How to Die in Space by Paul M. Sutter, is the type of book you pick up to learn from, but look up after a while and realize you've been reading for nine hours! Sutter writes with the heart of a scientist and the flourish of a novelist. His prose and quick-witted humor translate into a book that can easily reach audiences beyond the astronomy-science niche, and my aim was to make a (fan) bookcover that can convey that.
The research I conducted concluded that a geometric sans serif type-face would be the most suitable typeface, as it invokes the modern and confident tone that is essential in scientific communication today. It also alludes to the spherical shape language of planets & stars.
[View thumbnail sketches below]
The element that was the most striking to me in HTDIS’s original cover was the title. I wanted to balance the strong title with a way to properly communicating the lively and entertaining tone of Sutter's book. I decided to stagger heavy and light line weights for the title, and bring graphic elements to the forefront to separate them. The twisted and rusty caution sign works to this extent, while its triangular shape also breaks up the shapes of the cover and allows for a more dynamic and urgent appeal.
