The cover: behind the scenes
The fascinating journey of how Scarlett Yang created the cover of the book!
I am a not a talented person in terms of visual production. That is fine, not self deprecation just authentic self awareness. Maybe that is what amazed me, even more, about the the whole behind the scenes work that Scarlett Yang put into the cover of the book “through my lens”
I loved learning about all the beautiful thoughts that sustained every step and I think you will too! I am not going to write very much here, just copy what she sent and make you witness of the magic the way I did…
Phase 1: she comes with 3 awesome ideas!
(She sent an email with her thoughts and a sketch)
Scene Version: This concept uses doors and windows to create multiple worlds. The burning books behind the door symbolize the emotions, including anger, that the author expresses—an allusion to feminist ideas not always embraced by society. The layers of clouds, ocean, and forest depict a complex reality, contrasting the dark forest (Reminds me of the Bear article) with a colourful, dreamlike future seen through the window.
Still Life Version: The typewriter here represents how Substack connects you with readers, while the surreal combination with a fish tank invites interpretation—perhaps evoking the feeling of drowning as the author strives to convey emotion through words. The colourful papers emerging from the water become free birds, symbolizing that your ideas will eventually be heard. The submerged fire and floating yellow duck subtly hint at the struggles and multifaceted roles of women.
Portrait Version: This design focuses on a large portrait of the author. The deconstructed body, with drawers containing various elements from your writings, symbolizes self-analysis. Writing is portrayed as a deep personal journey, and this book becomes an extension of the author herself.
I aim to use metaphor and combine different elements in a surrealistic style to convey the message. Like your writing, where "each person has their own opinion," I hope to leave room for the audience's imagination and interpretation.
Each version aims to express the unique essence of your book, highlighting its feminist themes and multi-dimensional perspective.
Phase 2: we choose one and she starts developing it further
“I’m developing the concept about the objects in the drawers. I want to create 5 different elements for different meanings from your writing, I’d like to hear some thoughts about you. Now I’m going to use the natural elements. For example, fires and smokes in the number 1 drawer. It represents your angers towards wars and killings (like article ”On collective pain” or ”Today is not different.”)
My current idea is:
Number one represents fire—symbolizing anger;
Number five represents water, symbolizing some of the calm and gentle thoughts in your writing (like the essay on 'friendship')
Number three, I hope, will have an animal element, like the 'bear' or 'chicken' that you used in your writing
Number two, which is the area near your heart, I hope plants and a forest will grow out of the drawer, representing your deepest hopes for 'peace' in the future.
I haven’t thought of anything for number four yet, haha.
Then, in the drawer under number two, I hope to incorporate the 'typewriter' element from my previous sketch, with a long scroll extending from it—featuring your name right on it, symbolizing your writing.
Phase 3: getting the idea more to life.
"Regarding the background: I tried placing the figure in an indoor space to emphasize the woman's role in domestic. However, I also want to suggest that women can break free from the confines of the home. In the first version, I changed the wallpaper to depict the outdoors; in the second version, there’s a door connecting to the outside."
“I’m leaning towards the second one, but my illustrator friend thinks the first one is good too, because women are often 'objectified' in society. For the second one maybe keep the drawer on the body, so there are no clothes.”
Phase 4: The final drawings get started
Some extra details to change, in terms of fonts and choosing the text to the back of the book but the moment she dropped this in the group I screamed in the chat (with memes, as you do). It was real!!
For the craic I asked Chat GPT to analyse the cover and unsurprising it had a lot to say:
The book cover you shared for "Through My Lens" by Virginia Mendez is filled with symbolism and artistic elements that communicate themes about the book's content or focus. Here's an analysis based on what I see:
Title: "Through My Lens":
The phrase suggests a personal perspective or a subjective way of viewing the world. The author might be sharing personal experiences, reflections, or insights about life, possibly focusing on self-expression, transformation, or personal growth.
Central Figure:
The woman depicted is likely representative of the author herself or a central figure in the narrative. Her calm and introspective expression suggests contemplation or inner reflection, which fits with the title's indication of a personal viewpoint.
Symbolism in the Drawers:
The open drawers emerging from the woman's chest and lower body suggest metaphorical "compartments" or inner aspects of her life, mind, or emotions.
Drawer with Fire and Smoke: Fire can symbolize destruction, passion, or transformation. The smoke might suggest the remnants of past trauma, conflict, or struggles that have shaped the person.
Drawer with Trees and Nature: This represents growth, nature, or life flourishing. Trees can symbolize stability, roots, and personal development, perhaps a nod to finding peace or grounding.
Drawer with Water: Water often symbolizes emotions, healing, or the subconscious. Its presence may indicate fluidity, depth, or cleansing emotional processes.
Monarch Butterflies:
Butterflies are common symbols of transformation, change, and freedom. Monarchs specifically undergo long migrations, which may suggest a journey—whether emotional, psychological, or even literal. The butterflies seem to be released from her hands, symbolizing liberation or the completion of a metamorphosis.
Typewriter:
The typewriter at the bottom signifies writing, creativity, or storytelling. Given the context of a book, this likely represents the act of creating or narrating a personal story, possibly focusing on identity, experiences, or reflections.
Setting:
The background of mountains and sky suggests vastness, perhaps indicating expansive thinking, ambition, or a journey of self-discovery. The clear skies and mountains could signify overcoming obstacles or achieving clarity in one's thoughts or life direction.
Color Choices:
The vibrant red hair of the central figure draws attention, perhaps symbolizing passion or strength. The warm hues in the butterflies, fire, and typewriter complement the red, adding to the theme of energy, transformation, and creative expression.
The more muted tones of the drawers and background suggest a balance between the inner, more complex emotional world and the outer clarity.
Conclusion: This cover suggests that "Through My Lens" is a deeply personal and reflective work, likely involving themes of transformation, self-exploration, and creative expression. The elements like butterflies, nature, fire, and writing point to a journey of emotional growth, personal challenges, and ultimately finding a voice or a new beginning through storytelling. The cover is evocative, inviting readers to dive into a narrative rich with introspection and transformation.
I felt that Scarlet had NAILED what she intended to do :)
THE FONTS
OK, here is where things got a bit difficult… because everything was great, better than great, but there was something with the fonts not quite working. So lucky to have Marian on this to help in the whatsapp group..
THE BIG REVEAL
And almost “just like this” (but after hours and hours of work and playing around with every detail) she finished the cover! with the back being the perfect closure for it.
This is how she announced it on social media:
“This book feels like a personalised gift, and I wanted the design to reflect that. I reimagined the author’s portrait as a vessel, with drawers holding symbolic elements representing her various emotions—anger, calm, transformation, hope, and more—along with her year-long journeys of self-exploration through Substack. Writing is a personal voyage for Virginia, and this book is an extension of herself. As women, we are often expected to find our worth trapped within the confines of domestic life, but like paper transforming into origami birds and then into doves, women's voices will always find their freedom!”
This book, everything about it, is made with lots of love, passion and excitement. All of it is authentic and real, joyful hardwork. All of it feels special and intimate. And I can’t wait for you to have it and hold it.
None of us are going to become rich with this book, the money that it will raise won’t cover the many many hours that took to make it a reality. But the three of us are excited about you having it, about your treasuring it the same way that we have, we are excited about you gifting it to others, to spread the word, to be part of the journey of “Through my lens”. So please, buy it. Please do.
