For the book “Understanding Chess Men: An Ethnographic Study of Chess on the Cape Flats”, authored by Shaheed Tobias and Dr Lyndon Bouah, we were commissioned to create a striking and meaningful cover design. The book, a reflection on chess within the socio-cultural context the Cape Flats, required a visual identity that aligned with its academic yet accessible nature.
Understanding Chess Men
Overview
Our design approach aimed to combine simplicity with depth. The cover prominently features a stylised hand holding a chess piece, symbolising the profound connection between the individual and the game—mirroring how chess is used as a tool for education, empowerment, and community engagement in the Cape Flats. The bold yellow background evokes a sense of vibrancy and optimism, while the strong, modern typography ensures the title and authors’ names are both clear and prominent.
Key Contributions:
- Concept Development: Collaborating closely with the authors to ensure the design accurately reflects the ethnographic and cultural nuances of the study.
- Minimalist Illustration: A clean, stylised visual element—the hand and chess piece—captures the essence of strategic thought and community dynamics.
- Typography: Bold, modern font selections enhance readability and reflect the serious yet contemplative tone of the book.
- Colour Palette: The use of a vibrant yellow conveys energy and inclusivity, resonating with the theme of “Reflections on Chess in the Rainbow Nation.”
This project highlights our expertise in blending intellectual themes with creative design, producing an academic book cover that is both visually engaging and reflective of the cultural significance of chess on the Cape Flats.
