Demon Copperhead
Redesigning Kingsolver’s novel through typophoto.
Project Type: Cover Design
Project Duration: September 2025
Role: Solo Designer
Overview
In this project, the cover of Demon Copperhead was reimagined using typophoto techniques. Using a combination of embossing, carving, and digital editing, the resulting design reflects the gritty coming of age story found in Kingsolver’s novel.
Wait, what’s typophoto?
Coined by László Moholy-Nagy, typophoto combines typography and photography in order to enhance visual expression in typography.
The Approach
The project began with conducting many material exploration photoshoots. This led to pencil sketches of potential cover layouts. These exploratory steps led me to select embossed tinfoil as the primary medium for my final book cover design due to its reflective and sturdy nature.
Initial Sketches
The Approach
The dimensions of the entire cover layout were mapped out and from there a copperhead snake was constructed to scale from cardboard and tinfoil to wrap around the entire book. The snake was then embossed by hand with scales and the partial book title. “Demon” was carved into a thrifted dresser drawer to create the effect of a child’s name etched into a school desk.
Findings
The final photos were then digitally edited and combined with text to create many rounds of iteration that were taken to critique to receive both peer and instructor feedback.
The first two rounds of critique revealed that iterations with the snake body in copper against a more muted background were the most eye-catching from afar. In addition a red tongue for the snake created a leading line that brought users to the back cover of the book. However the cover was still facing issues with the legibility, prompting further digital color correction.
Reflection
This project provided me with extensive experience in material exploration, cover layouts, type detailing, photoshop adjustments, and physical iteration. Through creating over 20 different book cover iterations, I was able to learn a lot about the value of prototyping numerous ideas, as well as what works to catch a consumer’s attention. I also developed a fascination for incorporating unexpected materials into my work as a way to add visual interest or texture to the design.
