Using Penguin Archive Briefs for Illustrating the Cover for Malorie Blackman's ‘Noughts & Crosses’

Using Penguin Archive Briefs for Illustrating the Cover for Malorie Blackman's ‘Noughts and Crosses’

I loved illustrating the cover for Malorie Blackman's iconic young adult novel, ‘Noughts and Crosses’. This powerful story explores themes of race, love, and social injustice, and I aimed to reflect that in my cover design. For the color palette, I chose red to symbolize the violence and turmoil that permeates the narrative. It's a color that demands attention and evokes strong emotions, which I felt was essential for this book. The stark contrast of black and white represents racism and the societal divisions that are central to the story. To symbolize the enduring message that love conquers all, I incorporated intertwining patterns of the nougts and crosses throughout the design. These patterns create a sense of connection and unity. I hand drew the title also.

Working on this cover was a meaningful experience that allowed me to dive deep into the themes of the book. I hope that my illustrations do justice to Malorie Blackman's powerful storytelling and resonate with readers as they embark on this emotional journey.