Maurits De Baets




$9,11, master’s thesis project, 2025.

$9,11 is a research project exploring the terrible beauty found in tragedy.
What draws us to it? Why do we keep watching? Is there beauty in destruction? Through this work, I examine my personal obsession with 9/11 and attempt to unravel how tragedy transforms into commodity.



1. $9,11
research and visual essay, publications, 265 x 416 mm.



3. WTC INDEX
custom typeface used as index in part 1 research, every letter was picked from a 9/11 related subject.

5. Ground Zero aluminium pins


2. Conspiracy Dollar
print on $20 dollar bill, 660 x 790 mm.

4. The Lectern
based on rubble pieces from Ground Zero, laser-cut aluminium, collaboration with Niels Raoul Boone, 500 mm x 1500 mm.



6.  Stanley Towers
posters, 208 x 1560 mm.



 






7. Reading Makes a Country Great
Fac Simili of Reading Mastery 2, Storybook 1.








 


Encart for Kom Het Maken campaign, LUCA School of Arts, published in De Standaard, 2025.







 
Branding and motion design for MOMO KNITS.






THICK / THIN, typeface.
14 + 7 Graphic design: a craft, 2024.
about publications, 230 x 280 mm, biotop ivory 120 gr.,
knitted cover: 220 x 300 mm, handspun/dyed merino wool and mohair.

The Yarn Letter     
Made of merino wool 




The font ‘Thick Thin' was created by tracing an existing typeface with hand-spun merino wool. Knitting has an organic quality, as the thick and thin textures of the wool are formed during the spinning process by alternating between a slow pulling motion and completely releasing the fibers. While spinning, 
I found it intriguing to design a font using this unique texture, leading to the creation of ‘Thick Thin'.




In this project, the focus was on starting from an existing book. We were provided with 14 essays and 7 interviews on influential graphic design. The goal was to create a publication inspired by the chosen book.

I drew inspiration from an old handicraft book, converting all images into knitting and embroidery patterns. Specific graphic design terms were replaced with symbols, which were explained in a legend for each essay, drawing a parallel to traditional handicraft patterns.

For the publication, I opted for a knitted cover. When this cover is removed, the knitting pattern for the cover is revealed. The letters ‘Thick/Thin’ were utilized in the focus sections, which delve deeper into the works of certain designers.








Love Letters from Grindr, zine, body images by Andre Vautour, riso print, 180 × 290 mm, 2022.








This zine offers a glimpse into the doomscrolling of gay men on Grindr: searching for a quick hit of lust, or seeking true love?

Where the pink riso ink represents lust, the overlaying red layer symbolizes love. This duality is further reflected in the design, showcasing
personal erotic Grindr conversations, with two
contrasting scrollbars. One is made up of received dick pics ,thesecond featuring love poems from Rictor Norton’s ‘Gay Love Letters Through the Centuries.’

The texts’ accompanying ‘nudes’ have coveted love tokens instead of erogenous zones.
A fleeting one-night stand gives way to a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates.


Love Letters from Grindr was mentioned in ‘Slanted 45 - Sex.’


Design a 40-page broadsheet newspaper using a provided collection of 120 images. Organize the images into sections and categories with typography. Include at least 6 pages of complex text (from a provided source) with elements like titles, subtitles, index, page numbers, and footnotes.

Use the text as a guiding metaphor throughout the publication. This project aims to develop your understanding of newspaper design, emphasizing concepts like sequence, hierarchy, rhythm, and tactility. Don't limit yourself by the format or page count; aim to explore design possibilities beyond a simple two-page layout.

Combined two known publication grids and split the paper in half. Upper half follows New York Times grid, bottom half the Vogue grid. 







99 + 1 Objects, sticker sheet, 840 × 1188 mm, printed on sticker sheet and contour cut, 2023.



Portray yourself with 99 defining objects. Brought to life with 3D effects in Illustrator. 
A contour-cut A0 sticker sheet and an animated version made in After Effects.

Retail Therapy, graphic logo scarf, 170 × 1450 mm, knitted 100% soft acrylic yarn, 2022.

In this assignment, you will embark on a creative adventure aimed at crafting a scarf. This scarf will not only showcase your graphic design prowess but will also function as a compelling expression of your fervent support for a cause that holds personal significance. 

This assignment serves as an exercise in graphic identity, urging you to employ design to communicate a message and promote awareness or backing for a cause close to your heart.