Analysing a range of exiting In Cold Blood book covers I found that the volume of reprints has allowed a broad and diverse collection of covers to be developed these cover a range of different styles and takes on the narrative. This first example I find too obvious, its substitution of the 'o' with blood drops appears unimaginative and slightly tacky however the bold use of type is effective in catching the audiences attention while the blood drops instantly inform the audience as to the books theme immediately which bodes well for fans of the genre allowing them to be instantly captivated by the cover.
This second cover is far more appropriate picking up on the themes of advancements in highways and transport, the billboard illustration stand out in a stark white against the darker backgrounds and the high impact slab serif catches the audiences attention dramatically. The background reflects the isolation of the community while the texture of the sky could also reflect fingerprints adding connotations of the crime thriller genre. The muted colour palette again reflects the genre appropriately and creates instant audience appeal for fans of the genre.
This third cover takes different route all together, opting for a far more minimal composition. The photography speaks to the secluded rural nature of the community, details are important within this conversation even down to the choice to use a film camera, which now feels out of touch with modern technology advancements similar to the main themes of the book. The instant connotation with this cover are less easily placed upon the genre however the bleak landscape is thought provoking and commonly seem is establishing shots in thriller movies providing a point of reference for the audience.
This research provides a better understanding of how other designers have interpreted the classic cover, with this knowledge I can now apply my own inspirations and design aesthetic upon the cover to create a new innovative resolution that can re-imagine the cover in a bold new way.
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