Book Jacket Design Assignment

Assignment  : Book Jacket Design
 
In this assignment we will explore book jacket design and the anatomy of a dust jacket and will work within the fundamental design theory and multi media in order to create a personal and original design/illustration that conveys the idea of a novel and appeals to a consumer.
 
Discussion
The goal of the book jacket is to convey its contents to the viewer. Think of the book jacket as a small poster wrapped around a book form with flaps on the front and back. Consider your demographic and how you can appeal to the consumer your design aesthetic in order for them to want to pick the book up and hopefully want to buy it. Check out Barnes and Noble; they continually sell/display old literature “classics” with a “fresh” look in order for them to appeal to a newer audience.
 
Procedures
CHOOSE YOUR NOVEL
Check out the Book Jacket Anatomy Layout Guide image and information
You will create your own original design for all phases of your book jacket; even your synopsis of the story in the inside flap will have to be in your own words; as well as the artist statement (you) for the illustrator credit.
If you require an image, you must take the picture (however; you can use any of the stock images from the collage banks but they must be changed dramatically). If you need a texture, you must create it. Consider scanning from your sketchbook/scanning objects for even the smallest details or flourishes that might create a unique look. Maybe use your typeface you created or consider making a new font for the title. Consider working in multiple software programs.  Start with a plan!…SKETCH first and submit your idea(s) to the instructor for design approval.
Proof your work before turning in. Gather feedback from your peers – refine based on critique and submit final artwork for print.
           
Anatomy of a Book Jacket 
 
Format/Size 
  • Rectangular--This is the shape of most books
 
 
Book Jacket/Dust Jacket
 
  • Think of a book jacket as a small poster wrapped around the book with flaps on the front and back.
    • Originally used to keep books from being soiled
    • Now used to be eye-catching, to encourage you to pick up the book.
  • Should be appealing from a reasonable distance through its form and color.
  • Provides important information about the book
    • Title
    • Author
    • Illustrator
    • Should predict the contents of the book
    • Should convey the demographic that might purchase the book.
    • Back of book jacket normally includes the book’s barcode with ISBN (International Standard Book Number) number, a unique number to identify a book.
  • Jacket areas
    • Face—front that faces us as the book is closed and lies on the table
      • Is the picture on the cover repeated inside the book or is it unique?  If the cover is repeated, it anticipates the plot of the story.
      • Does the cover contradict the story?  Is the cover mystifying?
      • Cover may reflect most dramatic or enticing episode in story.  However, the cover should not tell so much that it destroys the suspense of the story.
      • Is the cover framed?  Framing creates a sense of detachment.
    • Back--back of the jacket should relate to the front
      • Consider how the book jacket flows from the front to the back.
      • When the jacket is flattened, the design should be harmonious and consistent
    • Wrap-around cover—optional-uses one illustration that wraps around from the front to the back
    • Book flaps (2)--include background information about the book. May also tell about the author and must tell about you as the illustrator of the dust jacket (this can be your artist statement)
    • Spine—located to the left, along the bound edge of the book.  This is a narrow panel which you see when the book is shelved.  Should include the title, author, and latest publisher’s logo. 
ARTIST’s WRITTEN STATEMENT
 
The purpose of an artist statement is to promote reflection and critical thinking regarding your visual art and design in order to enhance visual awareness skills and processes for the audience in which your artwork is being shown to.
 
STANDARD FORMAT for your EXIT PORTFOLIO
Single page
Size 8.5 x 11
Typed 300-350 words
Font size 12,
Preferred Typeface; Calibri, Helvetica, Arial
 
(Consider the following when creating an artist statement for your Book Jacket Assignment)
Answer the following questions in a narrative style; write in a language that anyone can understand;
Consider why you make your art, how you make it, address the art elements and principles of organization and what design/art means to you
  1. Describe the major idea, concept or artistic problem that lies at the heart of your design/artwork.
  2. Describe the most important thing you learned or observations about your process.
  3. Describe your artistic style and what has influenced you that in developing your artistic choices.
6x9-jacket-template.pdf
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