On the Road

Theo Neuman:
Works with Books

" Ancora imparo
I am still learning. "
—Michelangelo, at 87

Vibes Wandering, moody, burning, lonesome, after dark, and alive

135×203 mm; printed cover mockup using a repurposed text block, authored by Jack Kerouac. Redesigned as a self-initiated project.

captures the restless search for freedom, meaning, and identity across postwar America. Following Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty’s spontaneous cross-country journeys, the novel explores youth, friendship, disillusionment, and the pull of the unknown. Through jazz-like prose and constant movement, it evokes a generation’s desire to live fully—without pause or destination.

Penguin Classics Edition published in 2002 as a paperback, 127x203 mm

Intention and Process
Avoided literal imagery of the road to steer away from a travel-book impression. Instead, used symbolic visuals to reflect the book’s layered tone—restless, searching, youthful, and alive.

Road
Began with searching road imagery but shifted away as it felt too expected.

Motel
Motel scenes felt too passive.

Gas Station
Came across the gas station by chance—its glow and emptiness felt right. Adjusted the typography to match its lighting.

Road Began with searching road imagery but shifted away as it felt too expected.

Motel Motel scenes felt too passive.

Gas Station Came across the gas station by chance—its glow and emptiness felt right. Adjusted the typography to match its lighting.

Gas Station
Came across the gas station by chance—its glow and emptiness felt right. Adjusted the typography to match its lighting.

As a Diptych
The gas station implies refueling and continuous movement, while the fire evokes the raw, burning energy of youth and the beat spirit.