BOOK COVER DESIGNS-
RANDOM WORD ASSOCIATION
This project focussed on the challenge of creating book cover designs based on the random association of five words: VERMILION, JACK THE RIPPER, MT.VESUVIUS, BACON, 44.
Upon researching into the many meanings, cultural associations and visual symbols linked to these words there was no denying that the constant thread between them all was death, horror, and an explosion of energy or emotion.
I chose minimal symbols for each of these words- the red triangle marking of Mt.Vesuvius on Geographical maps, the locations of the known Jack the Ripper attacks in Whitechapel, symbols from Vermilion mining maps, Julius Caesar's Laurels (his assassination took place in the year 44BC), and blood droplets and the crown of thorns reminiscent of the crucifixion (a major theme within the art of Francis Bacon).
I then mixed these with collaging techniques, sinister Layer Blends within Photoshop, and photo-realistic imagery to create bold, but still complex designs.
DESIGN 1: A MINIMAL COLLAGE
I really enjoyed stripping this idea down, to symbols and lines from the many diagrams I had found in my research, and combining these with more classical imagery. Adding a white shadow to the red elements adds depth to these Vectors.
Here I chose to use bold geometric shapes within the layout, and mix symmetrical and asymmetrical elements to add a sense of freedom and playfulness. I used bright Vermilion red to pick out key symbols- the red dagger, tears (or drops of blood) falling from a classical statue, and the map of Jack the Ripper's murder sites in Whitechapel. Each part of this design seems like a clue, linked to the books' plot.
DESIGN 2: BRIGHT RED COBBLES
This design focussed on using sheer layers and Photoshop blending techniques to merge together the cobbled streets of Whitechapel, and the Vermilion mining map. I like the punchy red background- it glows in a haunting way, much like the canvases of Francis Bacons' Crucifixion paintings.
This is the whole of my wraparound design- which follows the route of the Jack the ripper murders through Whitechapel, and the Mining sites of Vermilion from an old map. A photo of Francis Bacon holding up a meat carcass is split across the front and back covers. I like how dark and macabre this design became.
The layout before it was split over the front and back covers of the book jacket, and mock-ups showing how the book will look as a wraparound. I like how this cuts up the original motifs, and adds more intrigue. The white text looks scratchy, and I used white boxes to frame the testimonials on the back cover- linking with the white cut out map symbols.
This book design uses a printed linen cover as a point of difference, adding more texture to the visual layout.
DESIGN 3: GOTHIC BLACK
A gothic mixture of imagery has been layered at the centre of the page here. The artist Francis Bacon draws our attention, but within his outline are markings from maps and diagrams of the site of Mt.Vesuvius, and astrological charts of Jack the Ripper suspects. Red blood splatters behind him, and a vintage newspaper headline recalls the horror of the 1944 Vesuvian eruption.
I wanted to make this design dark, and clearly horror themed. The fonts I chose reflect this genre, and a shiny embossed finish is used on the cover text. The cover art would make a sinister poster too.
DESIGN 4: AN ILLUSTRATIVE FRAME
My final design incorporated a hand illustrated frame, which I scanned in and manipulated to become the frame for my digital research images. I really like the mix of a Lithographic or "stamped" feel of the text, with bold shapes, and more irregular hand drawn outlines. I also wanted to include more white space in this design, to give more clarity to the page.
This design focusses on the tradition of the Indian Sindoor ceremony- where a dot of Vermilion pigment is placed on a woman's forehead during traditional marital rituals. Spreading from the hand reenacting this are thorns, linked to the crucifixion, a recurring motif of Francis Bacon's paintings. Caesar himself is represented here also, with Laurels on his head. The triangle of Vesuvius is the same red triangle seen on maps of Whitechapel to mark the site of the first Ripper murder.
I think that this more illustrated front cover lends itself to also being produced as posters or print-outs to promote the book release.
