Assignment 06
Visual Concept
Auteur film writer and director [Choose 1: Paul Thomas Anderson or Sofia Coppola] has agreed to expand three of their well known films into novels for FSG books. These hardcover, non-fiction books will be released as a series, and need a visual language that ties the three titles together. Design these covers featuring the films title and directors name.
The book covers should not use any stills from the film or it’s production, no ties to specific actors or references to the marketing of the film (it’s posters, titles, etc). Your typographic choices and imagery should not reference any previous material. It should, for all intensive purposes, be wholly original.
Visual Concept: Week 1
Visit Strand, a thrift store or a book store of your choosing and purchase three “dollar-bin” hardcover books. These books should share the same cover size. Next week, design your three covers and print them to scale. Cut to your covers dimensions, full bleed.
Visual Concept: Week 2
Continue to design your series of three book covers. Next week, design the full dust jacket mechanical including flaps and spine. Print them to scale. Cut to your jacket’s dimensions, full bleed. Print and wrap your covers around three hardcover books for presentation. Reference an example mechanical as you build your own based on your books’ dimensions.
FRONT FLAP (3.75-4in)
Typically includes a brief description of the book.
BACK FLAP (3.75-4in)
Typically includes an author photo and bio.
SPINE (width variable)
Typically includes book and author name.
BACK COVER (size of front cover)
Typically includes a brief description of the book.
PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON
PT Anderson’s most recent five films have further evolved and established the filmmakers style as an observant naturalist putting character first. These five films also see Anderson creating period pieces, focusing on stories depicting decades past. You can download the films with subtitles here Thanks to Sasha Baker.
Paul Thomas Anderson also goes by PT Anderson, or PTA. Only the films from his recent career (2007-present) can be considered for your series:
1996 Hard Eight
1997 Boogie Nights
1999 Magnolia
2002 Punch-Drunk Love
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2007 There Will Be Blood
2012 The Master
2014 Inherent Vice
2017 Phantom Thread
2021 Licorice Pizza
SOFIA COPPOLA
Sofia Coppola is a celebrated filmmaker known for her distinct directorial style, characterized by atmospheric visuals, understated storytelling, and a focus on themes of isolation, privilege, and identity. Her films often feature dreamlike aesthetics, minimalist dialogue, and carefully curated soundtracks, creating an immersive emotional experience. Coppola has solidified her reputation for blending visual opulence with introspective narratives that delve into the inner worlds of her characters.
1999 The Virgin Suicides
2003 Lost in Translation
2006 Marie Antoinette
2010 Somewhere
2013 The Bling Ring
2017 The Beguiled
2020 On the Rocks
2023 Priscilla
BOOK COVER RESOURCES
Book Cover Archive
I Need A Book Cover
The Book Cover Review
Rodrigo Corral
Na Kim
Paul Sahre
Peter Mendelsund
David Pearson
Alex Merto
Tyler Comrie
Janet Hansen
Pablo Delcan
Rachel Willey
Erik Carter
This is a hypothetical assignment for instruction purposes, inspired by an assignment given by Eileen Hedy Schultz at the School of Visual Arts. Thank you.