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62 playing with type
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18
using found type
Create a series of book covers that
share the same found typography, with
different treatments.
Look for type. This could be letters you
found at a flea market, old lead or wood
type, alphabet refrigerator magnets, or
abandoned signage.
Select three books, either by the same
author or pertaining to the same subject.
In order to best inform your design, these
should be books you’ve read.
Using your found letters, design the cover
of one of the books you’ve chosen. Turn this
one cover into a series of three, all using the
same letters, but in a different way. The
letters should be the focal point of each
cover design. Using the same letters on all
three covers will ensure a cohesive design.
Include the spine, back, and inside flaps
in your design. Every element should be
related typographically.
Wrap your final designs around existing
hardcover books. Photograph each
separately and together as a set.
If you loved this, you’ll love these!
3-D Type, page 90; Type Constructions, Part 1, page 136; Type Constructions, Part 2, page 141
About the spine
In a bookstore, we judge books first by their spines.
Because of this, you should pay close attention to the
design of the spine.
Remember that the spine has to catch someone’s eye
from at least a few feet away. If people can’t read the
title of the book from there, they might skim right
past it.
In a series, the spines of the books should talk to one
another. Even better, if they fit together in some
clever way, they will look amazing on your bookshelf
at home.
Opposite page, top left: Author Darren Shan’s name spelled out in original
metal letters found at a local flea market by designer Catherine Casalino
Designer: Catherine Casalino
Opposite page, top right and bottom: A scene in the book with shadow
puppets was the inspiration for the cover. The shadow letters were created
by placing the found metal letters on wooden skewers behind a sheet. The
whole setup was then lit from behind and photographed.
Designer/Photographer: Catherine Casalino
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
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