Context
Part of the brief for this project was working with designers from the well-known publishing house Oxford University Press. The brief entailed redesigning covers for children's books: Amber Undercover and A Story Like the Wind. Throughout the project, I was supported by my tutors as well as discussions with Oxford University Press designers who enriched the context of the books and shared their approach to designing a series.
Amber Undercover is about a teenage girl named Amber who gets recruited as a spy and goes on a mission undercover in a school for gifted students. Seems exciting, but she cannot tell anyone including her family and her best friend. The combination of espionage, drama and adventure makes for an engaging story with a relatable main character. The book is part of a proposed series, though only Amber Undercover has been published so far.
Amber Undercover (First Book)
Amber Unstoppable (Second Book)
Book series design is an interesting challenge as many aspects have to be established early on to create harmony and consistency whilst allowing room for exciting new elements. I began by designing the main character; Amber. Her looks were based on the brief description in the book.
This was an interesting challenge in terms of representing a character of a different colour.
To acknowledge the stereotypical representation of black girl characters, I attempted to explore various body types, hair types and hairstyles before deciding on the character's features.
This was an interesting challenge in terms of representing a character of a different colour.
To acknowledge the stereotypical representation of black girl characters, I attempted to explore various body types, hair types and hairstyles before deciding on the character's features.
Initial concept sketches
Exploring title treatment
Character development
Character traits exploration
Sketches
It was important to design a character that represents her colour and age correctly. I illustrated Amber in a style I believe adds dynamism and an extra level of detail to reflect the book's genre. After establishing the character's looks and clothes, it made creating the series covers and promotional material uncomplicated.
Proposed colour scheme
Title treatment
Final cover designs
Cover design
The final cover concept would have Amber in a thrilling action coming toward the audience while a silhouette, shadowy figure of the obstacle that challenges depending on each story line.
Promotional video for social media
