My task was to create the visual language for the series of classic novels. It should have been fresh and attractive for the new generation of readers of those well-known books. The main challenge revealed itself when I found out that the first books in the series were mind-blowing anti-utopias with a huge legacy of kinda depressing visuals (which of course were suitable in this case). But the Publisher needed something different, so I focused on what new I can bring to the interpretation of those classic stories.
There were several iterations of sketches in the process. First, I tried to figure out which components I want to use. As an illustrator my main option was...an illustration. But in the back of my mind I also knew that I need to create other important elements such as logo of the series. Colour palette was absolutely random at that point — just to start a conversation.
To my enormous surprise, the Publisher approved one variant and I proceed with sketches for other novels. The list of books was:
Lord Of The Flies by William Golding
Brave New World by Aldous Haxley
1984 &
Animal Farm by George Orwell
My first and favorite was Lord Of The Flies, it came so naturally and built the whole tone of the series. Other three were a struggle, especially those two Orwell covers. There are so many good covers for 1984 and Animal Farm that I was paranoid to copy some of them unconsciously. Even though my plan was to use black&white abstractions that worked well for the first two covers, for Orwell the Publisher asked to make them more obvious for the common reader.
So, as a result we had a template with four fundamentals: abstract black&white illustration, one bright color for back and spine, hand-drawn title (I just like it that way) and the logo of the series. All these elements will help to keep the ongoing production in one visual system.
