![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/1e67abbf-480f-47fe-9771-a195ac2a656a_rw_1920.png?h=f0259dcf7cfa7fdf510b700a5547d526)
A contemporary twist on The Great Gatsby book cover design
Challenge
Create an illustrated cover for The Great Gatsby. Add a contemporary twist to the well-known story.
![Initial concept sketches](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/baa2cca4-b41a-4a63-ba5a-595926eddf8d_rw_1920.png?h=922860b848f1de8bd4791f1758d73540)
Initial concept sketches
![Revised final sketch](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/41763ab2-344a-468a-9b61-49fa69ce1eb6_rw_600.png?h=1e8a31272591e04d64a297aba788d13d)
Revised final sketch
Concept sketches focusing on the focus of Gatsby's attention, Daisy Buchanan, and her struggle against society's expectations
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/a9ee1779-1b48-43e3-a6a8-8119e7882c5b_rw_1920.png?h=f88f3648b89a517e036c96232fceac1a)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/893af3a2-e3bf-4fcb-b117-51e10f6a6429_rw_1920.png?h=f0acae587df6f9bad20a903200b502a8)
Colour draft options
Outcome
I chose to look at the brief from the perspective of the book's female characters living in the free-spirited and opulent 1920s but still constrained by societal pressures and expectations.
Inspired by Nouveau Deco design (a modern take on Art Deco) I used big bold geometric shapes and typography to create an uneasiness in the composition. Bold, vibrant colours add a modern twist to the classic novel.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/dba2650e-25d9-42b2-ba8c-6a99cec5d56d/afee5e6d-32d1-4020-9a0d-60239f364adb_rw_1920.png?h=83e4a5016042423e191ea9ca4312eb6c)
Final artwork
***
One of six mock project briefs set by Inkygoodness Collective, as part of their Make Your Mark 10-week programme for artists and illustrators.
Artwork has not been commissioned and is in no way affiliated with or licensed by a publishing agency. Copyright remains with the artist.