Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Darren Haggar: House of Thieves



A collection of stories set in the author's home, the islands of Hawaii, where the characters "experience together the loneliness of feeling miserable in paradise". Photo by Greg Vaughn.

9 comments:

Ian Koviak said...

love the execution, but I have to say, I am getting tired of the cut into, ripped into solution.

I think this cover would be just as moody and lonely without that treatment. Plus, who the fuck does that too books?

Tal said...

Ummm...hmmm...that's a front and back cover by the way. Not sure what you mean by "two books".

Tal said...

Also, this book was published in 2005, so perhaps it was one of the originators of the cut-into movement.

Ian Koviak said...

I meant "to books". Who the fuck cuts up books like that? (perhaps that would be a better way to phrase it)

I see your point that this was a 2005 release. It's a solid cover, I've just seen this type of thing a lot, so it gets old visually. And then you have to ask why... Why? What made this a good solution? I guess it's because it makes me want to pick it up... and make sure nobody really cut the damn thing!

Blair said...

Actually, I think the artist Brian Dettmer might have started this movement? Check out some of his work here: http://www.ktfgallery.com/artists/brian_dettmer/

Tal said...

thanks, Queen B.

Ian Koviak said...

I wish I worked for Darren. Under him. Next to him. It would be cool to have this guy tell me to do stuff...

There are so many talented designers out there that would be great to work under. But I tell you. Getting a hold of anyone at Penguin or Randomhouse etc is like a full time job. And the probability of them noticing you over the mirage of other talents is highly unlikely. On that note, I will plug my nose back into the lame self help and business books I'm getting dished.

I've been reading Savage Detectives for a few weeks now and I just noticed it was Corrals work for the cover. But it's funny to see the credits stretch out to a "lettering by" and "photo by"...

I saw Paul Sahres work for The Night of The Gun recently. That too had 3 people credited. It's just funny to see, as a designer who has to do everything for the books I work on.

Collaborations are indispensable to progressing as a designer, but I think most designers find themselves in a type of isolation—immersed in their all-consuming work.

Tal said...

I've been told that commissioning photographers and illustrators is an über-important skill. I too like to do everything myself, but I'm starting to think about which photogs and illustratorz I'm liking and gosh-darnit, I will be commissioning by year's end I tell ye! So how is Savage Detectives?

Ian Koviak said...

good so far. It kinda has the feel of Life is Elsewhere right now...