Below are three variations of book covers I designed for the popular book 'The Outsiders' by S. E. Hinton. Despite having a young audience, the story is dark and gritty in parts. I wanted to convey this while retaining abstract elements relating to the story.
The Initial design features three objects on the cover, which on close inspection may be recognised as cigarettes. Aside from frequent mentions in the narrative, the amount of cigarettes represent the protagonist and his two brothers. The placement of the objects reveals how the protagonist compares and regards himself to his brothers.
The reverse of this cover is a continuation of the front - in this case an ashtray. It follows on from the cigarettes and signifies the end of the story.
The second variation is a little less abstract, but no less mysterious. Upon finishing the book the reader may look at the cover and see it in a new light - a gang member poised, ready to rumble.
Again following on from the front cover, the back shows a knife - often used in such fights, and a pivotal game changer within the story.
On the final front cover we see old-fashioned buildings, and at a second glance overcast skies - signalling the troubled times to come.
The reverse features a sunset decending over the horizon, which hides a duality within. As with the first back cover, it signifies the end of the tale while also representing something special to the protagonist.
