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Phase 02

Students were assigned a research assignment for this project in order to understand different types of designs that a book can include. We were asked to collect both physical and online research. Throughout this process we were advised to focus on the following ideas:

• Type and Image
• Typography (Only)
• Staged Photography

Books & Covers

A collection of images taken from various books in the graphic design, illustration, and photography sections of Sprague Library on MSU's campus. Physical research  makes up 60% of this phase, and it is followed by 40% of online research.

Type & Image

A combination of both typography and photographs/images. They are combined and presented together in order to enhance visuals, give life to typography, and give a better understanding of the meaning of a design.

Type

This set of images found in the previously mentioned books present designs that only contain typography. There are no images or graphics present. 

Staged Photography

A type of photography that is strictly in control by the designer/photographer. In this case, every situation or set up is purposely set up in order to produce a specific idea. Staged photography is a way to visualize a photographer's ideas directly.

Online Research

While spending time in the library and pulling different types of books from the shelves was a major part to this phase, online sites and sources also contributed. I've included several different images and sections that I found inspirational and helpful in terms of brainstorming for my book covers.  

John Gall

Credit: https://johngalldesign.com/
John Gall is a designer that was introduced by our Professor during class. He primarily works on book covers, which I have included in the image slides. Book covers that stood out to me the most are isolated by themselves. The way Gall outlines images of people and objects/areas particularly interests me. He tends to make them the center of attention without presenting them direct in obvious ways (etc. cutting out images of people and leaving a silhouette, featuring sections and parts of a faces).

This led me to look into other pieces (outside of book covers) that Gall has produced. I found myself fixated on his collages (last two slides) that included blocked and cut out areas. Emotions and meaning are can easily be visualized by someone's face or a setting of a street or house. However, Gall works around those direct methods and portrays more mysteriousness and subjects that may leave a viewer contemplating what his collages may symbolize or be connected to. 

Janet Hansen

Credit: https://www.janet-hansen.com/
Upon viewing some of Gall's work that is published on his website, I found a few pieces that credited other designers and artists. One individual I looked in to was Janet Hansen, a mixed-media artist and designer. She has also created different types of book covers that I found relevant to this project. I noticed that many of her pieces appear elegant and others have playful colors and images. Some book covers utilized a lot of negative space, which I want to keep in mind for the next phases. 

The third slide labeled as Hansen's "etc." showcases mixed media that includes illustrations, websites, and business cards. Overall, observing the the ways that Hansen approaches her designs with a lighthearted and bright style makes it apparent to me how much she and Gall contrast. Their distinct and different perspectives is an example for me to take note of: design is a complex art that involves time, research, knowledge, and an eye for what you're visualizing and how you will go about making it happen. It's a fun art that has so many different styles and techniques that can be used as well.
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