To create an expressive book cover for the biohistorical series featuring the portrayal of Helen of Troy and Socrates by acclaimed historian Bettany Hughes, using my own illustrations.

In her search for the identity behind this mythic figure, acclaimed historian Bettany Hughes uses Homer’s account of Helen’s life to frame her own investigation, exploring Helen’s role and representations in literature and in art throughout the ages. For the book about Socrates the philosopher, Hughes writes a lively and eminently readable biography of Socrates the man but also a vivid evocation of Athens.

I wanted the designs to reflect the contemporary angle of these books on the icons.

THE PROCESS

HELEN OF TROY

The portrait of Helen of Troy aims to show her as a woman that we can relate to and what kind of a woman she would be if she lived today.

She should look seductive and feminine, but at the same time reflect the strong character that Hughes demonstrates.

I started with watercolour paintings and splashes which were then pieced together.

On the right is a painting that was created as an alternative layout but then discarded.

THE HEMLOCK CUP

The book featuring Socrates developed from 2 parts, the portrait and the splashes. I worked the typography directly into the layout here.

Here, another type of watercolour splashes were used that look more like ink runs. What I wanted was a dynamic look that leads the eye over to the next element.