Extra Finishes:
The design looked at existing children's book to see what they include besides the story, so that the final production would have an extra layer of authority, in line with readily published work.
The design thus considered characteristics of a blurb, and considerations for cover type and layout, as well as the use of intro and outro pages, author notes and additional sections that complete a book.
1. Pattern spreads
Inspired by existing children's publication, the collaboration wanted to use a repetitive pattern design that adding something to the narrative.
Fitting with the books theme, and the progression of day to night within the narrative, the design decided for the mirror this for the start and finish of the book. Taking the already established visual representations of day through the lighter blue sky and cloud, and the star combination on black for night, the front and back pages were created. This depiction sets a clear tone which is befitting to the rest of the contents.
2. Authors note
The design decided to include a minimal foreword that spoke to the young reader, with hope of making a piercing comment that would make the book more personal. The design decided to use handwriting to communicate a softer and less authoritative tone, with intentions of putting the reader at ease.
The design tried using the original textures but concluded a simple bold colour in conjunction with a plain black and white page would work best with the rest of the design, and add a popping, friendly quality to the message.
3. Introduction
The following introduction page was thus kept minimal to contrast nicely with the vibrant author's note.
4. Outro
The final page utilised the custom type to spell 'the end', using language with a calm tone of voice to aid the reader into slumber, thus making the design fit for purpose.
5. Cover spread
The design wanted the cover spread to mirror the key concept of the book, with a transition from day to night, evidencing their clear contrasts in colour, shape and form. The design liked the idea of the emphasising the spherical nature of the sun, moon and earth, and the contrasting colours and extras that constitute night and day.
The collaboration felt it was necessary to include the balloon and some sort of visual referencing to Phoenix.
Hence, the following experiments consider:
- Suggestion to day and night
- Include main motifs from book in order to draw all ideas collectively in the cover
- Use colours from same colour scheme that link to the inside pages
- Bold, simple shapes that are enticing
- Be playful and engaging to the younger audience
Animated concept
Whilst the illustrator experimented with different compositions, the design looked at ways to animate the cover for promotional purposes, playing with techniques and methods to make the balloon fly, stars twinkle and type bounce.
Final cover spread
Both designer and illustrator agreed the cover spread was vital in communicating the characteristics of the book, and in attracting attention. The saying don't judge a book by its cover is generally not used from designers and especially within children's books, as it is what's going to first grab their attention.
As such it was imperative that both parties were happy with the final cover spread. The collaboration thus worked in conjunction to produce the desired outcome. It was agreed the that cover should be connected, like a 180 flat view, and touch on the contrast of day and nigh, which would in turn cover the limited colour palette the book uses.
The final result achieved exactly that, with the use of pattern to achieve the transition of the juxtaposing imagery - hot to cold, land to see, night to day - therefore covering the key aspects of the world's biosphere.
The design tried to utilise the same wave shape that controls the flow of the cover design for the type placement of the blurb, however it was unsuccessful in utilising space, and the visual balance looked off. As such, a lesser wave was used that translated the same playfulness, with a more efficient use of space. Hierarchy was also decided to place emphasis on specific sentences and dictate the way the blurb was received.
The collaboration then placed the barcode onto the shape that constituted the entire design, as an extra attention to detail that encapsulated the final production.
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