Work

Book Cover

Year: 2019

Background research

"Can you hear the sea?" is a non-fiction based on the grandmother of the writer - Brenda Niall. The book has been highly regarded in capturing the essence of Australian culture. As named in the title, the sea remains as the main theme of the book and carried throughout the entire book. Aggie, Niall’s grandmother, has been brave in the new country, but always longed for the sea.

Originally printed in 2017, the original book cover took the iconic seashell, as featured in the book, as the prominent object. The design took a literal understanding of the book and placed in the cover.

As a new edition for the book cover, I decided to visualise the sea as to fulfil the hope of the protagonist while maintain the topic of sea from the cover to the ending of the book.

Progress

As the historical background of the book is based in 1880, digital design would not be able to capture the essence of that time. In turn, watercolour is used to create the background of the book cover, chosen according to its liquidity and texture of paper. Trials on A4 paper was done as to prove the idea. Then the process is repeated on watercolour papers, one in more calming style, the other in more vigorous style.

The latter one was chosen for its ability to show the waves of the sea for a more dramatic effect, as a commercial choice for attractiveness. The sea will continuously flow from one fold to the other end for a constant theme.