STUDENTS at Scottish universities have been shortlisted for the Penguin Cover Design Award.
The annual award challenges aspiring artists to redesign classic book covers.
This year entrants could choose to reimagine A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle for children, or Night Watch by Terry Pratchett as the adult title.
Of the 20 shortlisted entries, three are from students of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) at the University of Dundee, and one is studying at Edinburgh College.
Georgia McEwen, studying illustration at DJCAD, was very excited to be shortlisted for her Night Watch design.
She said: “I thought it was a scam call at first! I honestly still can’t really believe it, it’s been such a boost of confidence. I have such a respect for the world of publishing and the chance to be involved in this way is so exciting.”
The award champions emerging talent, with 12 of the 20 shortlisted entries coming from students, and the rest from recent graduates or individuals not yet working in the art and design sector.
Lee Motley, art director at Penguin Michael Joseph, commented on the very high standard of work this year.
He said: “Design in the fantasy area of publishing has its own creative challenges, but the submissions showed an exceptional standard of inventive and experimental design and typography.
“The diverse range of submissions and quality of design made the judging process harder than ever.”
Each shortlisted entrant was given feedback on their design by Penguin Art Directors and could make edits to their interpretations of the fantasy titles before the final round of judging.
The designers drew on many different processes and inspirations for creating their unique works.
Sunny Tsang, illustration student at DJCAD, redesigned Night Watch and said: “The handmade text takes inspiration from the idea of revolution, and standing up for the innocent, in its blocky and graphic design.
“I really wanted to communicate the high tension and drama in the fight against corruption that the characters endure through the silhouettes.”
Callum Selkirk, visual communication student at Edinburgh College, also chose Terry Pratchett’s book to reimagine.
He said: “Most of my drive came from classic linography as I have been obsessed with cut outs and I felt like that technique really translated the authenticity of the story.”
The winner of each title will be announced in April and will be awarded a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium tablet, £100 worth of Penguin Books and a six-month mentorship with one of the Penguin Art Department team. The award has been running since 2007.
