Graphic Design Projects > Photomontage & Type-Driven Book Cover Designs

Introduction
Composition is the form, the whole spatial property, and structure resulting from the visualization and arrangement of graphic elements—type and images — in relation to one another and to the format. Designers compose with the intention to visually communicate, to be compelling, and to be expressive.

This unit focuses on the principles of composing for a single surface. Consider the purposes of composition: visual interest; clarity of visual communication; organization of graphic space; holding the design together, a kind of armature; visual articulation of a design concept; visual expression and communication. When composing a design, it’s essential to consider the guiding design principles: visual hierarchy, unity, balance, and rhythm.

Learning Objectives
-- Learn the fundamentals of composition
-- Learn how to create the illusion of spatial depth
-- Grasp the importance of grouping
-- Understand the compositional process
-- Be aware of composing for a single static surface
-- Grasp the role of type and image arrangements and relationships
-- See the point of arrangement
-- Know the purpose of guiding a viewer through design

Part 1: Photomontage Book Cover Design
-- Design a book cover for your favorite work of fiction, creative nonfiction, or nonfiction, or for the re-release of a classic, such as Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird or Toni Morrison’s Beloved. -- -- Select a book that will immediately bring images to mind.
-- Develop a concept for the book focusing on one main image.
-- The main method of visualization is a photomontage made in Photoshop.
-- With your concept as the driving force, make thumbnail sketches of different possible compositions in your sketchbook. Form a composition through experimentation. Do not use any formal structuring devices such as a grid or golden section. Make the image the focal point. The title and author’s name should be in a neutral typeface.
-- Determine the visual hierarchy keeping the focal point in mind.
-- Use your own images or stock-images.
-- Choose one sketch and turn it into a rough.
-- Refine the rough.
-- Create a final comp in Photoshop.

Part 2: Type-Driven Book Cover Design
-- Design another book cover for the same title
-- Develop a design concept for the book focusing on the title
-- The main method of visualization is type-based with texture elements made in Photoshop.
-- Design a type-driven poster With your concept as the driving force, make thumbnail sketches of different possible compositions. Form a composition through experimentation. Do not use any formal structuring devices such as a grid or golden section. Make the title the focal point.
-- Any image should be subordinate to the title.
-- Determine the visual hierarchy keeping the title as focal point in mind.
-- Experiment with and include texture into your design. Use your own images or stock-images.
-- Choose one sketch and turn it into a rough.
-- Refine the rough.
-- Create a final comp.

Specifications
In Photoshop, create a new document with the following specifications: 5.5x8.5” portrait orientation, 2 Artboards, no bleed, CMYK color, 300 ppi