PORTRAIT OF JENNIE

ROBERT NATHAN

BOOK DESIGN

The goal was to create a dust jacket for Portrait of Jennie that conveyed the themes of the book, without giving away too much of the story. I felt it was important to maintain a sense of mystery that was present in the book. There was a feeling of longing, and feeling lost, throughout the story, that I  also wanted to highlight. The book struck a perfect balance between sad things and beautful things, that I wanted to show. It was also my goal to use typography that expressed this. 

The Client 

Portrait of Jennie by Robert Nathan was originally published in 1940, and was so successful it was later made into a major motion picture. The book is a story about a Depression-era painter, and the woman who inspires his work while she slips through time. Borzoi Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, has recently acquired the rights to this book. The last time it was published was in 1947, so it is with great anticipation that they are looking to create an updated dust jacket. The client is looking for a cover that feels modern, while still honoring the setting and time period of the book. 

The Problem

The problem presented by this book cover was joining old and modern conventions together to create something timeless, but still appealing to the readers of today. 

The Outcome 

The outcome of the dust jacket was successful. I wanted to be faithful to the story, which was achieved. Using shades of blue and green with white text, I was able to create an atmospheric and mysterious cover.  I feel that the cover conveys a feeling of nostalgia without being overly sentimental.