The "photorealism" of Kafka's face provides contrast and establishes visual hierarchy for me. I also find it entertaining since there are those authors who love to put a big mug shot of themselves on back of their books. If it was "illustrated" you might miss that...
I am trying to find Douglas Smith who also did the Wicked cover and illustrations. If you have a way for him to reach me please have him email me at thegentree then the at sign yahoo then the dot com
The only thing I dislike is the photorealism of Kafka's face. I wish it had been drawn in the same pulpy style as the vermin.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the designer was inspired by Peter Kuper's scratchboard adaptations of Kafka?
ReplyDeleteLove the cover.
ReplyDeleteThe "photorealism" of Kafka's face provides contrast and establishes visual hierarchy for me. I also find it entertaining since there are those authors who love to put a big mug shot of themselves on back of their books. If it was "illustrated" you might miss that...
It's the reader's crossed legs that really make this work, I think.
ReplyDeleteJames: I think you're absolutely right about the legs.
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect. Wonderful idea and great execution. Pays to work with illustrators.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture! I'm going to have to check this book out, haha!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
http://5-squared.blogspot.com
I think the photorealism was meant to *imply* those "authors who love to put a big mug shot of themselves on back of their books".
ReplyDeleteLove it. Just totally.
Exactly... thanks leigh.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to find Douglas Smith who also did the Wicked cover and illustrations. If you have a way for him to reach me please have him email me at thegentree then the at sign yahoo then the dot com
ReplyDeletehey thats cool check out
ReplyDeletewww.maradonia.com
Also reminiscent of Crumb's Life of Kafka (holy cow, what a screwed up guy)
ReplyDeletea little twee, I think
ReplyDelete