Part 2: Exercise - Book cover design

I have been asked to create contemporary and stunning design for book covers of one of the most significant authors of 20th century, H.G. Wells. I need to choose three of his books that would be presented as a set, and design would have to include the title, author’s name, publishers name and trademark. It refers only to front cover and spine. Although he is most famous for science fiction books, he also covered the topics such as love, feminism, class, midlife crisis,... Here are the books which I have chosen.

The secret places of the heart

Ann Veronica: A modern love story

Passionate friends

Unfortunately I didn’t have a opportunity to read any of these three books, but I am very interested in all three of them. I love topics such as love and freedom, especially its romantic side which is seemed to me very well depicted in these classic old novels. I only red some basic summary so I am going to try to present it visually in the best way I can.

When it comes to primary research, there is a lack of information due to fact that I haven’t red the book which I find crucial in order to get the whole picture. I am going to base my design on critics I have red so far, and I will collect as much information as I can by searching the internet. Relying on several resources I found about his personal life (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._G._Wells) and work so I can make a conclusion that these three novels have an autobiographical roots due to facts that he had numerous affairs during his long time marriage and there were a few women whom he loved deeply and passionately. By reading critics and summary I am trying to get sense about the book, then I am going to find the existing covers to see the idea that the designer came up with.

So in this case I would rather chose obvious solution that is based on classic, elegant and simple look which is in the same time timeless design than radical solution.

IDEA #1

My first design for this set includes author name and a title which is set in the rectangle in  middle of the cover so it would be eye catching. 

On the first cover for book “The secret place of the heart” I used the picture of the cave which leads to the sea. The reason I chose this solution was the metaphorical connection. This cave represents the secret place and the deep blue sea hides many secrets just like our hearts hide them too. Through the cave can be seen blue sky and the ocean which can symbolize peace and deep emotions, and even a slight sadness.

Next cover is for the book “Passionate friends”.  I presented cuople walking by the sea and holding hands.

Third cover is for the book “Ann Veronica”. On the upper part is presented image of post Victorian era: steam train and woman and man standing on the railway. Down part is presented as an image of retro table with thrown women gloves, smoking cigarette, bottle of perfume and letter. I chose to use these items as a symbol of the feminism, because Ann Veronica is the novel about young woman who decided to reject traditional role of woman in society and live a free life.

IDEA #2

Design of this set would include author name in some serif typeface and title in some handwriting font. 

For the book “Ann Veronica” I used the close up image of the woman back while wearing the corset. Title of the novel and author name would be on her skin so it would make a good contrast since the colour of the skin is neutral. Corset would be in some pastel colours and the background would be black. This could be a little provocative due to corset and exposed bare skin but since this novel is about feminism and rebellion against social status of women, it might be solution.

For the book “Passionate friends” I am going to present holding hands red silk sheet. I was thinking about the shade of red like crimson red rose because it is associated with passion and love but it might be better to use some calming colour like beige because it will be more subtle.

Creating the cover for the book “The secret places of the heart” I came up with an idea to portray lock and a key as symbols of something that is locked and well kept as a secret. I thought about lock on some old chest on the attic so dark colour like brown would be dominant in this design. I have two version of this design.

IDEA #3

In this case I decided to use design that would have footer with the author name and I am going to use some serif font for a title. 

For the book  “Passionate friends” I made a cover that portrays a woman’s hands that are holding man’s hand in the way that shows comfort and compassion. I used soft shades of bright colours for the background to present the clear sky, and a soft shades of greens to make illusion of nature, in order to give it a romantic touch.

When it comes to cover design for the “Ann Veronica” I decided to use a simple and very obvious solution. I simply presented a portrait of a young woman of that era which stands with pride. Because the novel is titled after her name, I thought it might be enough.

Speaking of third book called “The secret places of the heart” I chose to present a beautiful, peaceful, and quiet place hidden far away from the people. The small isolated bridge across the creek, bright sky and trees present something beautiful that should be kept as a secret romantic place.