Book Cover - Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky
This book cover was created for my design 235 class which was meant to add to our knowledge of design through the combination of typography and imagery. The task was to create three book covers that would communicate the story to the reader within first glance through typography, a built piece, and one given for designer's choice. (This one being 2 of 3 for the built piece.)
The Requirements:
- Cover 02: Physical (you must construct your cover from physical pieces/collage or 3D and photograph or scan the final art. You may print elements and pieces but the final piece should be physical or at least appear as if you created it physically.)
- Flush mounted to foam core, final trimmed size: 5.5in x 8.5in
- All covers must contain the full title & author’s full name.
- All covers must contain the full title & author’s full name.
I was excited to pick this book because I am familiar with the Russian language and culture, which gave me further insight into how to complete this book cover effectively. The project as a whole helped with combining the skills including, but not limited to; simplicity to get the point across in a clean way, quick communication, having purpose behind each element, and designing towards an audience.
What I Learned/How I Will Apply:
(The summary I wrote for all three covers, not just this one singled out) I learned that not every project is going to turn out the way that I would hope and now I know what I produce on my bad days. The final product came out okay for feeling like I didn’t have much of a direction to go in. However, they still have purpose and design elements behind them.
In the early designing stages if I know something might be too difficult, I want to be more careful in how I go about continuing. I think I overestimated what I could do with this project and it ended up not working. Brainstorming good ideas is so important and now I know myself a little better.
I feel like the concepts of the covers are good and they are all present with an explanation. The ax's white “cut out” look was a happy accident and reminds me of the separation of society and the man in this book. The ax represents the murder weapon and the “crime”, while the reflection of the city of St. Petersburg is the “punishment” in the psychological sense that the main character goes through.
