A conceptual book cover for 'Bambi: A Life in the Woods'. Felix Salten’s 'Bambi' (1923) is more than Disney's depiction of a fawn’s perilous life in the forest—it’s an allegory of the author's struggle for survival. As an Austrian Jewish writer, Salten himself faced constant danger, much like his protagonist, he was hunted by powerful Nazi forces during WWII. Inspired by this deeper meaning, I reimagined a Bambi book cover as a conceptual illustration that emphasizes the story's deeper themes of survival, fear, and the ever-present danger of being hunted by man. Creative Quarterly 80: Runner Up Award Winner. Art Direction by: Ryan Sanchez.
Challenge
Felix Salten’s original story of Bambi: A Life in the Woods (1923) is often overshadowed by Disney’s 1942 adaptation, which recasts the story as a sentimental coming-of-age tale for children. However, Salten’s original novel is a much darker, more complex allegory. As an Austrian Jewish writer living during a period of rising anti-Semitism and Nazi persecution, Salten infused his narrative with themes of survival, fear, and the constant threat of annihilation. The forest is not a whimsical playground, but a harsh world where every creature is hunted, and trust can lead to betrayal or death. Disney’s version omits much of this psychological depth and historical significance, presenting a sanitized and uplifting story that fails to acknowledge the novel’s exploration of persecution, solitude, and existential dread. As a result, the true intent and emotional gravity of Salten’s work have been largely lost in contemporary adaptations.
Solution
To restore the authentic voice and intent of Salten’s Bambi, I designed a conceptual book cover that visually communicates the novel’s original themes. The illustration features a stark winter forest, its beauty overshadowed by the looming threat of hunters’ guns—an explicit nod to the ever-present danger faced by both Bambi and Salten himself. This approach seeks to honor the story’s historical context and emotional weight, offering a darker, more faithful interpretation that resonates with the allegory of persecution and survival that defines the original text. By reimagining the visual identity of Bambi, my goal is to invite readers to reconsider the narrative’s true meaning: not merely the trials of a fawn, but a profound meditation on fear, resilience, and the struggle for existence in a hostile world. This project revitalizes Salten’s legacy, restoring the depth and complexity that have been obscured by decades of adaptation and censorship.
