THE BRIEF
The Big Sleep is a serious and significant mainstream novel that just happens to possess elements of mystery and crime. The story is well known both in celluloid and print so it is essential to come at it from a fresh angle. Try to design a new cover for a new generation of readers, avoiding the obvious clichés. Originality is key.
THE CONCEPT
I hoped to create a design, which encapsulated the entire story without giving away what actually happens. I feel I achieved this as the cover is striking on first glance, even though initially it does not make sense, like a mystery that needs to be solved. The meanings of the different elements are explained as the story unravels because each element is significant in helping Marlowe piece together clues to enable him to see the full picture of what actually happened. Therefore, my design reflects the book not only visually but also metaphorically.
I hoped to create a design, which encapsulated the entire story without giving away what actually happens. I feel I achieved this as the cover is striking on first glance, even though initially it does not make sense, like a mystery that needs to be solved. The meanings of the different elements are explained as the story unravels because each element is significant in helping Marlowe piece together clues to enable him to see the full picture of what actually happened. Therefore, my design reflects the book not only visually but also metaphorically.
