Cover designs and submission

In an attempt to create a timeless piece of design, the proportions of the golden ratio was overlaid to help create an aesthetically pleasing design. Herbert Bayer's Universal typeface circular and geometric characteristics align in the aimed circular motif and gives readers a new perspective on Stephen Hawking, appealing to newcomers to the book and make the subject seem less complicated.

When put into practice however, the results never hit the mark. The proportions of the copy look forced into their positions, producing less than desirable compositions. Overall, basing the cover design on the proportions of the golden ratio isn't the most effective technique when dealing with letterforms. 

The following composition follows on the idea of using typography as particles, demonstrated by the small point type. 

The small set type will also break the cover from the standard design traits of book covers of the same genre today. 

When placed into context however, the rigid grid system makes the copy look too ordered and formal, almost like a textbook, which is not what the brief wants. 

This ordered composition may not excite people about the books content, considering how 'mature' it can come off which may not appeal to a 'contemporary' audience. 

Moving away from that previous idea, this composition focuses on italicised type which provides a more striking and dynamic cover. 

The angular motif becomes the main focus, the back copy's composition reflects the angle of the cover, keeping the look of the overall publication consistent.

The addition of the gold further adds to the association of space travel and gives the cover an element of elegance which will help create a timeless piece.

The use of the larger set type as well on the cover will hopefully be more aligned with the tastes of guest judge Anthony Burrill whose work places heavy emphasis on type and clear communication. 

The additions of circular elements such as the moon and Earth contrast against the angular typography, providing some visual balance and more for the reader to focus on. The Moon and Earth were chose as they are elements of the universe everyone can associate to. By setting them through a halftone it adds texture that gives the composition depth. 

In this final composition, the halftone across the cover focuses the attention entirely toward the title, drawing the readers eye in and standing out on the shelves. The combination of these colours create a lighter tone of voice for the publication, which gives the impression of simplifying the complexity of the book's content in much the same way Hawking did in his explanations. 

It is a fresh look on the typical associated imagery of space and the universe.