Horror Book Cover
Print Design
Design Problem
The design problem was to create a horror-themed book cover for The Devil’s Inn by Max Burgess that captured the eerie and unsettling tone of the story. The design needed to appeal to readers aged 18 to 30 while visually communicating the tension and supernatural elements central to the narrative. The challenge was to create a design that was both striking and atmospheric, drawing viewers in through mood and symbolism.
Concept Development
In developing the concept, I explored how setting and symbolism could work together to establish a sense of fear and suspense. I focused on imagery associated with isolation and the supernatural, experimenting with compositions that featured an old house, fog and shadowy environments. The goal was to make the design feel cinematic and immersive while maintaining strong visual balance.
Design Solution
Using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, I combined image layering, texture overlays and lighting adjustments to achieve depth and atmosphere. The final composition features an old house surrounded by mist, gripped by a giant hand that symbolises the dark supernatural presence in the story. Cracks, crows and shadow effects enhance the sense of unease. The title, rendered in bold gothic lettering with a deep red hue, contrasts against the muted background to evoke danger and suspense. Together, these elements create a cohesive visual narrative that reflects the fear, intrigue and mystery of the horror genre.