What is the what
Date
Credits
- Rachell Sumpter Designer
- Dave Eggers Author
Format
- Book 880
Type of Work
- Book 128
Publishers
Techniques
- illustration 213
- printing 666
Dimensions
Locations Made
- Canada 28
The cover design of What Is the What features a blue background behind the figure, blending black and earthy yellow tones to create a striking and powerful silhouette. The combination of black and earthy yellow highlights the figure, conveying the weight and seriousness of the story, while the blue background symbolizes the vast African landscape or a sense of separation from reality, creating a deep and emotionally charged atmosphere.
The red title “What Is the What” stands out with sharp contrast, drawing the reader’s attention and emphasizing its importance. The red color contrasts with the black and earthy yellow tones, making the title highly visible while also creating a strong emotional tension through color. The spine and back of the book carry over the design elements from the cover, featuring a yellow silhouette of a small figure walking forward. This image of a solitary figure evokes a sense of journey and struggle. The use of yellow further contrasts with the rest of the design, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a layer of meaning to the overall cover design.
