Past entires to Penguin.

This is last years winner 2010. This design is based all on the concept of the book jacket relating to the contents in the book. Showing visually the emotions that the book tackles, I really like this approach to the brief. In the explanation explains that the outer crochet cover is to represent the delicate family structure and how it will disintegrate over time.  The undercover signifies the concrete foundations that the family are built on, and cracks showing hows its breaking apart. I understand why this design won, obviously a lot of thought went into this design. Personally i would approach the brief differently visually as i am an illustrator, But i think for this idea this choice in outcome is the most successful. The thing i want to take away from this brief is the realisation of the emotional side of the book, and not just to focus on objects or imagery.  

This was the entry that came second last year in 2010. I think this design is really effective but at the same time simple use of space and colour with a constant colour palette and font.  This cover is also very conceptual, all representing the main character love of write and the three flies representing the generations of the Buenia family. The designer has used horizontal guiding system on the layout which has worked well as the hole book jacket is based mostly on text. This book cover has inspired me to reflect on my text more as currently I am focusing a lot on my imagery. I know want  to draw some hand rendered text for my cover to complement my illustrations. 

This was the 1st place winner in 2009. This cover is very detailed and illustrative, It explains in the explanation of the work that this design was inspired by the french patterns and typography from the 18th century. The concept behind this cover is well considered, she explains that the main character in the book has his talents with women represented by showing the flowers and the world and the world around him. The trail of flowers is meant signify the scent leading to the main character. I love the concept to this cover and how its been represented visually through a detailed illustration. I have been inspired by reflecting more on the era and where the book was set, as it gives the book front, back and contents continuity.     

This is the winner in 2008. I find this book cover very edgy and abstract, It plays with strong lines and bold colours. This makes you think of a strong storey line,  which a judges comment says 'capture's the essence of the book perfectly.' The concept behind this book cover is very well considered, the layers of colours descending to black that represents that the impending doom of the first murder. This cover shows the mood of the book well, serious and dark contents. I want to take way from this book cover is the way the designer connected the overall feeling of the book in such a simple, bold design. I must remember that some time simplify can be very strong if you want to make a statement with your design.