My first ever graphic design project in university was to do the editorial of a book of our choosing and then work on its cover, designing also two more covers for a three book collection. I chose the book "The Invisible Cities" (As Cidades Invisíveis) from Italo Calvino, one of my favourites. This work was no easy task at the time and I ended up with a result that I was always unsure. 

Two years later I finally gather up the courage to re-do this project, and I'm here today to show you the results. 

For the cover of "The Invisible Cities" (As Cidades Invisíveis), I delved into the essence of Calvino's surreal narratives. I chose to craft a captivating collage that showcased unique and enigmatic buildings. These structures, meticulously arranged, evoke the interconnectedness of cities and the dreamlike quality of Calvino's prose. Through a careful play of light and shadow, I introduced a transparency and glowing effect, symbolizing the ethereal nature of these hidden cities.

Turning my attention to "If on a Winter's Night a Traveler" (Se numa noite de inverno um viajante), I sought to capture the essence of the book's intricate narrative. I envisioned a winter landscape, blanketed in pristine snow. Across this canvas, I placed a trail of footprints, each pair leading to different and intriguing scenes. These footprints, one set with delicate flowers, another with imposing buildings, and yet another with tranquil water, symbolize the diverse stories within the book. The stark black and white palette adds a sense of mystery and contrasts the purity of the snow with the complexity of the narrative.

Finally, for "Palomar", I envisioned a cover that mirrored the protagonist's contemplative nature. I drew inspiration from the cosmos, imagining a starry observatory against the backdrop of a night sky. At the heart of this observatory stood an intricate telescope, symbolizing Palomar's quest for understanding life's intricacies. The use of black and white here was a deliberate choice to highlight the stark beauty of the night sky and to emphasize the philosophical nature of Palomar's observations.

In revisiting this project, I strived to bring new depth and dimension to my designs, paying homage to Calvino's masterful storytelling. These monochromatic covers not only reflect the timeless quality of the books but also represent my evolution as a graphic designer. I hope these covers resonate with the essence of the stories within and provide a fresh perspective on the worlds Calvino crafted within his words.

I hope you enjoy!