This project is about learning how to design three book covers for a classic novel that effectively communicates the author's message or point of view behind the narrative. The three types of book covers were to be Typography, Handmade, and Designer's Choice.

The project brief gave us the context, "To celebrate the most influential books of all time, the Library of Congress is hosting an exhibit featuring historical artifacts, original manuscripts, first editions, and other objects related to the authorship and original release of each text. The show ends with a looking deeper section that features newly designed cover concepts focused on the meaning of each book and not just the story or familiar elements. The idea is to use the book cover as a way to more directly express the author's beliefs, point of view, and/or agenda behind the famous story."

To complete this project, I was to design the three book covers for a classic novel from a list given. I chose the book Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. I had already read the novel, so I started researching the author and what led him to write this magnificent novel. I was surprised to learn the personal deep sorrow and tragedy Victor Hugo experienced in his own life that helped inspire him and focus on this novel. Understanding his emotions and experiences gave me ideas to different design concepts I could then explore.

Below I showcased each of my designed book covers and explained why they are successful.

The project brief stated, "Challenge yourself to create beautiful and interesting imagery using typography as your primary tool. The type does not necessarily need not be an actual font. Feel free to explore a full range of textures, depths, shadows, or other necessary design elements, to strengthen the overall aesthetic of the book cover. Make sure the concept itself is typographic."

If you notice, the typography is what stands out in this design. The title itself is appropriate for the era with light shining behind it to emphasize the title more. This design focused on the design strategy Metaphor or Simile to represent the storms of life, especially in France during the French Revolution with smoke from the gunfire. The typography standing out with the author's context through this metaphor is what makes this design successful.

According to the project brief, "These physical materials can be created, assembled, collaged, or photographed—the final piece must be handmade. When complete, scan or photograph the artwork into a computer before adding minor finishing touches."

I used parchment paper as the background, cut out the silhouette of Jean Valjean with black construction paper, and then added an old frame on top of the construction paper. This design uses the design strategy of Material Change, Swap, or Focus. This strategy swaps a material object that we are accustomed to with a different material or focus that we may not be accustomed to in that setting. By swapping a portrait of Jean Valjean with physical materials such as construction paper and an old frame not only changed the material, but also kept with the concept of who the story was about and what time period the story takes place which makes this design successful.

For the designer's choice book cover, the cover can be developed in any style or format I choose, as long as I employ a clever and creative strategy.

This cover was fun to do because it gave me the freedom to be creative in any style I wanted to explore. This design uses the design strategy Combination. This strategy is about bringing together two different or unrelated things to create a new object that still makes some sort of sense to the viewer. By combining the two sides of Jean Valjean with a dripping element and lightning, I created one image in a way the viewer can easily see this book as a drama filled with tragedy and sadness.

I also used the design strategy Metaphor or Simile. This strategy is focused on a message or meaning the composition portrays of the image, or design created with your object as it relates to something else. Because this story is about the tragic life of Jean Valjean during the turmoil of the French Revolution, I combined his silhouette with lightning and the French flag to represent the storms of life during that time and how torn he was because of his past. By keeping this image as the focal point, it kept the viewer from being distracted, and helped them focus on the main idea of the book.

To the left is Jean Valjean in blue as the prisoner from the past holding his head with chains on his wrist. To the right is Jean Valjean in red as the distinguished gentleman he became. The lightning bolt in the middle represents the storm he dealt with throughout his life because of his past. The dripping element represents the sadness of his life. With the overlay of the French flag, it helps the viewer understand where the story takes place. This concept makes the design successful because it represents the author's main message behind the narrative.