Tips for Book Cover Designs You Need to Know as a Beginner

Everyone has listened to the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, but let’s be honest, everyone buys a book to read by seeing its cover. No one buys a book without a recommendation by seeing just that.  The truth is that books with good graphics and high-quality covers that catch people’s attention boast significantly higher sales than other books. It is a simple fact. It is important for both fiction and nonfiction book writing. Some people have been saying that cover design is on the decline, but despite these opinions, cover design is not on the decline. In fact, the cover design market is currently developing significantly, and there are even awards just for cover design.  From long ago, the perception that the cover design came out of the book’s author’s liking, despite spending a lot of time, was dominant. However, with the advent of the digital generation, these perceptions gradually change due to the emergence of ebooks that authors can self-publish at the same time as writing, and crowdsourcing (a method of involving the public in the production of products or creations). It has been.

How to Design a New Cover?

In the meantime, the Internet has grown as a way to exchange various materials, ideas, and feedback. Now, people can take ideas from Pinterest, “Like” or “Share” (in other words, your book) a graphic they like on the Internet) allows you to share different book covers across the web with a community of people who love books (or design). This activity is becoming a common activity not only among Internet netizens but also among designers and writers who write books. Now, let’s take a look at how book cover design is made in earnest.

Designing the Concept

Before starting a full-scale book cover design, you should think about “what kind of message you want your design to convey”. First, you should ask yourself a question: “What are the main points of this book?” – What are the readers of the main age group who will read this book looking for? Inspiration and aspirations, success and achievements, knowledge and power, romance and passion, or murder and revenge? Rather than thinking infinitely broadly, if you think about the book’s motif, incentives, encouragement, and emotions contained in the book, you can create various ideas, and at the same time, typography, color, image, and layout suitable for the book. It reminds you of the visual metaphors that determine your back and will help you capture the overall idea of ​​what this book is about.

Identify Key Imagery and Symbols

Identify the central themes, characters, or objects that symbolize the essence of the book. These elements will form the core of your design. Brainstorm visual representations that encapsulate these aspects and evoke intrigue.

Choose a Design Style

Select a design style that aligns with the book’s tone and genre. Whether it’s minimalist, illustrative, photographic, or typographic, the style should enhance the reader’s connection to the story. Experiment with different options to find the perfect fit.

Color Palette and Typography

Colors evoke emotions, and typography sets the tone. Choose a color palette that complements the book’s mood and genre. Select fonts that are legible and convey the right atmosphere, be it elegant, playful, or suspenseful.

Create Initial Concepts

Sketch out several design concepts based on your understanding of the book. Don’t hold back; let your creativity flow. Experiment with different compositions, arrangements of elements, and color schemes. This stage is about exploring possibilities.

Incorporate Feedback

Share your initial concepts with colleagues, friends, or the author if possible. Collect constructive feedback to refine your designs. Keep in mind that the cover needs to attract readers while remaining faithful to the book’s content.

High-Quality Execution

Transfer your refined design into a digital format using design software. Ensure high resolution and pixel-perfect details. If using images, make sure they are of the highest quality and properly licensed.

Conclusion

Designing a book cover is an art that combines creativity, storytelling, and visual communication. By understanding the book’s essence, selecting key imagery, and incorporating design principles, you can craft a cover that not only attracts readers but also encapsulates the heart of the story within its pages. Remember, a well-designed cover is a gateway to a captivating reading experience.