John Murray Book Covers
I was tasked to create a book cover for an upcoming John Murray book. At first, my ideas were too literal. One of the main pieces of feedback I took from the session was that lots of covers were too obvious, and the publishers wanted to see more abstract designs.
The book is about a young, queer woman who comes of age in a town where being gay would be seen as wrong. For the next iterations I really just experimented with being conceptual. I think for this specific book, an abstract cover allows for a nuanced representation of the complexity and diversity of the main character’s experiences. The book is set in post-soviet Russia, and I used bold colours to evoke a sense of empowerment and resilience for the main character, symbolising the strength required to navigate societal expectations and personal identity in a region where such matters may be especially challenging.
I also think that the weird, abstract objects and elements lend themselves to interpretation, mirroring her journey to self-discovery and the fluidity of identity. By avoiding literal depictions, I feel like my covers create an open-ended invitation for readers to engage with the narrative.
Unintentionally, I made the last cover here look like a bird. I really liked this, as the subtle resemblance holds symbolic significance for a story of this nature. The bird imagery can metaphorically represent the character’s journey of self-discovery and liberation. Birds are often associated with freedom, transformation, and the ability to transcend limitations, mirroring the challenges and triumphs of her personal growth.
In a societal context where embracing one’s true identity may feel like breaking free of constraints, the bird motif adds a layer of metaphorical depth. Furthermore, birds are known for their diversity in species and colours, providing a visual metaphor for the diverse spectrum of identities within the LGBTQ+ community. The abstract nature of the bird allows readers to interpret it in various ways, fostering a connection between the visual element and the multifaceted narrative of the young girl’s journey towards authenticity and acceptance.
