This was my response to the Penguin Random House Design Competition, where we were briefed to create three different cover designs for Jeanette Wintersons’ book Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit.
Design 1
My first design focused on a lino cut stamp inspired by a stained glass window in Lincoln Cathederal. Central to the design is a dove which symbolises freedom and is also used by the Pentecostal Church, which relates back to the themes in the story. I chose to use a colour scheme inspired by earth tones and the colour pallete that was popular in
the 60s – the era in which the story is set.
I visited Lincoln Cathedral where I took inspiration from one of the stained glass windows, from here I sketched it out and played around with different styles and themes resulting in a stain glass window inspired illustration which I hand carved out of lino
Design 2
My second cover focused on a cross stitch design, something which featured in her schooling in the story and I thought the gridded aesthetics of cross stitch of almost represented her strict, ordered upbringing.
I drafted my own pattern, chose my colour scheme (I wanted to keep it simple so that the stitching was the focus) and got to work stitching it all up.
the final cover
Design 3
My final photography based cover focuses on a peeled orange which represents Jeanette’s struggle to break free from her mother and the church, and restricting life. Since the book is semi-autobiographical I opted for a handwritten style typeface.
Beth Gray 
These are absolutely stunning designs! Would you allow me to use the first design with the stained glass for my academic presentation on the book? I promise I will properly cite your webpage and your name for citation. It would be an honor to use it, so if you agree, please reply!
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These are absolutely stunning! Your designs encapsulate the main themes of the book so beautifully.
I am a MA student in English literature and I was wondering if you would allow me to use the first design with stained glasses for my academic presentation on the book.. I will properly cite your name and website. It would be my greatest honor if you feel fine with it. Please reply, and even if you do not like the idea, still thank you for uploading these beautiful artworks:)
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Hi Pyrrha,
Thank you very much! yes that’s absolutely fine
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Thank you so much!! Have a great day 😀
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