Role

Graphic Design
Art Direction

Type

Book Cover Design
Publication

Summary

This project introduces publication design from the perspective of an editor and an art director. I approached art direction in the context of developing and producing a visual strategy for the cover of a publication. This is a book cover design for The Kite Runner.

Original Design

Book Summary

After failing to intervene in the rape of his friend Hassan, Amir wrestles with his guilt. Forced out of Afghanistan by the Soviet invasion, Amir flees to the United States, where he tries to rebuild his life until an old friend offers him a way to make amends for his past. Amir returns to Kabul, where he finds Hassan’s son, Sohrab, and encounters Assef, the man that raped Hassan twenty-six years earlier. Amir rescues Sohrab from a life of physical and sexual abuse and struggles to learn how he and Sohrab can recover from the traumas each has endured.

Previous Covers

Questions & Answers with the Editor

Through talking with the editor, important themes and messages that should be conveyed through the cover to the reader could be identified. Concept direction could then be developed based on the information.

Moodboards

Based on the themes extracted, 3 different mood boards are created and used to help discuss with the editor on the art direction. Concept 3 is chosen to move forward with.

Sketches

Explorational sketches are drawn for inspirations, while trying to implement different metaphors and ideas conceptually and visually.

Iterations

Sketches with higher potentials are then digitised. The green and red colour palette appears to be too medical-looking, which doesn’t help convey the story. After discussing with the editor, changes are made to the colour to help set the mood of the story.

Color Palette

Elements