Conceptual Book Cover
Project 2 | ART235
The goal of this project was to create three book covers for a novel of my choosing that communicates various themes or messages that the author is trying to convey to the reader. It was important that I do not just pick a scene from the novel to depict but instead try to convey meaning through symbolism.
It was expected that I would explore and create nine different variations of book covers over the course of five weeks. Towards the end of this exploration, I chose three book covers that I then continued to refine and perfect. It is these three that will be showcased today.
For my book, I was lucky enough to choose Crime and Punishment. This is a classic novel that teaches the reader about the consequences of pride and feelings of superiority, the importance of making decisions based on keeping a high moral standard, and the comparison of coincidence and free will.
As we explore each book cover, look for the symbolism in each one and how they tie into the themes and messages previously mentioned.
Book Cover #1:
Typography
Main design elements created through typography, all hand-made. Two glyphs (individual letter forms) in the title are created out of chain links.
The main character in Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov, is an impoverished student who mistakenly believes that if a man is exceptional, he can commit any crime in the name of humanity. Convincing himself that he is one of these men, he chooses to commit murder... and he seemingly gets away with it. What he cannot comprehend at the time he commits this insidious act is how it will affect him psychologically. As the reader progresses through each chapter, they see the increasing psychological pressure that Raskolnikov is experiencing as he grapples with what he has done and the fact that it's metaphorically 'eating him alive.' The chain represents the pressure and internal struggle Raskolnikov feels throughout the book as pressure increases on him. This pressure continues to bear down on him until he is ready to break. This is symbolized in the breaking and bending of the chain that forms the glyphs of the title as well as the broken typography itself. Ultimately, Raskolnikov confides in a friend that he actually is the killer.
Book Cover #2:
Handmade
All elements of the cover are handmade, by me, including the title and author's name.
In this cover, the bird is symbolic of Raskolnikov as he feels the pressure of the crime bearing down on his mind and soul. It's as if he's a giant bird in a tiny cage that is growing ever tighter around him. Throughout the book, he is constantly grappling with the opposing thoughts of morality and his own desires to justify his actions in the name of creating a better society.
Book Cover #3:
Designer's Choice
The cover makes use of hand-made items, and found assets. The use of Photoshop tools creates an eye-catching final product.
Raskolnikov's paranoia grows more and more intense as he worries that the people around him can see into his heart and mind and they know exactly what he has done. Consequently, he is always questioning their motives in their interactions with him which in turn, causes him to feel more paranoid. This cover displays that reality as he feels like he is falling under the weight of others perceived scrutinizing and judgmental eyes.
CONCLUSION
Creating book covers for Crime and Punishment was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed pushing myself to think outside the box as I moved through the design process. I created, photographed, and manipulated several hand-made assets for this project and it really paid off. I believe that by making this concerted effort, I was able to increase my options for several fantastic book covers that will make the reader want to pick up the book and see what is inside.
