Studio Brief 1 - Animal Farm Initial Ideas

After researching into the influences for Animal Farm and the time period in which it represents, it has been possible to gather appropriate avenues in which the project could potentially be taken. The reflection of the Russian Revolution of 1917 is present throughout the book and has previously been used as a style for the book's cover design. Many of the designs are however more reflective of a style that was introduced during the second world war, around the time when the book was written and released.

• Idea 1 - Create a poster style cover that is reflective of the WW2 propaganda aesthetic, used in Russia. Russian constructivism / typography. Heavy use of red as the designs primary colour. This could be done using simple graphite pencil sketches as well as paint for the red areas.
• Idea 2 - Reflect the styles found in Russia around the time of the 1917 revolution. This would mean choosing a style found within the Avant-Garde movement, preferably the Suprematism movement.
• Idea 3 - Try to recreate the style of Russian Realism, as the style was used as a way to control the art movements during the 30s. This idea would be reflective of the context of Animal Farm as the book shows how the powerful can control a population, similar to this art form.
• Idea 4 - Use existing posters for a collage or take elements from each to recreate a Russian style cover.

These ideas can also be explored using a range of different media including the traditional methods found during the Russian Revolution and WW2. This may include the experimentation of oil painting, printing or hand-making a design. An alternative approach to the production would be to digitally replicate this style and turn it into a book cover. It will also be necessary to first look at layouts that are appropriate to this context. One layout that has already previously been tested, was the Marber Grid. This layout works well for the context as it would be used in the design process of a Penguin book. Penguin books are known to have previously used this grid for their cover designs of classic books.

Depending on the idea that will be pursued for the cover, the layouts will differ in style. For example, if the idea is to create the design as a Propaganda poster, there will need to be large typeface and possibly prominent figures included in the centre of the page. If the idea would be to use a Suprematism design then it will mean a more lenient structure will be necessary. Many of the styles of art found during the period of the Russian Revolution showed a structure of hierarchy and power. For example, many posters used figures, such as Lenin, as the focus point of the design. They would likely be seen larger in comparison to the other people shown on the design, as it would establish their position in power and demonstrate their ability to rule and command.