Book cover design
THE BRIEF
I have been commissioned repeatedly to design a suite of book covers for my mother who is an emerging Romanian author. Her works range from realistic prose mixed with travel diary fragments to fiction and downright whimsy.
THE SOLUTION
I approach each new cover as a self-contained universe. The literary style of each book informs my approach for the cover. My style has ranged from the photographic to collage and illustration, in keeping with the tone and subject of each work.
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YEARS: 2011–2020
CLIENT: MAGDALENA IUGULESCU
TAGS: ILLUSTRATION, GRAPHIC DESIGN, COLLAGE, PRINT DESIGN
"Cosmin" is a touching novel about a boy left to do the growing up on his own. Written in an almost journal-like style, it tells the story of 8-year-old Cosmin at a very troubled time in his life.
I designed the book cover and the poster for the book launch; the imagery revolves around the red kite as central element, as a beacon of hope against the rural setting of the book. A symbol for both coming of age and drifting away, it conveys the tumultuous aspect of the writing and the redemptive storyline.
I designed the book cover and the poster for the book launch; the imagery revolves around the red kite as central element, as a beacon of hope against the rural setting of the book. A symbol for both coming of age and drifting away, it conveys the tumultuous aspect of the writing and the redemptive storyline.
"Issabel" is a novel that details the life of a Romanian woman moving abroad to find a better life for herself as a carer. Taken under the wing of an elderly Italian lady in need of company, she discovers her landlady's love letters from youth and starts weaving the two narrative threads.
Juxtaposed against the backdrop of a travel diary from Edinburgh, the book meets halfway between contemporary drama and personal diary. The cover encapsulates the erratic personality of the protagonist and provides a visual metaphor for her ill-tempered nature; a beautiful flower that grows in the most austere conditions but which can become approachable if tamed.
"Cecilia" follows the eponymous character as she navigates her way through life in a sequence of poor choices.
The novel captures the intriguing life of a model as she leaves the fashion world and takes on a settled life. Caught in a decades-long unfulfilling relationship, she learns to free herself and embrace a new life.
The cover reflects Cecilia's oxymoronic character through collage, which brings together all of her colliding features. Each object acts as a visual metaphor for aspects of her life. Even though messily assembled, the final composition is a beautiful but fragile ensemble that embodies her personality.
"Eustache" is a playful Quixotian travel diary that tells the story of a woman visiting Spain on the back of a goat.
As the narrative progresses, the ever-wandering goat Eustache becomes the pivotal point of the story, in spite of his prolonged absences.
The subject matter invited a whimsical visual treatment. I chose a flat vector illustration style, reminiscent of Saul Bass' minimalistic film posters. The profile of Eustache the benevolent goat watches over his travel companion, which is barely visible in the negative space, highlighting the role reversal between the two characters. The type treatment is also inspired by mid-century cinematic typography: a custom handmade type that underlines the playful nature of the book.
