One of the things I love about the show is that they try really hard to stay as close to scientific fact as possible without going too far down a fantasy rabbit hole.
In the video below, Kim Sison discusses her graphic design process and the various considerations she takes while creating graphic props and signage for The Expanse. She also discusses her inspiration, research files, and how some of her graphics were printed and made.
A particular highlight in the interview for me is the Intergalactic Waffles takeout container which is the most innovative design I’ve seen for something we’re so used to seeing everyday. As Adam Savage says, “When you encounter a real takeout container in the real world from some branded company in the real world, it’s the result of hundreds of hours of meetings and decisions and efficiencies and industrial design… and then you just have to do this all yourself in like, a few hours?!”
The Expanse Graphic Designer Kim Sison Breaks Down Her Graphics for Adam Savage Share on XAdam Savage Talks Graphics with The Expanse Graphic Designer Kim Sison
You can now watch Season 4 of The Expanse on Amazon Prime to see more of graphic designer Kim Sison’s work.
Have you seen The Expanse? I’m so happy Amazon Prime picked up the show. Do you have any graphics from the show that you’ve particularly loved over the years? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.
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