Frankenstein
Publication Design
Year 3 University Project
The project
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818) by Mary Shelley is a gothic horror novel, and the precursor to the science-fiction genre as it is known today. The project brief was to research the themes and motifs from the novel, to create an updated design for the book's cover and internal pages. The redesigned publication was professionally printed, and then adapted for digital platforms.
See the printed novel
The publication design
The redesign process
The themes, motifs, characters and visual elements were researched and explored to create cover concepts. Existing book cover designs were used as references, and ranged from strong, simplistic designs, to other Frankenstein covers, and books from the thriller and horror genres. I experimented with various elements, such as the knife, blood, character depictions and scars, to create potential compositions for the cover. The knife was chosen as it's both a surgical tool in the novel, and a weapon. Its shape, the dripping blood, and vivid red hue creates a sense of anticipation and fear around the novel, to reflect the story and capture the reader's attention.
Adapting for a digital platform
Printed publications engage readers through touch, smell and sight. Physical books have the benefit of immersing readers in the story through the tactile act of turning a page. It is important to create a similar sensory experience on digital platforms to maintain reader engagement and create an equally immersive experience. The digital platform adaptation relies on sight and sound to accomplish this.
