Limited edition OUP book covers

Briefed by the Oxford Universty Press, I created limited edition covers for the astronomy set of books within the "A Very Short Introduction" (VSI) series. Based around a systematic, heirarchical approach which ties together the Moons, Planets and Stars books together with a unified graphic.

Duration

May–June 2025

Client

Oxford University Press

Services

Editorial

Brand strategy

Challenge

Given that the VSI collection uses a standardised, abstract–painterly approach to all of their covers I had to create something which felt new while remaining within that 'universe'.

3D illustration of a figure with long pink tentacle-like hair on a blue background

3D illustration of a pink and orange lotus flower on a blue background

Illustration of a figure whose head is a burst of orange flame

Solution

I created a 'nebulous' background using watercolours, digitised it (inverted it) and added some effects to give the impression of the night sky. The hero graphic combines various astronomical concepts to create a distinct visual. Constellations, planetary rings, moon-phases all represented using the same building blocks.

3D illustration of a figure in a white coat with a hand-shaped head and a glowing yellow core

3D illustration of a figure in a white robe with many arms against a dark background

3D illustration of a figure wrapped in its own long pink arms, standing on yellow grass

Impact

The nebulous background was praised by the OUP rep and the foiled titles gave an eye-catching detail on shelves which animated as customers walked by – reflected light produced different colours as they walked near it. Creating an delicate and attention grabbing set. Fit for the VSI series.

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