OUGD406 - Studio Brief 2 Study Task 2

For this study task we were asked to look at the front cover of our book and analyse it. This is the cover of my book: 

The cover was designed by a studio called Pentagram. They are one of the largest independent design companies in the world, and Pentagram does work in graphic design, identity, architecture, interiors and products.
The intended message of this cover is to show how serious the content is and links to the classic looking serif typeface used. The image overlaps the text slightly, as though you need to look closer to see the words. This book is one of 5 editions, and they all have different covers with no link to each other. The image used is quite sinister, especially with the negative effect. It also links to the title of the book.
I think the cover is successful in the way that it connotates the seriousness of the critical writing inside the book, but I think its quite boring and won't really grab attention, especially that of designers. 

In our groups, the feedback on my cover was:
- Looks like Law and Order (Bland)
- Eye catching because of the inverted photo, theres not much detail from far away so you have to look closer, relating to the title. It's scary and haunting, successful but outdated. (Haunting) 
- You could replace the title with Paranormal Activity and it wouldn't look out of place. It looks like somethings watching you, rather than you looking closer.
- It's not very relevant, it's more scary. It could be made relevant with the eyes squinting maybe. (Irrelevant) 
- It does work and stands out, but it's generic. It hasn't aged well. Effective.
- It looks more like a horror book. Black and yellow signifies danger. It's not very well thought out.
- It's very in your face. It doesn't link to the content. Unsuccessful. (Out of place)
- It looks like a "____ for dummies" manual. 
- Spine doesn't work, ruins legibility. It looks like a thriller novel. It needs more relevance to critical writing.
- The back is more relevant and appropriate. The colours work but overall its inappropriate. 

I agree with all of this feedback, I don't think the cover is overwhelmingly successful and I don't think it appeals to me as a designer, let alone anyone else. It looks dated and isn't relevant to the content, which can sometimes be a good thing, but this book is about critical writings only so some indication on the cover towards the content would be better.