Penguin Book Covers - Photography

Refining Photographs

Based on previous experimentation I have decided to redo the photography for two of the book covers. The images for Labyrinths were particularly successful because of their contrast, macro detail and texture. Using this as a guideline more imagery was created to reflect this aesthetic.

For Roughing It stones were painted gold to reflect gold nuggets and for Labels the same map was used but scrunched up to create more texture and contrast when lit up. When the colours were adjusted slightly I thought these created a more cohesive set of images for all three book covers and created impact through the use of contrast.  

Penguin Book Covers - Photography

Photography as a basis for the Book Covers

Marber often used photography as a basis for his designs. By using this process with simple materials I was able to create some imagery to represent each of the books.

For Labyrinths, the photograph of tangled chord reflected the idea of a complex and confusing arrangement by not being able to understand its form or see the start or end of the material. Originally the chord was positioned in a circular pile which allowed for a structured shape to be captured. By placing the chord in a toilet tube I was able to create a stack which was more compact and intertwined. By doing this it also became an object which stood on its own. When lighting the design, I tried to create harsh shadows which would create contrast in the images.

For Roughing It the use of crumbled coloured pastels was supposed to reflect the gold and dirt found in the process of prospecting.

As an image for Labels the focus was on the idea of travelling, which was done through the use of photographing a piece of map with the Mediterranean on it. With this image the camera was angled horizontally so it was looking across the map rather than directly down on to it. This meant that a ‘horizon’ was created in the distance of the image creating a sense of the curvature of the Earth. 

Penguin Book Covers - Layouts

Book Sleeve Layout

Based on Marbers Grid the layout has been rotated in different ways with elements adapted to fit the grid.

Marbers Grid

To create a cohesive style across the three book sleeves the layouts and elements were similarly placed. Using the images to fill the background of the covers allowed the detail of the textures to be best seen. To reflect each book a symbol was chosen to be placed on top of the imagery, this would act as a representation of an aspect of the blurb or a word that was defined during research.

Colouring the symbols so that they were white, made them stand out against the high contrast imagery behind and white was also not similar to any of the other colours used in the photographs, increasing its clarity.

The band where all the book information would be placed was coloured black as this best complemented the high contrast black in the images. Using white text over this mirrored the colour used for the symbols. Using a swatch from the image to use for the authors name was also effective as this then created a link between the text and image.

Creating bands for the text were much more effective then geometric shapes as these detracted from the images below and looked a little disjointed. Bands that ran vertically or horizontally allowed enough space for all the information to be placed within them. However the vertical bands used up quite a lot of background space making it hard to place the symbols in the space remaining. Horizontal bands allowed for a greater amount of background space meaning balance could be created between elements.  

Layouts with large symbols detracted from the image behind and overpowered the rest of the layout.

Penguin Book Covers - Refining Layout

Layout

For the final layout the whole grid was moved down so that there was a central horizontal band. This allowed for multiple symbols to be placed on the sleeves creating balance above and below the central ban. The symbols were also reduced in opacity making them much subtler and allowing more of the image to come through, making the images the most dominant element on the sleeves. Using a horizontal line across the black bands better defined this area, emphasising the book information and making it contrast further when compared with the background imagery. Placing the text so that it was directly ontop of the line creates the impression that they have become part of one another.

The back page reflected the front cover imagery creating cohesiveness across the sleeve. Placing the blurb onto a black area also mirrored the use of a black band on the front of the cover.

The back of the sleeve was created to become a collectable poster using the imagery from the book sleeve. The timeline was placed above and below the image and was designed to fold backwards and out of sight when the poster was in use. The fold lines for the timeline correspond with the fold lines of the section of the book sleeve that would wrap inside the first book page.

However when printed it was found that the text for both the blurb and timeline were hard to read and looked broken when white on black. Because of this for the final designs the spine, front band, blurb box and timeline bands were all change to white with black text ontop. This allowed for clarity at smaller text sizes whilst still contrasting against the background imagery. 

Study Task 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird - The Film

Interesting visuals in the film 

The swing on the tree that is used by the children is central to the childrens adventures and communication

All the residents are in close quarters

The swing chair on the porch is used by Atticus and the children. It is also where Atticus explains aspects of life to Scout.

The hollow in the Radley tree. This is where things are left for the children by Boo, this is his way of connecting with the children who he probably identifies with.

When Atticus is sitting outside the jail reading with his lamp, which he does to protect Tom. Also represents light against the dark, with Atticus standing up to the mob.

In the court room the role of segregation is most appearent in the film, with whites on ground level and blacks above, making Tom the only black person on the court floor. Creates the impression he is surrounded and that everyone is against him, apart from Atticus who is by his side. During the trail Atticus says that it is 'his word against two white peoples'. Which makes them outnumbered already let alone with the rest of the white residents backing the Ewells without considering the evidence.

Studio Brief 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird - Using shapes to represent adjectives

Visualising themes and adjectives through shapes

The top design represents the courtroom scene from eye level perspective. The thick black line represents the black community sitting above in the stands which is represented by the thinner line. Below this the defense and prosecution are situated with the circles reflecting the white people in the scene, Mayella, her father and Atticus. Tom is represented by the square to show how most white people see black people as a different to them. By placing a circle with the square this represents Atticus standing for Tom. The line in between the two pairs of shapes act a way of separating the prosecution from the defense creating a sense of sides.

The bottom design reflects a similar idea however reduces the focus to the two sides. By overlapping the shapes this creates a greater impression of support between the elements in the two sides. The squares emphasis a sense of  separation between the two sides.

The top left design reflects how Atticus (the circle) protects Tom (the square). By placing the square within the circle, the circle acts as a barrier against other elements. The arrows create the impression of aggression through their sharp direction. By using multiple arrows this reflects the sense that there is pressure from the white community all around.

In the bottom left design the use of overlapping circles creates the sense of a crowd of people close together surrounding Tom (the square). The contrast in circles (white community) and square creates a clear visual difference between the two groups and emphasises how outnumbered the square (Tom) was.  

The top right design represents the protection of Atticus (the smaller circle) over Tom (the square). The larger circle represents the white community who are supporting Mayella (the small circle). By using a larger circle for the white community this suggests how Atticus is outnumbered in comparison and the overlapping of the circles reflects the pressure being put on him by the opposition. 

The bottom right design is a reflection of the scene where the black community stand for Atticus despite Tom being found guilty. Using a thick black line represents the black community up in the stands which wrapped around the court on three sides. The thinner lines are used to signify the ground below with a gap for an 'exit'. Atticus is represented with a circle as he 'walks' towards the door.

  

The top left design uses the idea of protection with Atticus as the circle with a larger circle enveloping Tom creating a sense of a protective shied or bubble against outside forces.

The bottom left design again plays with the scene where the black community stand for Atticus. By using parallel lines on either side of the circle with open ends this creates the sense of movement through the space.

The top right design simplifies the courtroom scene by just having the prosecution and defence. This creates balance within the design and further emphasises the idea of two sides against each other.

The bottom right design represents the scene where Atticus waits outside the jail with his lamp to protect Tom from the Lynchmob. The semi circle acts as the light with the lines reflecting the light beam with Atticus sat underneath. The design, however, looks a little like a spaceship beaming the circle up, so this idea could be shown in a different way. 

Studio Brief 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird - Thumbnails

Layout Thumbnails 

Using the hierarchy discussed, general themes and concepts in the book and basic grid layouts , elements were able to be placed roughly for back and front covers.

Thoughts on Layouts

-  Having the written elements so they take up approximately a third of the grid means that a large image can can be used. This makes the image the most dominant thing within the design playing on the feeling of power over the other elements. It also has a similar layout to 1960's book design e.g. Marber's Penguin 

- The title could be broken down into singular words or phrases to allow for better typographic flexibility. This would allow for the words to be much larger and fit on the page.

- Having a larger title creates impact in the design and will stand out against imagery

 The main front cover thumbnail themes are:

- Large typographic elements with full bleed image behind 

- Title and author bunched together with the image taking up roughly three quarters of the cover design

- Placing the image within a box with the title and author above / below means that a background colour could surround all the elements.

- Splitting the page into halves either horizontally or vertically could play with the idea of contrasting elements such as in the book with race, inequality etc

The back cover has quite a large blurb, quote and a recommendation which will take up a considerable amount of the back cover. Any design that is chosen should reflect layout elements of the front cover to create consistency across the design.

The main back cover thumbnail themes are:

- Having all the elements in a block following the hierarchy set out could be aligned centrally, to the left or right with the barcode. This creates space around the text which will create balance between text and background. 

- Having a large staggered quote at the top of the back cover with the blurb and recommendation in a block creates unbalance within the grid structure.

- Breaking the back cover into two halves so that the quote and recommendation are on one side and the blurb on the other in a column grid format.

Study Task 2 - To Kill a Mockingbird - Typeface Choices

Typeface Choices

Adjectives such as Innocence, Oppression and Intolerance were key words used to choose the typefaces for the book cover.

General thoughts

A bold typeface would be larger and more dominant, allowing visible overbearing over other elements, which would better reflect the intolerance and oppression within the book.
Harper Lee was a tomboy but quite shy (e.g. she didn't like doing interviews) and saw herself as Scout in the novel . With this in mind a typeface that was quite strong but thin would best reflect this idea. A sans serif would be more boisterous in comparison to a serif typeface which could be seen as quite feminine. A thinner typeface will create a sense of fragility which evokes a softer more innocent feel allowing the authors type to also reflect the age of Scout, who the author identifies with. Using the same type of typeface, in this case sans serif ,will make reference to the concept of people. This is supposed to imply that we are all people (sans serif) but within the book groups are seen differently , with whites more dominant and blacks and people like Boo Radley are belittled by society. 

Franklin Gothic

- Grotesque Sans Serif 

- used in advertisements and newspapers

- contrast in stroke weight  

- enlarged x height makes the characters look more open and larger

- traditional double storey g 

- can be used at small and large point sizes because of spacing

- tapering strokes near junctions

- ear on g

Trebuchet MS 

- Humanist Sans Serif

- based on proportions of Roman inscriptional letters

- more legible than other sans serif typefaces - make it better in text 

- similar characteristics and proportions to serif typefaces - calligraphic influence - traditional feel

- M has 10 degree angle - similar but thinner version of M in Univers

Berthold Akzidenz - Grotesk

- Grotesque Sans Serif  

- squared quality 

- thick strokes make it bold even in its regular form - almost equal horizontal and vertical strokes

- single storey g 

- display type

- small x height makes it much squarer looking - blocky 
- Personality - Cool form, clear, legible, practical, neutral

Trebuchet MS is a sans serif typeface but has calligraphic qualities giving it a more human written feel which could provide a good contrast between the other more blocky sans serif typefaces.

Franklin Gothic has a thin but sturdy form when compared with Berthold Akzidenz -  Grotesk making it useful in creating contrast between the solidity of the two typefaces. 

Berthold Akzidenz has a similar feel to typography used in the opening sequence of the film. Its bold structure will be effective in standing out against both black and white backgrounds. As sometimes white text can be lost on a black background.

Berthold Akzidenz Grotesk has a straight leg on the R which is similar to that in Franklin Gothic Book creating consistency across the two typefaces. Both typefaces also share square tittles.

Franklin Gothic Book is effective in smaller point sizes which will make it useful for body text especially for the blurb on the back.

Study Task 2 - To Kill a Mockingbird - Book Cover Analysis

Existing Book Covers

The book cover makes reference to the children's swing in their back yard which was the main focus of their discussions and plans for adventures. It reflects the innocence of their play and provides a symbol for childhood. The use of black typography on a cream background could possibly make reference to race but cream rather than white better reflects a natural skin tone. The typography fits around the imagery allowing for the smaller words to fit alongside the image and providing enough space at the bottom of the cover for 'Mockingbird'. Having typography below the image creates a sense of elevation , making it seem like the swing is raised off the ground with the 'Mockingbird' acting the floor, helping with perspective. The typography is brush like with the ends of the strokes being quite feather like which could reference the Mockingbird. 

Sarah Jane Coleman

This cover is much more illustrative in its approach and uses the whole cover as a means of placing the imagery, which allows the image to wrap around the cover. The book makes reference to Boo Radleys tree, where he leaves objects for the children to find. Placing the tree trunk along the spine with the hole in the middle of it creates balance and symmetry in the design whilst allowing space for typographic elements on the front and back covers. Having a child on both sides of the tree also balances the design graphically. Scout is looking directly up at the Mockingbird which draws the viewers attention up along her line of sight, however for me this stopped at the title as the bird was not as obvious in the top right corner.There are four different typefaces used in the cover which is possibly too many. The type in yellow may be too ornate and clashes with the main illustrated title on the cover, also the contrast between the two types of typography on the spine, is too much with one being very angular and the other being curved and script. However the yellow typography works well in reflecting the whimsical nature of the title illustration, with this in mind potentially the authors name should be changed to a typeface that is less severe. Using the serif typeface on the front cover for the yellow typography would have been better matched creating similarities in the design rather than a mix match.

When the children get rifles Atticus tells them to never shoot a mockingbird because

 '...its a sin to kill a mockingbird' ..... 'Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy.... but sing there hearts out for us'. On the book cover the bird is circled similarly to when a guns line of sight is trained on its target, also the fact that the bird is perched on a branch in its natural surroundings tends to suggest it is being hunted.

Frutiger suggests that a circle provides protection from outside influences and is a life preserving form. In this case the circle may represent the idea, that because it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, it is protected or should be protected, however the use of a thin line suggests the protection is quite fragile. 

Keeping the design simple with a clear idea being represented is effective.The design is clever in juxtaposing the two ideas of protecting the bird , whilst also possibly showing it being targeted through the use of a simple circle. 

The image of the mockingbird in this cover has a similar aesthetic to the children's drawing in the opening sequence of the film. Using the drawing reflects the innocence of the children and their main role in the story. By colouring the bird red this evokes a sense of danger or blood which could preempt the outcome of the story with Toms death as he was seen as a representation of the mockingbird. The use of black for the background and white for the typography suggests reference to the topic of race in the book. 

Breaking 'Mockingbird' into two words makes sense in allowing the typography to all be the same point size however it could be seen to be a little clumsy particularly because of the dash which signals the continuation of the word on the next line.

Study Task 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird - Research on the Author

Harper Lee

Her full name was Nelle Harper Lee and she was born in 1926. Her name orginated form her grandmothers with the letters spelt backwards. When she published she dropped it from the book because she didn't want people pronouncing it Nellie which she hated.

She came from the same town as Truman Capote who wrote In Cold Blood, they were both close childhood friends.

Her first book To Kill a Mockingbird became an instant classic making it difficult to follow on from.

Only a year before her death did she publish another book called Go Set A Watchman which followed the characters years later, although there were questions as to whether this was her choice or the publishers to print the book.

She mostly kept to herself after the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird and did not do an interview after the early 1960s.

After her death in February 2016, her will stated that there was no longer to be a mass market copy of To Kill a Mockingbird, only trade copies.

Comparisons between Harper Lee and Scout Finch 

Both:  
- were tomboys 
- had fathers that were lawyers
- had friends that were practically abandoned by their parents (Dill represents Truman Capote)
- were interested in reading 

Study Task 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird - Book Genre

Genres that include To Kill A Mockingbird

Southern Gothic Literature

It is a genre of southern writing that focuses on grotesque themes, with possible supernatural elements. The characters are often damaged or perhaps delusional. This genre was influenced by Gothic Writing which was popular in the 18th Century. Southern Gothic was at its most popular during the 1940s and 1960s. The genre uses dark humor and aims to expose problems in society through the use of complex characters. The behaviour of people and social order in the South are explored and moral issues are highlighted. The stories explore a range of problems from racism, disability, poverty and violence.

Coming of Age story 

In this genre the main character develops from youth to adulthood through a series of experiences in the world.

Study Task 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird - The Film

Opening Sequence

The title sequence provided a lot of visual elements that could be used as reference points for the book cover. The items included in the beginning part of the sequence refer to the things left by Boo Radley in the tree for the children to find.

Also the drawing sequence refers to the importance of the children's role in the film. Although the film could only be produced in black and white at the time this also supports the overarching problems of racial intolerance. It also evoke a sense of seeing only 'in black or white' like only one is right, creating a sense of narrowmindeness. The titles use sanserif typeface in white that is bold enough to contrast against the black and white imagery.

 A large part of the sequence was filmed so that the camera was tracking the objects horizontally which allowed for the objects to contrast against the black background and white foreground. 

The use of black crayon on white paper meant that the white page was always more dominant than the black drawing with the white paper surrounding the marks much like in life in the 1930s.  The marbles were quite interesting in black and white as some were purely white while others had black marks through them where the colour should have been. When the marble with a black stripe through it rolled into the black marble this could symbolise how Atticus who is understanding of black people, stands side by side with Tom to prove his innocence. 

By tearing the mockingbird this could reference it being killed such as how Tom was, the force that it was torn at shows aggression, pointing to the idea that it was wrong to do so in the eyes of the child. 

Study Task 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird - Key Themes and Adjectives

Themes in the Book

Prejudice

- Many people in Maycomb are racist and prejudice against black people
- Tom is accused of a crime because he is black even though it is obvious he is innocent, but by feeling sorry for Mayella the verdict is more likely
- Atticus is tolerant and believe in equality which he wants to pass onto his children
- Aunt Alexandra does not share this as she gets Calpurnia to take her luggage upstairs. During her missionary tea the ladies feel sorry for the tribe but condemn black people in her own community, which shows hypocrisy
- Dolphus Raymond pretend to be drunk to avoid questions about his relationship with a black woman
- Many people in the town are narrow minded about people who do not conform to their expectations.
- Boo Radley is gossiped about because he has not been seen outside his house

Family Life 

- The Finch family are described as something to aspire to, with Atticus as a role model, being fair and tolerant. He treats the children as equals and values their opinions. Atticus does not gossip and spends a lot of time with the children. He also treats Calpurnia as one of the family.
- Aunt Alexandra traces peoples heritage so does not judges a person on their ancestry. This way of thinking makes it difficult for people to break away from their family connections. It shows how the residents are narrow minded and prejudiced, which is passed on through the generations because know one leaves the town.
- The Ewell family are seen as white trash which refers to white people in Southern states who are very poor. This was originally used by black slaves but was later used by rich white people who saw them as inferior to them. The Ewell's live on handouts but this is spent on alcohol by Bob.
- Dill is well looked after but not wanted by his family when his mother remarries this is why he stays with his Aunt Rachael.
- Calpurnia's church work together and help Helen Robinson during Toms trial showing how the prejudices are untrue

Courage

Atticus 

- Atticus is courageous when he defends Tom at trial even when there will be backlash against his family and there is not much hope of winning
- He guards Toms cell against the lynchmob
- Throughout the story he stands up to racism and encourages his children to do so
- By shooting the dog when he hasn't shot in years although he does not want his children to think that shooting makes someone courageous

Miss Maudie

- refuses to be upset when her house is burnt down 

Boo Radley 

- is brave when he stops the children being harmed by Bob Ewell when this means leaving his house

Mrs Dubose 

- was addicted to morphine but wanted to become addiction free before she died even when there was no need 
- she did this privately so no one knew
- Atticus wanted the children to understand that being courageous can mean doing hard things that others do not understand or may criticise you for 

Adjectives to describe aspects of the book

Protection
Atticus is protective of Tom when he stands up for him against the lynchmob  at the jail and when he agrees to represent him. Boo also protects the children from Tom Ewell. 

Oppression
Black people are segregated in society and do not have the same rights or freedoms as white people, this is particularly visible in the film when in the courtroom. 

Unity
The children stand together against the lynchmob and look out for one another. Most of the white residents form a group against Tom and are unwilling to see that he is innocent despite the evidence. The black community come together and support Toms wife while the trail is going on. 

Kindness
This is reflected in Atticus when he stands up for Tom when other people would not. Boo is kind when he saves the children from Tom Ewell and also when he leaves objects for the children.

Intolerance / Prejudice 
This is shown by the white community when they do not consider the evidence that shows Tom to clearly not be guilty. The potential violence and segregation in the community  strongly shows the racial intolerance of the community and culture at the time.
   

Respect
The black community stand for Atticus in the courtroom in respect for what he did for Tom . The children respect Atticus and call him by his first name.

Innocence 
Tom was innocent of the crime. The children were innocent in terms of age but grew up to understand the injustices that were around them. Boos disability meant he  was childlike despite his age and seen as innocent to the reader.  

Courage
Tom was courageous when he stood against the lynch mob outside the jail. Boo was courageous in protecting the children against Bob Ewell.

Hardship
The Great Depression meant that many of the characters in the book were suffering from its effects. Tom Ewell was very poor and spent most of his money on alcohol meaning his family had little to live on. Mr Cunningham was repaying Atticus through food parcels because he did not have enough money. The black community had to collect money for Helen Robinson in order to keep her going while Tom was in jail.

Study Task 1 - To Kill a Mockingbird - Research

Plot outline

- Dill visits Maycomb for the Summer and meets Jem and Scout Finch

- Dill becomes interested in Boo Riley who hasn't been outside for years

- The children wan to try and get him to come out

- Scout starts school although her teacher does not like her because she is already advanced in her reading and writing
- Scout gets into a fight with Walter Cunningham who's father owes money to Atticus for legal work, however pays for it in food
- Calpurnia is introduced, she is the black maid who is treated as part of the family
- Gifts are found in the Oak Tree outside Boo Radleys house
- Dill comes back and the children adventure up to Boos house
- Jem gets his trousers caught on wire, leaving him in just his underwear. He later goes to retrieve them
- Miss Maudice is introduced, who is a friend of Atticus and is similarly tolerant and doesn't like gossip
- When Jem retrieves his trousers he finds them stitched and folded up
- More gifts are found in the tree
- The tree hole is then filled with cement 
- Miss Maudie's hose catches fire
- Scout is teased at school about Atticus representing a black person
- The children get air rifles for Christmas and are embarrassed by their father who they think cannot shoot 
- Their father warns them not to kill mockingbirds who sing for everyone's pleasure. 'Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember its a sin to kill a mockingbird '
- A mad dog appears in the street and Atticus shoots it. It is found that he was once an expert marksman
- Mrs Dubose taunts them about Atticus defending a black man 
- Jem beheads Mrs Dubose's camellia bushes
- Jem has to read to Mrs Dubose as punishment, whilst Scout keeps him company. When she dies it is revealed that it was to help her with her morphine addiction
- Dill does not come back for the summer instead he stays with his mother and stepfather
- Atticus goes away and Calpurnia takes them to church where they see how difficult it is for black people in the area
- Whilst Atticus is doing the trail Aunt Alexandra looks after the children, who wants to turn Scout into a young lady
- Dill runs away and spends the summer with his Aunt Rachael
- Atticus is approached outside the jail by white men who want to lynch Tom Robinson
- Scout sees Walter Cunninghams father in the group and talks to him, then the group leave
- The trial starts and many come to watch. The children get seats in blacks only area and speak to Dolphus Raymond who is in a relationship with a black woman and uses his 'drunkeness' as an excuse for his behaviour.
- Bob Ewell's anger is revealed and he hates Atticus for humiliating him
- It is obvious that Tom Robinson is not guilty of raping Mayella. Instead she tried to lead him on but her father then beat her for trying to flirt with a black man.
- Tom is found guilty but the congregation stand for Atticus as he leaves, to respect how he stood up for Tom
- Jem begins to realise the injustice of the law and Scout is disgusted that women cannot be part of the jury. Jem realises that Boo stays inside because he wants to.
- Aunt Alexandra puts on a missionary tea 
- Atticus interrupts and says how Tom escaped from prison and was then killed
- Scout sees Aunt Alexandra's and Miss Maudies reaction and realises the strength that women show
- Bob Ewell makes threats against the family and Helen Robinson.
- There is a pageant at the school to celebrate Halloween 
- On the way home Scout and Jem are attacked,  but someone stops the attacker and carries Jem back to the house
- It was found to be Boo Radley (Arthur), Bob Ewell was found with a knife in him .
- Atticus believes Jem accidentally killed him , whilst Heck Tate realises it was Boo. Everyone is told that Bob Ewell fell on his knife as Boo would never cope with the publicity. 
- Scout helps Boo back to his house and he is never seen again 
- Atticus sits and waits for Jem to wake up the following morning.