The Big Sleep Cover - Silhouettes

I have created 4 possible silhouettes to be used on The Big Sleep book cover that I'm designing, I have photographed myself in appropriate clothing to avoid any copyright infringement.

Each silhouette is in a slightly different pose, I now have to decide which will look best on the cover...

Silhouette 1

Silhouette 2

Silhouette 3

Silhouette 4

Texture in Graphic Design

The use of texture in graphics is very important, as textures can change the whole feel and identity of a product. One of the most common ways to add texture to graphic design is by using various types of paper; a heavy gauge paper can give a luxurious, high quality feel. A coarse, rustic paper can give a homemade or vintage feel to a design.

Source:seanwes.com

Another way to add texture is by using various manufacturing a printing techniques. Debossing and embossing is a prime example. Debossing and embossing is adding a sunken or raised surface to the paper or card, this effect is usually used to make letters and logos stand out and gives the design a high-quality feel. The use of high gloss and metallic inks is also quite common and again, gives the design a high-quality, luxurious feel.


When a graphic design is purely digital, textures are usually added by use of layers and give the illusion that the image is on a physical material e.g. a canvas screen.

The Big Sleep Cover Mock Ups

source: Penguin

I have made another step in designing my entry for the Penguin Design Award competition.

I have created 3 book cover mock ups using Adobe Illustrator, I am trying to determine which font combinations works best with the overall design.

The dimensions are to Penguin's specifications and I have included the Penguin Logo.

Click on the links below:

Mock Up 1

Mock Up 2

Mock Up 3

Spyker Graphics

For my last Design project I created a selection of graphic pieces for the Dutch Sports Car firm; Spyker.

I used orange as a running theme as it is a strong, bold colour and has connotations of the Netherlands. I enjoyed this project and I'm proud of the outcome.