Lots of interesting collaborations happen at Design Indaba. One that we’re particularly excited about at the moment is the one between Hat-trick and Knock-Knock.
Jim Sutherland and Gareth Howat of Hat-trick first met Jen Bilik of Knock Knock in a helicopter over Cape Town, when they were all at Design Indaba 2011. The trio discovered that they share a similar sense of humour and duly kept in touch.
So recently Hat-trick and Knock Knock collaborated on a book called Phobophobia – literally the fear of fear!
The quote in the front of the book sets the tone for the light-heartedness that follows: “Fear has many eyes and can see underground” – Cervantes.
Phobophobia is a visual collection of things people are scared of – from the (slightly) rational Aichmophobia (the fear of sharp objects) to the not-so-rational Arachibutyrophobia (the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth).
There are some 85 words covered in the book, all of them being real words. The object of the fear forms the basis of the illustrations – perhaps a way for readers to face their fears?
Apart from the fear of sharp things or peanut butter, there is also the fear of long words, shadows, death, crossing the road and beards… to name just a few.
Sutherland describes Phobophobia as “the most fun project we've had in ages”.
The book can be ordered from Knock Knock’s website.
Also read Knock Knock’s interview with Hat-trick.
