Editorial Design
Engulfed in Flames
Brief summary
This project requires developing a unique concept for a book of short stories that revolve around a single fictional character. The narrative must be conceptualised around the guiding prompt ‘the moment after which everything was different’. The aim of the project is to create a set of meaningful narrative experiences for the reader, reflected in the life of the character and the accompanying visual language. A compelling editorial concept, thematic strategy, defined genre, and engaging imagery are essential to produce a captivating product.
Project deliverables
01. Original short story
02. Editorial spreads*
• Dust cover
• Cover
• Endpaper
• Title page
• Imprint page
• Contents page
• Complete chapter spread
• Three additional chapter titles
03. Presentation boards
*Click here to view flat editorial spreads.
Design strategy
Engulfed in Flames is a collection of contemporary apologues which offer a glimpse into the conditions of the human experience. Following the apologue genre, the main character is a moth who is granted human consciousness while flying towards an electric light bulb. Deeply perplexed by his actions — and his species desire to burn up in fire — the moths seeks to understand his manner by indulging himself in human behaviour. Explored through the eyes of the moth, Engulfed in Flames aims to reveal that humans are the ultimate cause of their own unhappiness.
The book is a work of experimental prose. While the story follows a defined narrative arc, the characters are not given names, and there is no perceptible setting. The focus is rather on the experiential and emotional reactions of the character so that the reader may connect to similar feelings. This experimental concept is further reflected in the editorial layouts, illustrations, and typography. Black and white imagery is used to give the impression of light and dark and create a moody atmosphere for the narrative. The illustrations portray both tangible and abstract images for the reader to interpret alongside the writing.
Research and development
The moth character was developed around the type five enneagram. This cerebral, investigatory personality type also informed the overall editorial concept which takes an inward look at human behaviour.
Visual moodboard
Editorial moodboard
Different layout options were considered for the editorial design. A clear grid system is used to ensure cohesion throughout the book. The final spreads emphasise the pages’ typographic design, allowing the typography to act as an additional layer of storytelling and enhance certain emotions in the narrative.
The book’s visual development involved experimentation with various media including charcoal, linocut, gauche, and machine embroidery. The final illustrations are predominantly created from erased charcoal, evocative of the dusty features of the moth character as well as the ashy remnants of fire.
Cover
Open spine binding showcases the personal and experimental nature of the book. The dust cover aims to attract dust rather than protect the book from it. The intension of the cover is that over time the book would become dustier to reflect that of a moth’s wings. High contrast lino and gauche moths appear as if seared into the cover, reflecting the first short story’s narrative.
End paper, title, imprint, and contents
Chapter spread
Additional chapters
