The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil

Client
Professor

Objective
The objective was to design the cover for a trade paperback edition of The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil, authored by George Saunders. The requirement was to successfully interpret the major themes, content, and writing style of Saunders.

Concept and Solution
The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil is a political satire that turns the issues of democracy, foreign policy, and society on its head. The novel juxtaposes serious, real-world issues with a humorous and fantastical world. The concept is that one must acquiesce to power, or be destroyed. There is no room for democracy in a dictatorship, and the nail that sticks out will be hammered down. Phil is a domineering dictator and the citizens are at his whim. This relationship is reflected in the typographic and photographic choices. The mixture of typographic weights as well as the use of collage is a reference to the process of assembly and disassembly, parts and wholes.

Result
This book cover was the recipient of a silver 2022 National American Advertising Award.

Deliverables
One C-format trade paperback soft-cover book jacket, 6” x 9” x .5”

Credits
Engin Akyurt, photography
Timothy Barlin, photography
Daniil Onischenko, photography
Winni Wintermeyer, photography