Project Duration
On going
Team
Sole Designer
My Role
Layout Design, Illustration, Typography
mBook
"mBook" is short for mobile book. This project is about uploading the redesigned classic literature to reading app and giving readers the chance to sit down with a great book everywhere.
I was bought to this project as graphic designer. So far, I have created 30+ mBooks on the platform.
THE CHALLENGE
Each book so far in the mBook Collection has come from the public domain. Being at least 70 years old, though they have themes, ideas and characters which all feel still current, the quality of illustration are too poor to be used. And since we changed the format from book to mobile device, the layout design need reconsideration, not only squeeze every thing into screen.
Of All Things
Robert C. Benchley
Design Explorations
So I traced the outline of every picture. However, it still looks so plain and unfinished. After some design explorations, I decide to fill the black white illustration with bright color.
London, William Heinemann, 1918 [first edition].
The original cover is too old to be used in app, and the image quality is too low and the color is also not friendly for a mobile device. I tried to cut-out the main objects from illustration of the book and try different bright color to match this fantasy story. I also put some texture to give it a new look.
The original logo is classic and simple in a serif typeface. I tried to add a flow into the logo type to make it more dramatic. The color of the logo differs from chapter to chapter in oder to match the head image for every chapter opening.
(New Logo)
Design Explorations
Using the scanned copies of original books, I redesigned the covers by cutting and adding visual elements. I also adjusted the color tone for every illustration.
(Final Cover)
Some illustrations are only black&white lines, needed to be colored to match the style of other chapters.
KING LEAR
A tragedy written by William Shakespeare
The original illustrations are already in good quality and the style is still sharp and modern. To avoid the "out of date" feeling, I add glitter pattern and abstract graphics to every image to make it alive and charming.
Design Explorations
Using the scanned copies of original books, I redesigned the covers by cutting and adding visual elements.
(Final Cover)
THE RESPONSE
A lot of users would start reading those free classic literature before they subscribe the app. We’re hoping Stela will be a platform to get more people talking about great literature for some time to come.