This project was for my Graphic Design 235 class. We were instructed to create 3 designs for a classic book of our choice, and I picked Les Miserables. The parameters for the assignment had us create one handmade design, one purely typographic design, and one design of any medium of our choice. Other than that we were told that they must include at least one of the 6 principles of design. Enjoy!

Handmade Design: My dads and nieces hands

I wanted to tell a story and add some dramatic symbolism here at the same time. The chains on Val Jeans wrists signify dread, hate, malice, and darkness that became a part of him during his 19 years of imprisonment. The ribbon on Cosettes wrist signifys the love of a mother she never knew. The two hands are very different one from the other- one being large, dirty-looking and worn, while the other is small, petite and soft. The contrast between the two hands as well as the chain and ribbon are meant to symbolize the great divide between the great difficulty and gentleness of life. 

Typography Book Cover:
It really focuses on the text and nothing else. The text is the ‘hero’ of the design and links up with the common theme of imprisonment in Les Miserables. There are many different kinds of imprisonment discussed in the book, whether they were brought about by  ones own actions as in Val Jeanes case, by the decisions of another as with Cosette, or even by ones own personal preference as with the nuns of Petit-Picpus convent. 

Designers Choice: This design was meant to symbolize the choices of Val Jean. When he is trying to decide to continue as Meseur le Mayor and let the innocent man take his place in prison, or take responsibility for his past crimes even though it might put many out of their jobs. Is it better to bless others and be damned yourself, or to live as an honest , mournful angel whilst others perish? Men must make decisions, either hellish or heavenly and learn to live with the outcome.