Book Cover
Introduction/Objective: "The Last Emperor" is an extraordinary book written by Edward Samuel Behr, which tells the story of China's last emperor, Pu Yi, and the historical events that took place during his reign. As an avid reader, I was captivated by the vivid descriptions of the Forbidden Palace and the Imperial City. I wanted to create a design that would visually capture the essence of the book and inspire readers to delve into Pu Yi's life and times. Strategy/Methodology: After researching various traditional handcraft skills, I decided that paper sculpture would be the ideal medium to use for my design. Paper sculpture was not only easy to shape and colour, but it was also associated with the intricate layers of tiles and colourful paintings found in the Forbidden Palace. To create a unique design, I developed a new typeface and 3D letters for the book title using paper stock. I incorporated paper spirals and curves into the 3D letters, resulting in a typography design that complemented the colour palette and evoked a sense of exotic, dignified, and mysterious feeling. The colour scheme for the design was inspired by the vibrant colours found in the tiles and paintings of the Forbidden Palace, and I made sure that the design reflected the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture. Results/Impact: With this design, I believe that the cover will attract more attention to the book and entice readers to discover the rich history and culture of China.