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Book Series Covers

Graphic Design

Symbols + Systems

A Contemporary Look.

In fulfilling this project brief, I looked to create a “dynamic, bold, contemporary, edgy” series of covers for Sara

Ahmed’s backlist. In my final series, I was heavily inspired by the works of Jenny Grigg, particularly her

Tommy Wieringa series. I liked the use of bold shapes and layering to create abstract yet clear metaphors and

imagery.

My work uses the Zarathustra typeface for the titles on each cover, one created by women - as the feminist background behind it is relevant in relation to the activist themes present in Ahmed’s books.

Colour choices were made both for imagery and emphasis purposes - and I felt as though a black background really let the bold colours and shapes be the hero of the covers. The first cover, Differences That Matter, represents themes in the book related to modernism, postmodernism, and the importance of speaking out.

The Author's Message.

The Promise of Happiness’ cover speaks to the superficial, shallow, yet appealing nature of humanity’s pursuit of happiness.

It feels as though it is the perfect, ideal place to be - but society’s idealisation of happiness is also it’s downfall.

As the bridge between the author and the reader, my role as a designer is to start the storytelling before the first page is even read.

The Promise of Happiness’ cover speaks to the superficial, shallow, yet appealing nature of humanity’s pursuit of happiness.

It feels as though it is the perfect, ideal place to be - but society’s idealisation of happiness is also it’s downfall.

As the bridge between the author and the reader, my role as a designer is to start the storytelling before the first page is even read.

Telling a Story.

On Being Included’s cover is a portrayal of the performatism that is present in many acts of diversity - and how the concept is misused and inherently may work against what it stands for.

The misshapen flowers are a metaphor for this - as they are representative of a broken system that only appears to be ‘beautiful’.

I created intrigue through vague and yet familiar imagery throughout the covers - using simple shapes to convey simplicity amongst a complex topic.

On Being Included’s cover is a portrayal of the performatism that is present in many acts of diversity - and how the concept is misused and inherently may work against what it stands for.

The misshapen flowers are a metaphor for this - as they are representative of a broken system that only appears to be ‘beautiful’.

I created intrigue through vague and yet familiar imagery throughout the covers - using simple shapes to convey simplicity amongst a complex topic.

Process

I went through a lot of drafting - trying to encapsulate the imagery that felt right!

Here's an entirely different concept for the series.

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