Do Judge a Book by its Cover | Roughs

1 | This design was made using ink and a few small paper cutouts. I like the intensity and sporadic appearance of the brush marks, and how some of the tiny figures emerge from the cloud of ink. Although the current layout isn't bad, I think it could be made better if I developed this idea. I would maybe see how I could continue the design on the back.

2 | This is one of my favourite rough designs. The minimal appearance makes the viewer focus on the few elements that are actually present. The colours are striking and contrast well. The typeface on the front cover would be placed in the gap within the grid. I also like how the missing piece is on the back cover, as this encourages the reader to think and interact with the design. However, I'm not sure if it communicates the themes of the book well.

3 | I think that in terms of composition, this is one of the strongest designs. The space is utilised well, and the cut-off images work well as they are repeated. It relates to the book's content as there is a sense of simplicity and normality from the faceless figure.

I like the way in which it is drawn, however I will continue to look at what other materials could create. In terms of development, I would like to try different printing methods and ways of making line. I will also test different colour combinations, and possibly textures.

4 | Although this isn't a 'bad' design, it's just not as interesting as the others. I think compared to, for example, the design of the man walking away, it doesn't have a tone or a mood to it. I was thinking of using overlays or opacity to create overlapping lines, and the blank space where the title would be prevents the space from being too chaotic. 

5 | Compositionally, I am pleased with this design. I think that the use of negative space makes the images present more effective. However it is rather restrained looking, with very controlled lines. During the group discussion it was mentioned that it looked 'comic booky' which I agree with, and for this brief it's not an aesthetic I want to create.