POETRY COVER


This poetry book cover design project captures the raw emotion and intimate narrative of the collection, "A History of Our Time and Other Poems" by John Biguenet. The cover features a bold, textured red backdrop that conveys a sense of intensity and depth. Overlapping handwritten text dominates the design, layering fragmented lines of poetry in an organic, chaotic arrangement that reflects themes of love, loss, and human vulnerability. The central title is presented in an expressive, hand-drawn script, contrasting against the underlying scribbles to draw the reader’s focus while maintaining a personal and raw aesthetic.
The challenge was to create a book cover that visually conveys the emotional depth and raw vulnerability of a poetry collection while standing out in a crowded marketplace. The design needed to reflect the intimate, personal nature of the content while maintaining clarity and readability, ensuring it appeals to both literary enthusiasts and casual readers.
iterations

This iteration explores the integration of layered textures and imagery to create a visually dynamic composition. The design employs bold typography combined with abstract visuals, aiming to evoke a sense of depth and complexity. It serves as the foundation for the subsequent refinements.

Stripping back the initial complexity, this iteration focuses on clean lines, negative space, and restrained use of typography. By reducing visual clutter, the design emphasizes clarity and impact while maintaining the essence of the original layered concept.

Building on the idea of texture and depth, this version introduces hand-drawn typography and organic forms. The imperfections add a personal, raw quality to the design, offering a more emotional and intimate connection while staying true to the original tone.

This iteration revisits the collage concept, but with a more abstract and experimental approach. Vibrant gradients, blended layers, and intricate patterns create a sense of movement and energy, offering a modern, dynamic interpretation of the initial idea.