Book cover designs for Penguin Books involved finding suitable directions for the concepts and subsequently rendering them into covers that would speak the 'story' by simply glancing at the book. The challenge was to emote the essence of the book and its content without communicating too much. This was done by using shortlisted and edited imagery, iconic shapes and typography; which would then be composed together in synergy to communicate the said essence. It was also important to appeal to the target audience by way of grabbing their attention and drawing them to the book.
Time will write a song for you
The three decade long conflict tore apart the Tamils world in Sri Lanka. This anthology, framed by war, brings together poems, stories and a memoir by Tamil writers living there and in the diaspora. Stark and sometimes lyrical, distilling memory, history, mythology and classical literary tropes, they powerfully echo the Tamils sorrows and deep fears, their longings and hopes for tomorrow.
Here the use of color and movement was meant to emote turbulence. This juxtaposed with a delicate typeface and the form of the island itself added a poetic splash (with the changing weights of fonts further adding to the visual story). The keywords were stark, iconic, subtle and turbulent.
Quantum Siege
This book is a true story based on the events leading up to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The idea was to create a cover which let out a quiet yet ominous feeling of a potential threat. Simple use of bold typography in tandem with alerting contrast/colors and looming dark clouds set up this mood.
The Big Connect
An Indian non-fiction book that talks about how social media is playing a key role in politics in India. Straightforward use of appropriate icons and colors reveal the theme—dumbing it down for the audience and the set brief in this case.
