05
BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN
LEVEL
Module Code
OUGD203
Outcomes
Module Title
DESIGN PRACTICE 3
Doc. Code
BRIEF TITLE
PENGUIN BOOKS BOX SET: DYSTOPIAN FICTION
The Brief
Considerations
Design book covers for a series of novels, which share the common theme in their plot of the idea of a future dystopia.
Careful consideration of aesthetics needs to be approached in designing the covers for these books. A unification of ‘style’ across the 4 books is imperative. Colour consideration is extremely important for the imagery of the book. It must incorporate the sincere yet enjoyable essence of the literature that it represents. Type selection is extremely key in communicating the title of the book; particularly on the spine. Most people see the spine before the cover itself.
The idea is to celebrate these classic works of literature in this field and to keep their reputation as great novels alive in the world of literature. The set should also hold the potential to open doors for people to discover new novels. Book in set: Nineteen Eighty-Four – Goerge Orwell Brave New World – Aldous Huxley A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess We – Yvegeny Zamyatin Concept/Proposition The unification of the novels themselves – in the fact that they all revolve around the concept a dystopian future in which people are heavily controlled through conditioning within society by a one party government – should be reflected upon through the small series of book covers in the set with designs that visually work together. Each cover should communicate something relevant about the book and by working as a set, it should help communicate the general theme. Background
Mandatory Requirements
Book covers have always had a strong standpoint in what a novel is about. Particularly since modern graphic design came about. They can be a classic combination of design and illustration rolled into one to create a overall nice product that entices the reader to open the book and begin reading (after buying it of course.)
Production of a designed set of at least 4 novels with individually designed covers. The product should be printed, made and photographed. Use of the Penguin Books logo on all book cover designs and deliverables. All research and development should be recorded on Design Practice and Design Context blogs.
Target Audience
Deliverables
There is a great deal of universality to reading. It would be wrong to target any specific age or gender in this circumstance. The general target audience is people who would like to read these books. As 1984 and Brave New World are regarded as two of the most notable works in modern literature, they should be made available to as many people as possible to read.
4 book cover designs printed and made for each book Proposals for CD audiobooks MP3 audiobook proposal Posters advertising the series. Tied With Waterstones.
People will buy a book most likely based on the plot and not so much the design. However, the design must have the power to draw attention and turn heads whilst also reflecting on the content of the books and not the character of the people who choose to read them. Tone of Voice
Studio Deadline
The tone should be relatively sincere yet it also needs to evoke slight admiration of the arts. As pretentious as this sounds, the books – as recognised great works of the arts – should be accompanied by an admirable piece of ‘art’ that is the cover design. The quality of the cover should reflect on the quality of the content.
Wednesday 14th December 2011 – 1pm (Studio 4)
This brief should be read in conjunction with the module brief. Please refer to module information at E_STUDIO for module brief, submission deadline, graded outcomes and further reading.