I haven’t seen this in person, which is unfortunate because the production value of this seems important, but either way, it’s funny, (or maybe I just have a penchant for cockroaches: #1#2?)
More importantly, the designer, Fusco, was recently interviewed. Read it here.
I will say that the production of this didn’t really turn out exactly the way I wanted. It ended up printing a little blown out and without a rough matte finish I’d originally intended. I also really wanted to reverse emboss the type. But budget constraints kept that from happening. In the end, I was pretty happy regardless. Also, it was really fun throwing the book in dirt and kicking it down the street in order to get that effect.
A designer’s instinct is to make lists ASAP (As Small As Possible) to minimize clutter – sales and marketing insist they be big as selling points. Mr. Fusco achieves a pleasing balance, integrating the list nicely into the overall design. No mean feat.
One can read the vertical rule separating the columns as a visual link between the bomb and cockroach. Cause/effect?
Hmmm… I like the line work and text, but I really don’t think that distress works here. It looks really, really fake… perhaps better in person, mehopes.
I agree with most here that this is a really great approach, but the success of it would depend a lot on the production of the book. I would love to hold it in my hands to see the full effect. It does look like it was pulled from the rubble after a catastrophic event, and think the cockroach is a great use of imagery as a design element. The bomb is not necessary, in my opinion, but certainly cute!
I haven’t seen this in person, which is unfortunate because the production value of this seems important, but either way, it’s funny, (or maybe I just have a penchant for cockroaches: #1 #2?)
More importantly, the designer, Fusco, was recently interviewed. Read it here.
— Ben Pieratt, 2008-04-09 08:02:00
I will say that the production of this didn’t really turn out exactly the way I wanted. It ended up printing a little blown out and without a rough matte finish I’d originally intended. I also really wanted to reverse emboss the type. But budget constraints kept that from happening. In the end, I was pretty happy regardless. Also, it was really fun throwing the book in dirt and kicking it down the street in order to get that effect.
— Michael Fusco, 2008-04-09 08:11:00
Great cover! I love that little bomb on the bottom…attention to details!
— nate s., 2008-04-09 08:16:00
love it.
— Ian Shimkoviak, 2008-04-09 08:47:00
Wow, really fantastic, indeed. Glad it was fun to make, Michael—your kicks were definitely worthwhile because it looks awesome!
— Suzie, 2008-04-09 10:12:00
A designer’s instinct is to make lists ASAP (As Small As Possible) to minimize clutter – sales and marketing insist they be big as selling points. Mr. Fusco achieves a pleasing balance, integrating the list nicely into the overall design. No mean feat.
One can read the vertical rule separating the columns as a visual link between the bomb and cockroach. Cause/effect?
— Tom McKeveny, 2008-04-10 05:51:00
Hmmm… I like the line work and text, but I really don’t think that distress works here. It looks really, really fake… perhaps better in person, mehopes.
— C-Dog, 2008-04-10 09:06:00
I agree with most here that this is a really great approach, but the success of it would depend a lot on the production of the book. I would love to hold it in my hands to see the full effect. It does look like it was pulled from the rubble after a catastrophic event, and think the cockroach is a great use of imagery as a design element. The bomb is not necessary, in my opinion, but certainly cute!
— Ryan Scheife, 2008-04-13 11:02:00