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Objective

To develop conceptual thinking skills. To communicate ideas visually and verbally. To explore illustration and photography styles. To apply design principles to real-world visual communication problems.

 

Secondary objectives

To utilize Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign as layout and production tools.

 

Description

Re-design an existing book cover (hint: choose a poorly designed book). Make improvements in any of the following areas: form (design principles, typography), content (photography, illustration, copywriting, marketing objectives). Keep in mind who the target audience is.

Your design must show an understanding of unity, emphasis, balance and color theory. When appropriate, utilize rhythm and depth as well.

• Download Classic Fonts Specimen Sheets
• Download "Process" Handout

Note: High resolution stock photos and illustrations are now available from Photospin. Contact your instructor for more information.

 

Procedure

1. RESEARCH AND REFERENCE: Find a book cover you want to re-design and scan it for reference. Research your client (the author). What is the author's history? What genre does this book cover fall into? What does the competition look like? Visit a book store to research contemporary book covers for inspiration. Also review online resources (i.e. bookcoverarchive.com, covers.fwis.com, designarchives.aiga.org). Scan (or download) your favorite book covers and publish both your reference and your inspiration on your personal projects page for critique (be sure to caption each image and cite the source).

2. DEVELOP THE CONCEPT: In your sketchbook begin to conceptualize ideas for this project (see examples of sketches). Make at least 10 sketches of all possible directions you might take this project. Edit your concepts down to your best three ideas and redraw them on 8.5 x 11 white paper using a felt tip pen for critique. Scan and publish your concepts on your personal projects page and be prepared to discuss why your design is better. Also print your sketches for your Process Book.

3. EXECUTION: Based on the critique of the above, use the computer to translate your sketch into a digital file using the appropriate software. Generate a web-ready JPEG and publish your proof to your personal projects page for critique. Be prepared to talk about what design principles are utilized in your layout. Also print a high-quality color proof for your Process Book.

4. PORTFOLIO PREPARATION: Based on the critique of the above, refine your best design and add a revised JPEG to your personal personal projects page for final critique. If necessary, make refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project. Print a high-quality color proof for your portfolio. Be sure to save all your files for future editing.

5. GRADING: Submit two high quality laser proofs with your name on it for grading. File the graded proof in your Process Book for individual review along with all the preliminary work you did for the project (research, sketches, preliminary proofs, final proof). You will not receive credit for this project if any of the above elements are missing.

6. STUDENT GALLERY ARCHIVES: Prepare a low resolution PDF (smallest file size) of your project and drop it in Angel's drop box. Your project may be published in a showcase of student work on Parkland's website.