Embedded Files
A brief from Bucks: Live brief design for Penguin books as part of a competition. The book cover below represents Malorie Blackman's - Noughts & Crosses.
A bit about the design: The rationale for the dark and light cover, is to demonstrate the overall power of black over white in this alternative History book. Imagery uses drawn aspects to depict the narrative. Colour scheme is ultimately; (symbol of strength), and a representation of the division in the culture of the book itself (black versus white, etc.) The final book cover shows the protagonists arms in chains, the synergy between text and imagery works well. I have used an ampersand as representations of the "cuffs". The ampersand is enlarged using 'Capture it' typeface, joining the two main headings, this also linking to the two characters joined together, till death. Callum's (protagonist in cuffs) death sentence is one the main storyline, and the main themes throughout this book cover are the themes of (individuality), and the difficulties of overcoming a race-war.
Design Approach:The stark contrast between the two (dark/light - Black/White) maintains the theme. this shows the unique, more important dark side over the light side. My design utilises Dock 51 typeface for the headings of the cover. "Noughts" has extra tracking to show the individuality of the word, and it is quite far apart from Crosses. The word "Crosses" is in red, the colour red has many attached meanings (one example of which: Blood shed throughout the book, etc.), however in this case (without referring to the blood shed) I used it to create a hierarchy between typography of the front cover. , the vibrant red is displayed over the "Noughts" too, depicting more power over the other.
RED Colour Meanings:Physical Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement.
Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain.
Being the longest wavelength, red is a powerful colour. Although not technically the most visible, it has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is and therefore it grabs our attention first. Hence its effectiveness in traffic lights all over the world. Its effect is physical; it stimulates us and raises the pulse rate, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the "fight or flight" instinct. Red is strong, and very basic. Pure red is the simplest colour, with no subtlety. It is stimulating and lively, very friendly. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive.
The idea I want to put forth is Individuality.
Themes in Noughts & Crosses:
A bit about the design: The rationale for the dark and light cover, is to demonstrate the overall power of black over white in this alternative History book. Imagery uses drawn aspects to depict the narrative. Colour scheme is ultimately; (symbol of strength), and a representation of the division in the culture of the book itself (black versus white, etc.) The final book cover shows the protagonists arms in chains, the synergy between text and imagery works well. I have used an ampersand as representations of the "cuffs". The ampersand is enlarged using 'Capture it' typeface, joining the two main headings, this also linking to the two characters joined together, till death. Callum's (protagonist in cuffs) death sentence is one the main storyline, and the main themes throughout this book cover are the themes of (individuality), and the difficulties of overcoming a race-war.
Design Approach:The stark contrast between the two (dark/light - Black/White) maintains the theme. this shows the unique, more important dark side over the light side. My design utilises Dock 51 typeface for the headings of the cover. "Noughts" has extra tracking to show the individuality of the word, and it is quite far apart from Crosses. The word "Crosses" is in red, the colour red has many attached meanings (one example of which: Blood shed throughout the book, etc.), however in this case (without referring to the blood shed) I used it to create a hierarchy between typography of the front cover. , the vibrant red is displayed over the "Noughts" too, depicting more power over the other.
RED Colour Meanings:Physical Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement.
Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain.
Being the longest wavelength, red is a powerful colour. Although not technically the most visible, it has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is and therefore it grabs our attention first. Hence its effectiveness in traffic lights all over the world. Its effect is physical; it stimulates us and raises the pulse rate, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the "fight or flight" instinct. Red is strong, and very basic. Pure red is the simplest colour, with no subtlety. It is stimulating and lively, very friendly. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive.
The idea I want to put forth is Individuality.
- The turn of Power in this Alternative History Novel.
- The Noughts to be the insignificant part of the cover (linking to book).
- The final imagery of Callum, and Sephe the protagonists; representing the X & O as well.
Themes in Noughts & Crosses:
- Irregularities
- Power
- Fear
- Betrayal
- Privilege
- Bullying
- Love
- Hierarchal-Society
- Courage
- Addiction
General Concepts for the book, experimenting with layout, and placement of imagery versus type.
Experimenting with colour, and creating an effect in Adobe Photoshop for impact.
Screen Printing of Noughts & Crosses Type and main image headers.
Noughts & Crosses Concepts
Final Noughts & Crosses Cover, Spine and Back
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