Saraiva Classics

The Brazilian agency REX Design has developed a contemporary graphic project
for the covers of “Clássicos Saraiva” (“Saraiva Classics”) book collection, that brings together 24 titles of classic literature masterpieces, adopted by most schools in Brazil.

Getting away from the category predominant visual code, the agency has created a contemporary identity and much more connected to youth current universe, bringing vibrant colours, sinuous forms and less objective illustrations. “The starting point was to change teenagers vision related to literature at school – from something not interesting – and up-date the visual language of that segment”, comments Gustavo Piqueira, creative director of the project and REX Design’s partner.

With the Collection flexible structure, each book becomes unique, once it plays with different colours and organic forms that has infinite combinations, with caricatures of the respective authors and fluctuant titles positions.

As recognition of the innovative design, the covers of “Clássicos Saraiva” book collection has been selected by AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) for the 50 Books / 50 Covers Competition, being one of the best editorial graphic projects in 2008, among almost 900 participant projects around the world.

Still this year, the collection is going to be exposed together with the awarded books at AIGA National Design Center in NY and at other exhibitions around the United States.