21st Century Modern Classics

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a reimagining of modern historical fiction book covers as a series

Brief:

To give a fresh new contemporary look to two works of either fiction or non-

fiction that have already been published. The 2 covers must appear related as part of a series, but unique to each other.

The goal from start to end was to create a harmonious balance and composition between contemporary modern design while keeping the nostalgic elements of classic books that are now seen as priceless pieces of history.

As both these stories have strong ties to significant historical eras, I wanted to pay homage to the time periods of these individual books. I also looked into book covers designed between the early 19th to mid 20th century and found a balance between the systematic placement of typography on covers commonly found in books of the early 19th century and surrealistic illustration that came into popularity in the late 19th century.

Both book titles have unique typographic characteristics, inspired by the era and region the books were based on. The Underground Railroad's title is inspired by American Wood Type commonly found on signages at railways and storefronts in the 19th Century. The bright red and gothic blackletter typography on The Tattooist of Auschwitz
refers to 1940's Nazi propaganda during WW2.

As for the illustration I drew focus to prominent characters and significant elements in the book, to create intrigue and to highlight the bravery of these characters regardless of their tragic circumstances.