Obstructions are opportunities.

While talking to the ever inspirational (not to mention charming, intelligent and head-turning) Phatamgoricist I hit on the notion of limitations, probably with this film running in the back of my head: The Five Obstructions

I was talking about how just illustrating is a really obvious, and essentially uncreative, response to the challenge of represent a book visually.
So what happens to you idea gen, to your results, to your approach if you put on limitations

"Visually represent this book's content." results in illustrations
"Visually represent this book's content using only type."
"Visually represent this book's content using only colour."
"Visually represent this book's content using only geometric shapes."
"Visually represent this book's content using only one geometric shape and one colour."
"Visually represent this book's content using only one line of type and two colours."
"Visually represent this book's content using only one letterform, any face."
So the question becomes which line of type, which colour? How do I surprise and communicate to the viewer? What shape or typeface combinations have the right tone?

And it produces very thought provoking results, see this entry from (NSFW, as design collector often is) designcollector.net, particularly these approaches to TV shows:


So how far can you push it?
"Visually represent this book's content using only one print or weave of fabric."
"Visually represent this book's content using only a texture."
"Visually represent this book's content using only rubbing a texture."
"Typeset only one sentence of this book to make an effective cover."
"Create your book cover with only one application of Indian Ink."
"Derive you book cover design from one letterform from Helvetica Neue."
"Visually represent this book's content using only two circles."


Design by Germano Facetti 1975. Image thanks to coverbrowser.com


So what limitations should I apply?