Penguin Books and Random House offered an amazing creative opportunity for Students across the globe. Participants were presented with the challenge to design a cover under the three categories of Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction and Children's Fiction.

I believe you can form a stronger image in Book Design by reading the text. As I had read (and loved) Animal Farm by George Orwell previously it made sense to honour Orwell's writing.

For the cover image I wished to embody the essence of the story rather than illustrate a single element or event of the tale. The cover image I chose to design was one intended to make an impression. Animal Farm is often prescribed as a study text for high school students who in some cases may not be readers by habit (more's the pity).

The challenge was to illustrate the tale with an impact that would pique curiosity. To instil a desire to know what the cover was about. In short, to look cool and still relate to the tale and it's modern day implications.

I was inspired by the Soviet propaganda and posters for the pose and the background. The Title and Author typeface is one used for eye-tests named Sloan, emulating the Constructivist style and remaining highly legible. 

For the central figure, I chose to focus on Napoleon who represented Stalin in Orwell’s novel. Napoleon is shown in my design as the ultimate overlord of Animal Farm; in a pose presenting confidence in his authority over the lives of the animals in his domain. The pose is inspired by the works of renowned photographer Platon. Napoleon's head and hooves were from a photo by David Friel, from which I created digital composite rendered in Photoshop.  

Out of over two thousand entrants my design made the shortlist of eight students. I'm exceptionally grateful to Penguin Books for the opportunity and the chance to demonstrate my love of Book Design and Literature.