To celebrate the most influential authors and books of all time, the Library of Congress is hosting an exhibit
that will
feature historical artifacts, original manuscripts, 1st editions and other objects related to the authorship
and
original release of each text. The exhibit features a timeline of books, their respective artifacts, exhibits,
and ends
with “Looking Forward, Modern Interpretations of the Classic Covers” featuring 100 cover concepts for each of
the 100
books featured in the show. The idea is to use the book cover as a way to spark interest in and communicate
something
about each story in unique ways. To accomplish this last effort, the library is hiring teams of designers to
contribute
to the event. Create two different book covers featuring a play of your choice. One will be focused solely on
using type, and the other focused on imagery.
Client:
Library of Congress
Disciplines:
Conceptual Design, Typography Design, and Information Design
Type Book Cover
This design was constructed purely out of type. The fading effect serves a dual purpose as it alludes to the
ghost of
Hamlet's father, as well as the existential crisis that befalls Hamlet summarized in the classic line, "to be
or
not to be."
Image Book Cover
This design demonstrates the duality of Hamlet's behaviors as sane and insane. The king chess piece in the
middle represents the metaphorical game of chess, wits, deceit, and manipulation that is experienced by
characters in Hamlet, which lead consistently drive the plot forward.
