As an assignment in Graphic Design I, I was asked to create a book dust jacket that utilized conceptual imagery rather than scenes taken directly from the book. The design of the front and back covers was intentionally mirrored to illustrate the parallels of the "beast" and the boys within the narrative. To achieve seamless transitions across the flaps, spine and cover, I utilized sprawling freeform gradients, connecting tree elements, and a restrained, monochromatic color palette. The exclusive use of green tones accentuated key thematic elements, with sparingly applied red accents drawing attention to important information. To echo the dark and enigmatic nature of the story, I rendered the forest backdrop in deep, mysterious hues, enhanced by a textured overlay to evoke a sense of raw grit and tension. In crafting the title typography, I employed a hands-on approach by printing out various fonts, distressing them physically, scanning them back into Illustrator, and finally meticulously assembling a custom, shredded typeface. This method ensured the typography aligned seamlessly with the narrative's gritty essence, adding a tactile dimension to the overall design. Ultimately, this project aimed to encapsulate the atmospheric depth and thought-provoking themes of "Lord of the Flies" through a dust jacket. With design, I aimed to invite readers to explore the darker facets of human nature and society, echoing the words of Golding: "Maybe there is a beast... maybe it's only us."
sketches
