Sally Rooney's Intermezzo explores the idea of familial loss and brotherhood through the lens of Peter and Ivan Koubek. Written for The Nation, author Jess Bergman recounts key moments from the novel in her book review, requiring a particular treatment to the imagery designed to accompany the written word.

Early phases of the process heavily relied on thorough research of source material, using thematic elements to drive the narrative. With chess playing such a pivotal role in the story, it felt appropriate to bring emphasis through a surrealist depiction of a life-sized board. A key detail in the book is a drastic age difference between the Koubek brothers. Differentiating maturity through choice of outfits intentionally creates a sense of confusion as to the relationship between both characters.

The complementary colors of dark blue and orange served to drive the moody nature of the novel. The center king piece in lieu of being removed from the board alludes to the loss both brothers come to accept that inadvertently brings the two together.