When I was about 14 years old, there were two jobs that fascinated me: I wondered who made a living naming lipsticks and nail polish, and who got to design book covers. My curiosity ended up leaning more towards publishing than cosmetics, and in college I interned at Chronicle Books. I met the graphic artists behind their book covers. The designers and their projects were as hip as I’d imagined.
At Blurb, I see many Blurbarians rocking their book covers with interesting typography, photos, and color combinations. It’s motivated me to trick out a cover design of my own, but I’m not a professional designer, so I’ve been looking for extra inspiration. In addition to bookstores, these are the places I go to fixate on book covers:
- The Book Design Review never lets me down when I want to see cutting edge covers. Bonus: The commentary is entertaining and educational.
- The AIGA, the professional association for design, provides feature articles and competitions focused on book covers.
- Covers is an understated site that simply highlights captivating book covers.
- The Blurb Forums also include some discussions on cover art.
Know any others? Let us know. We’d like to get a good list going for those interested in book cover design.
4 Comments
That’s so great that you got to intern at Chronicle! I actually am a graphic designer, but I haven’t gotten into book design yet. I would love to though.
I have a blog about book cover design. You should check it out!
Becca: You have a great eye for book covers. I’m adding your blog to my google reader feed. Thanks! -Allison
Allison-your site is pretty cool too. i put a link on my blog for it.
your blurb.com one that is.