kōan BOOKS
classic wisdom collection
Kōan Libros commissioned us to do the art direction and cover design for the editorial collection on Classical Wisdom.
These books in 10.5 x 15 cm format are small literary gems with new translations that adapt the timeless reflections and thoughts of classical authors such as Seneca, Epictetus or Cicero to our times.
The design of the covers follows the minimalist graphic line of the brand. We keep Kōan's typography as an own element to communicate and we take color as a vital axis to form the chromatic palette, which will grow as new titles are added to the collection.
For "The Art of Cultivating True Friendship" yellow speaks of understanding, maturity and kindness. Throughout history, yellow has been closely associated with the sun, which gives people vitality. It is the color of appreciation and platonic love, without the romantic subtext of other colors. This warm hue represents feelings of joy and delight. It is the color of eternal values.
For "The Art of Remaining Calm" orange represents the color of enlightenment and perfection. It symbolizes the courage to transform emotions through inner work. No other color symbolizes transformation better than orange. Yellow and red are opposites, but they are also related, they belong to each other like fire and light, like the senses and the spirit.
For "The Art of Being Free" blue is associated with both the sky and the sea and is related to open spaces, freedom, intuition, imagination, inspiration and sensitivity. It is the color that best represents the meanings of depth, confidence, sincerity, wisdom and stability.
And so, among others, are the colors of the chromatic palette of this collection, which is closely linked to the depth of its contents. In this way, we have worked on the conceptualization of the collection in a holistic and integrated vision.
Seneca's teachings on anger have never been more relevant than today. Whether readers are interested in their own personal development or yearn for a renewal of the political sphere, they will find Seneca's wisdom a valuable antidote to the ills of an angry age.
Do you worry that old age inevitably means losing your libido, your health, and even your desire to play? With this book, Cicero tackles head-on the great fears of growing old and argues why these worries are greatly exaggerated, or flat-out wrong.
"The Art of Cultivating True Friendship" conveys reflections of St. Augustine or Dante that have inspired readers for more than two thousand years.
Creative Direction | Art Direction | Visual | Editorial
