1st variation

The outline of a tree was explored, in which appeared somewhat lifeless. In turn promoting the idea of lack of innocence, as nature is the most innocent being of all, and is often destroyed by human naivety. Death is also a strong symbol, as trees frequently fall, and appear bare. 

Stones, and an 'owl hole' were added to the tree's design in order to allow it to link more directly into the novel.

Colour was largely explored in order to gain a greater insight into the effects of colour, and the ways in which it may alter the design. Red's were explored within in order to connote blood although I felt this too be a generic approach and thus this was discontinued. Browns were extensively explored in order to gain a colour in which felt suiting to that of the design. Whilst still attempting to promote the idea of death. 

How the owl hole may be constructed was explored, with colour being a key influence. Shading was used in order to define the oval, making it appear as natural as possible. 

After the design was explored with extensively, it was decided to remove the coloured aspect of the owl hole and strip the design back to the bare essentials. This is to promote simplicity, in turn not overcomplicating the design, but rather letting it speak for itself. 

Type was then explored with a large range of typefaces being experimented with. Both serif and san serif typefaces were explored with, as both were highly popular at the time of the book's first publishing. More condensed typefaces were found to appear more contexual, as they root the genre back into the cover design. 

In order to express a monotone approach the tree was reverted back to black. This also helping to symbolise the relationship between black and white upon the page. 

The composition was extensively explored. Although it was decided to complete a central layout for the illustation so that the deisgn initially hits the consumer. Although not a finalised design, this design explores the ways in which a minimal design can be completed for a front cover.