Between the Pages: A Designer's Tips into Book Cover Art
As a creative person, designing within fixed sizes and shapes can feel very constricting. Those tiny square ads? Instant creativity block. I'm lost from the very beginning, and once I finally dive in, it's like a time warp – 3 x 3 inches turns into an eternity. Much longer than my client anticipated paying for…
Designing a book, on the other hand, is a whole different experience. Whether I’m designing for fiction or non-fiction, books are like magic portals offering a sneak peek into someone else's universe. The cover literally acts as a visual gateway into the author’s story, and the pages hold all the answers. I think it’s possible for everyone to tap into this playful and imaginative side when creating for books.
Pulling inspiration from the actual book is an obvious starting point. In some cases, the author may have a specific design or style in mind, which can be extremely helpful. Request as much background information as possible, a summary can be beneficial even if you are able to read the whole book cover to cover. What inspired the author to pen this tale? What were they so passionate about that they wanted to share with the world via a book?
If possible, add small details to the interior pages. Even black and white embellishments can give you a chance to showcase your style while still working cohesively with the topic at hand.
Still not enough? Immerse yourself with the things that spark your creativity. Listen to music inspired by the book's content, light a candle from the region where the story takes place, drink a mug of tea inspired by the tale. Maybe this is an obvious tip for artists of any kind but get out and explore. Being outside for just a few minutes can recharge and clear your mind. Nature can serve as your muse and influence your work.
The more inspired you are to convey the story through your artwork, the more successful your project will be. Not only will the book look amazing and have more purchasing power, but you will also enjoy the process!
Jesse Baker
goFirestarter, Creative Director