How does one create an iconic book jacket? Riverhead Books art director Helen Yentus Delete and Knopf designer Oliver Munday tried to tackle that question at a Book Expo America panel. We’ve collected three design tips that they shared during the discussion.
(1) Take risks.
(2) While it is important to note the cover designs that proved to be successful in the past, imitation does not usually result in innovation.
(3) When you are designing a book, it’s important to consider what the finished cover will look like in thumbnail size. When the image is minimized, make sure that readers can see the most important elements of the jacket.
For more insight into design, check out Chip Kidd’s 2012 TED Talk, “Designing books is no laughing matter. OK, it is.” What are some of your favorite book covers?