Project 02: Conceptual Book Cover Project
This project uses the creative strategies of graphic design in order to communicate the message of a classic novel. The subject of this project is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
Three different methods were used to showcase the novel: Typography; Physical Elements; and Designer's Choice. Through these methods, the concept of the piece is displayed on the cover.
For Jane Eyre, the main concepts are the symbols of the chestnut tree, beauty from ashes, and an engulfing flame.
Typography:
"Descending the laurel walk I faced the wreck of the chestnut-tree; it stood up, black and riven: the trunk, split down the centre, gasped ghastly. The cloven halves were not broken from each other, for the firm base and strong roots kept them unsundered below..." (Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte).
The chestnut tree for the Typography method is based on the symbol of Jane and Mr. Rochester's love. The tree is ultimately shattered by lightning when Jane and Rochester declare their love for each other. But after their trials and Jane's return, the old chestnut tree still stands in the end. Showing that love can conquer all.
Physical Elements:
“Do you think I am an automaton?–a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong!–I have as much soul as you,–and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh;–it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God’s feet, equal,–as we are!” (Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte).
The Physical Elements method uses the background image of lightning and trees that shatters the chestnut tree and divides Jane and Mr. Rochester. On top of this image are the silhouettes of Jane and Mr. Rochester with the text from the book in the scene where they pronounce their love, but also prepares for the "shattering" and engulfing flame of their relationship. On a pile of the ashes of their relationship, lies a silver rose and bleeding hearts. The silver rose is based on Mr. Rochester and how although it may appear cold and dead, it still maintains goodness and beauty. The bleeding heart flowers that are on Jane's side of the cover represents her living love and full heart when it comes to Mr. Rochester.
Designer's Choice:
“I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.”(Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte)
“I can live alone, if self-respect, and circumstances require me so to do. I need not sell my soul to buy bliss. I have an inward treasure born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld, or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give.”
The Designer's Choice cover is a silhouette of Jane Eyre that is being engulfed by flames. Jane holds back her passion and desire for Mr. Rochester in order to stay true to her values and convictions. The rose inside the silhouette is on fire as well, but might represent the heart inside her that still lives despite being enflamed.
