Lonely Planet

The Task

The brief for this project was to illustrate dust covers for a book of my choice, focusing on creating engaging and visually compelling designs. I chose to illustrate covers for Lonely Planet, creating a Southern Africa series that would represent the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The goal was to capture the spirit of adventure and exploration that Lonely Planet is known for, while maintaining a cohesive visual identity across the series.

The Response

The concept, “Let the Adventure Begin,” was developed to reflect the excitement of exploring new destinations. Each book cover features a traveler’s car as a central element, symbolizing the journey through the country, with surrounding illustrations representing iconic landmarks and wildlife:

South Africa: Showcases Table Mountain, the sardine run, and a lion, symbolizing the country’s rich landscapes and wildlife.

Namibia: Highlights the Namib Desert dunes, a gemsbok, and a shipwreck, capturing the country’s natural beauty and rugged coastline.

Zimbabwe: Features Victoria Falls, a baobab tree, and an elephant, emphasizing Zimbabwe’s renowned natural landmarks and wildlife.

The visual strategy drew inspiration from illustrators Karabo Poppy and Satoshi Hashimoto, with bold, minimalist lines and a limited colour palette that contrasts with a dark background. The result is a series of clean, eye-catching designs that visually communicate the adventure and allure of each country. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop were used to create the illustrations and mockups for the series.

The Outcome

The completed dust covers effectively capture the adventurous essence of Lonely Planet while maintaining a consistent and recognizable style across the Southern Africa series. The bold, simplified illustrations represent the unique attributes of each country, making the covers visually appealing and informative for travelers. The designs invite readers to embark on new adventures, successfully reflecting the mission and spirit of Lonely Planet guides.