The design for this True to the Game series needed to reflect the gritty, emotional narrative of the story, which follows Quadir, a drug lord seeking redemption, and Gena, his love interest. The challenge was to represent the dangerous, high-stakes world of these characters, set against major cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles, while capturing the deep emotional layers of their journey. The cover had to draw in readers, create intrigue, and visually convey the tension and tragedy of the plot.
To immerse readers into the world of True to the Game, I incorporated key design elements that reflect the narrative's intensity. The background includes stylized representations of cityscapes, representing Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles, where the story unfolds. Ripped newspaper print was strategically placed within the design, symbolizing the violence and danger inherent to the characters' environment. This not only added depth to the design but also served to engage the reader’s curiosity, encouraging them to open the book and discover what lies beneath.
The darker, neutral color palette echoes the emotional weight and turmoil that the characters experience, while maintaining an air of mystery. The ripped holes invite the reader to peel back the layers of the story, signaling the danger and complexity of the characters' lives.
Tools Used: Adobe Photoshop
