KATALOAG

Kataloag is a research-driven exploration of Low German Mennonites using object documentation to uncover cultural identity through design. The restrained yet expressive identity aims to reframe overlooked craft traditions within a contemporary context.



Kataloag is for people who are drawn to the unknown;  
it’s for those looking for unfamiliar inspiration and wanting to step 
into a world they’ve never seen before. It’s about discovering beauty 
and meaning in overlooked places, and seeing how those stories can 
shape the way we create today.

Exploring my ancestral heritage through design was my way of 
understanding my Mennonite background in a way that I can understand & relate to.

Each item that I photographed gives a glimpse into what was once important
 to someone, acting as a reflection of their tastes, beliefs, needs, and values.
One of the core ideas I kept coming across in my research was the duality within Mennonite culture. There's an interesting tension that can be seen in Mennonites' lifestyles and beliefs. For one, they love to sing and play music, but traditionally, dancing isn’t allowed. Their pacifism emphasizes peace and nonresistance, yet they maintain conservative views on certain social issues, including having very distinct and traditional gender roles within family life. There’s a long history of creative expression, but it’s often downplayed, never boasted about. 

As a designer, I wanted to capture that duality in the visual identity. It’s restrained but expressive, modern but rooted in tradition. The brand intentionally sits in that in-between space, reflecting both the quiet simplicity and the rich depth of Mennonite cultural life.


The book’s embossed cover is meant to reflect the quiet subtlety of Mennonite creativity.

The Swiss-bound spine allows the pages to lie flat, making it easy for readers to 
fully experience the large-format photography without losing anything in the crease.

Inside, a structured grid system provides consistency and predictability, acting as a calm 
backdrop that lets the objects take the focus. This contrast allows each page to hold 
a small surprise, where the layout stays quiet and the content does the talking. With 
descriptions included where possible, the reader is meant to keep flipping, never quite knowing 
what will come next. This is meant to mimic the eclectic nature of the collection itself.

To help promote the book and share it with the target audience, 
I created a social media presence where people can explore the project further.



The website acts as a portal for people who are interested in the book a 
place where they can buy the book or learn more about it. The landing page has 
interactive elements that the user can move around and flip through, which 
speaks to the brand's goal of having people interact with objects that they 
otherwise would have never seen or known about. It also mimics the experience 
I had while working on this project, the physical act of touching, inspecting, 
and learning about each object up close. I wanted the digital experience 
to reflect that same sense of curiosity and discovery.


SOPHIE REIMER

TORONTO, ON