publishing design

the book cover

What is a book cover?

• A book cover is different than other marketing images in that it needs to immediately grab (and hold) the attention of the viewer.

• The image needs to “sell” the book to the viewer, or convince the viewer that the product looks good/has quality.– The image needs to do one of the following…

• show the main characters

• encapsulate or summarize the story

• show one climatic moment in the story

In one image (and in 3 seconds)you have to...

• Grab the attention of the viewer (in an environment of “over-stimulation”.

• Give the viewer an idea of what the story is about (or the feeling/mood of the story).

• Convince the viewer to read (and spend money on) the book.

front cover design only

front cover design with back

wrap around cover

text based design

illustrative designwhere the main image is a drawing or illustration

“straight” photographywhere the main image is a photograph

composite imagesthe image is several photographs in a collage or montage

movie poster design (similar in concept and requirements)…

foreign book cover design

Polish

Italian Deer Hunter

Soviet covers

theme and variation

different solutions for the same problem

theme and variation

different variations of the same concept

theme and variation

different concepts for the same book

composition on the book cover

The two most important design principles in use on a book cover are

balance and focal point.

Poorly balanced coverwhy?

A simple change can improve the cover.Still not great, but better.

What would make it better still?

poorly balanced

better balance

composition on the book cover

Focal Point

The center of interest, first thing the viewer sees, the most important part

of the image.

What is your assignment?

• Choose a book (or your autobiography).

• In your sketchbook, write a brief summary of the book. Tell me what the story is and who the main characters are, and what is the point of the book?

• Choose an approach to the cover design.• Illustrative or photographic

• composite, collage or straight illustration Choose a text that compliments the image.

• Create five sketches, including text.• Have at least two different type options

What are the design requirements?

• Sketch inside a 4.75 X 7 inch box.

• We will be measuring your actual book for the file size.

• Both symmetrical and asymmetrical sketches (label each).

• Should include the following text.• title

• author

• cover art by…

• Optional– a brief “blurb” about the book

some other stuff