The goal of this project was to create a conceptual jacket design for a book of my choosing. I chose Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, due to its focus on nature and self-discovery.
Concept 1: Electrocardiogram Monitor and Mountains
Nature is what keeps us going. Also, this concept symbolizes the ups and downs of this journey and adventure called life.
Concept 2: Tree and Key
Nature is the key to discovering our true selves. The title’s placement complements it, as the words are partly entangled with the tree. The words are literally in the wild. This treatment suits the story, the majority of which takes place in the woods of the Alaskan wilderness.
Process
I began by reading the book and watching the film version of Into the Wild in order to get a better sense of
how to start my work and what to include. Next, I made word lists to see what connections I could make between ideas and objects. I generated words and phrases such as “nature,” “not conforming,” and “freedom,” which led to creating visual metaphors, or visual sentences. After that, I started sketching and making collages of the most successful ideas. My main ideas dealt with going against society and connecting with nature. When it came to narrowing down my process, I rejected all obvious and weak ideas, such as the one with the credit card and scissors. After narrowing down to two ideas that I felt were strong, visually and conceptually, I took time refining and working with the type to further refine the covers. For instance, I chose sans serif type for
both concepts, because It would contrast and be less of a distraction. I needed a strong contrast between the ups and downs of the heartbeat and the leaves.
how to start my work and what to include. Next, I made word lists to see what connections I could make between ideas and objects. I generated words and phrases such as “nature,” “not conforming,” and “freedom,” which led to creating visual metaphors, or visual sentences. After that, I started sketching and making collages of the most successful ideas. My main ideas dealt with going against society and connecting with nature. When it came to narrowing down my process, I rejected all obvious and weak ideas, such as the one with the credit card and scissors. After narrowing down to two ideas that I felt were strong, visually and conceptually, I took time refining and working with the type to further refine the covers. For instance, I chose sans serif type for
both concepts, because It would contrast and be less of a distraction. I needed a strong contrast between the ups and downs of the heartbeat and the leaves.
I was also tasked with designing my own title sequence based on the book and film. My goal was to show the transition from city, to suburbs, to wilderness. This would portray Christopher Mccandless's journey to freedom. To achieve this, I shot the video from a first person view. I focused on my legs and feet only. I walked
in the middle of the frame and had to be consistent as possible with walking speed, and the distance I was pointing the camera down. This made it possible to transition to a new scene or environment, by matching
up the feet and legs in motion. Throughout the video, my pants and footwear change in order to reflect the environment I am in. In addition, the terrain transitions from smooth to rugged. At the end, I am fully into
the wild.
in the middle of the frame and had to be consistent as possible with walking speed, and the distance I was pointing the camera down. This made it possible to transition to a new scene or environment, by matching
up the feet and legs in motion. Throughout the video, my pants and footwear change in order to reflect the environment I am in. In addition, the terrain transitions from smooth to rugged. At the end, I am fully into
the wild.
The song that I chose is "Aberdeen" by folk artist, and former Pentatonix member, Avi Kaplan. This song is perfect as it features vivid imagery of nature, and has a natural walking pace beat. The song also has a strong bass drum, in which I march to. Lyrically wise, Avi is talking about a place that he is longing to return to.
It is this place where he can restore his soul and be free.
It is this place where he can restore his soul and be free.
