In collaboration with Oxford University Press and Tim Friers, I had the opportunity to design a series, as part of one of my University projects 'designing for editorial platforms'. I designed a series of three unique book covers that were unified by a single, central theme: 'Islam'. This project allowed me to delve into the cultural and historical richness of the subject while expressing it through a visual lens that was both aesthetically captivating and respectful to the topic. The design process involved extensive research to ensure the covers would not only be visually appealing but also deeply rooted in the cultural significance of Islam.
Oxford University Press: book design project, theme created surrounding: 'Islam'. Includes promotional bookmarks
For the creation and concept of the covers, I decided to use Arabic calligraphy as the focal point, recognizing its importance in Islamic art and its ability to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication. The calligraphy was intricately designed to be not only visually stunning but also meaningful, reflecting the beauty and depth of the language. To enhance the overall visual impact, I incorporated special finishes such as gold foil, which added a luxurious and premium quality to the covers. The gold foil not only emphasized the importance of the topic but also gave the covers a sense of timelessness, making them visually compelling and tactilely engaging.
Incorporating Islamic geometric patterns on the inside of the sleeve added a layer of depth to the design, allowing the concept to be further elevated and brought together cohesively. These geometric patterns are a hallmark of Islamic art, known for their intricate symmetry and balance. By weaving these elements into the design, I was able to honour the rich cultural tradition of the Islamic world, while also creating a visual harmony that complemented the rest of the packaging. The patterns, not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the book covers but also provided a sense of continuity between the exterior and the interior of the sleeve. This thoughtful inclusion helped tie together the thematic elements of the project, reinforcing the connection between the design and the subject matter of the books.
In addition to the book covers themselves, I was tasked with creating a marketing proposal to promote the series. After considering various promotional strategies, I chose bookmarks as the medium for this purpose. The bookmarks were designed to match the elegance of the book covers, featuring the same gold-foiled Arabic calligraphy, ensuring consistency across the promotional materials. The bookmarks were further elevated by the addition of tassels, which provided both a functional and aesthetic enhancement. The tassels added a sense of detail and a premium touch, reinforcing the high-quality nature of the book series and making them a perfect companion to the covers. This thoughtful approach to the promotional materials helped tie the entire collection together, creating a cohesive and refined branding experience.
