Distortion Series: A Conceptual Exploration in Book Jacket Design

Derek Dubler's Award-Winning Design Unifies Three Novels Through the Central Idea of Distortion

The inspiration for the Distortion Series came from the three basic shapes - circle, square, and triangle. Dubler found that these shapes not only naturally conveyed the project as a series but also perfectly represented the different types of distortion. The influence of Chip Kidd's "Dry" book jacket design led Dubler to construct his own props and photograph them for the front covers. The typography on the jackets, affected by the different forms of distortion, gives a sense of what each book is about with minimal effort.

What sets the Distortion Series apart is its conceptual exploration of unifying three written works published by different authors. The forms of distortion explored - physical, extraterrestrial, and mental - serve as unifiers but also represent the corresponding form of distortion. The three basic shapes and color choices further enhance this unifying effect.

The creation of the Distortion Series involved building small props and photographing them for each book jacket. The typography for the props was physically cut and assembled, adding an additional layer of satisfaction to the project. The photographed props were inkjet printed in black and white, which would become the book jacket. Finally, the jackets were silkscreen printed to introduce striking color combinations.

Dubler's design was not without its challenges. The main challenge was selecting three written works from completely different authors and unifying their work through a single concept. However, through careful research and observation of typographic compositions and several book jacket designs, Dubler was able to create a design that was both original and unifying.

The Distortion Series is a testament to the power of design in unifying disparate works. It is a striking example of how design can transcend the boundaries of individual works to create a cohesive whole. The series was designed to grab attention when on bookshelves, with jackets that simply wrap around the hardbound book covers. With its unique concept and striking design, the Distortion Series is a worthy recipient of the Golden A' Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design Award.