OUGD503 - Responsive - Pocket Penguins, Creative Review

Pocket Penguins - in search of the perfect Classic.

After looking into the history of Penguin, looking at more current examples of covers that have been featured on websites like Creative Review and Its Nice That will present what is considered effective in the current day. 

This article from creative review looks at Penguin books typographic design of some of their classic titles. 


Using what you could call a classic Penguin grid system that has been modernised for the current day. The composition of type combines a classical and contemporary typefaces mean the designs feel modern but have a connection to their past. 

The use of singular colours is a characteristic design feature of Penguin books but has been updated to great effect here, the new colours are bright engaging as well as working with the white typography. Clarity is always at the forefront of any book cover design.

These images show the covers over the last two decades, the content of the cover has changed in each but the communication is the same, clear crisp and intriguing for the target audience. 

The spines shown keep the consistency of style and colour, the use of colour means each is individual in its own right. The spine is a key element of any book design and will need to be appropriate to the rest of the publication.