PROCESS

Text and Image-Based Book Covers

Text-Based Idea #1

I came up with the idea of photographing various textures around campus (e.g., tree bark, cement, pavement, gravel, rust) to capture the contrast between the natural and industrial worlds in the novel.

While editing the title, I was drawn to how the highlighted selection inverted the text and texture, creating an intriguing effect.

It immediately opened up a range of possibilities for compelling fragmentation.

Text-Based Idea #2

The tree is where Snowman, the novel’s protagonist, spends much of his time in the present. It symbolizes not only his newfound sense of authority but also the potential for humanity’s rebirth.

I never considered that this concept would be image-driven, especially since the image of a tree on its own isn’t particularly compelling. Instead, my main focus was on shaping the text to fit the form of the tree.

Text-Based Idea #4

DNA is a symbol I strongly associate with Oryx and Crake, representing the genetic material that is increasingly being manipulated.

The fluid shape of the DNA strand also reflects the tangled memories of the novel's protagonist. I began by crafting an origami DNA strand and writing the book's title and author’s name directly onto the paper.

Text-Based Idea #3

The Earth and our distorted perception of its abundant gifts are at the core of the novel.

I explored organic shapes inspired by the outlines of countries and continents.

I tend to favour the more abstract versions, but I’m uncertain whether they offer a solid foundation for developing something more intricate.

Image-Based Idea #1

The green eye is a prominent symbol in the novel, closely tied to Crake and the “Crakers”, so I knew it had to be a central element in one of my designs.

I used watercolour markers to paint the eye, activating each layer with water to blend and spread the colours.

For the DNA strand, I sketched it digitally, then scanned, digitized, and colour-inverted the image.

Image-Based Idea #2

Pigs and rabbits symbolize the genetically engineered creatures from which they were derived.