Anne Shirley &
Gilbert Blythe
For this project, I have collaborated with Penguin Books to design a standout entry for their new "Famous Couples"collection. This curated series is dedicated to reimagining literature’s most iconic and enduring partnerships through a sophisticated, modern design lens, moving away from traditional covers to celebrate the core "spark" between two people.
Set in the late 1890s on Prince Edward Island, the story of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe follows two kindred spirits navigating a world of rigid tradition. Anne’s imaginative fire finds its perfect anchor in Gilbert’s steady kindness, transforming a schoolroom rivalry into a profound, mature partnership. Against a backdrop of social inequality and restricted expression, their journey is more than a romance. It is a shared fight for equality, acceptance, and the courage to challenge the taboos of their time.
In my design for Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe, I have sought to strip away the sentimental "cottage-core" aesthetic often associated with L.M. Montgomery’s work, replacing it with a high-contrast, modern visual language. My goal is to celebrate the intellectual parity and the fiery to firm evolution of Anne and Gilbert's relationship. By strictly utilizing the Penguin brand palette of White, Orange, and Black, I am able to highlight the clarity of their connection and the vibrancy of their individual personalities without the distraction of a traditional pastoral setting.
The Vision: A Study in Juxtaposition I believe this composition is my strongest because it uses a subtle, unique juxtaposition to reflect their journey from childhood innocence to a mature partnership. The focal point is Gilbert’s iconic pocket watch (a symbol of his steady devotion) but in a surreal twist, I have replaced the watch chain with Anne’s signature red braids.
By blending the "mature" weight of the black tones with these "innocent" symbols of the braids and the pocket watch, I aim to showcase the intellectual and emotional depth that defines this pair. It is a modern, graphic tribute to a classic connection.
