Focusing on contemporary design - textures

Development of texture manipulation

I decided to concentrate on developing more of a contemporary design to make the cover more appealing for a contemporary and younger audience. This would also help me abstract the visuals which could help the concept behind the design seem less obvious and more visually intriguing to viewers. This design above focuses on the idea of bubbles in science and their connotations with chemical reactions etc. I wanted to play with the type so framed sections of it with images, yet included some negative space in order to add drama. The only issue with this design is that arguably the title is a bit illegible through the multi tones. As well as this, I made the choice to repeat the text in order to communicate the idea that the book in cramped full of information; I decided to stick and experiment with this approach as I thought it looked effective. 

I wanted to play with other images, and how I could cut out sections to reveal type in order to have a multilayered design; this would help me build depth and more detail to avoid a flat design. I took inspiration from Braulio Amado's ways of manipulating images, by experimenting with images of bubbles and water. I liked how the effect has an almost liquid property to it, and has a kinetic sense which gives the illusion of movement. I wanted to keep the repeated text to frame the background of this image, which pushed me to use simple text for the title. I actually like how the title and text on the cover is very small, as it challenges the conceptions of what a traditional cover hierarchy should be like. By having the image the dominant element of the design, it makes the visuals more allusive to the reader, which I believe fits into the role of a contemporary design. 

Playing with colour 

 I decided to play around with colours in order to provide an element of fun to the design, which would fit the sense of voice of Bill Bryson; I want to have a contemporary aesthetic as well as having a playful atmosphere. I want to challenge the conceptions of typical science non fiction. 

I think I prefer the orange colour scheme the most as the warm tones compliment one another and provide a consistent design; I think the black text pops out more than the blue design. 

I decided to approach the design with a black and white colour scheme in order to convey more of a sense of formality; it fits more with the expectations of a science non fiction, which I'm not sure whether I want to focus on.