Creating one for controversial topics is a whole new level of challenge. And it’s not about being provocative just for the sake of it; the design needs to have purpose, to make the viewer question and explore their own reality. In the same time, a cover is at the intersection of the artistic and business aspects of the peice to be published – requiring the designer to be both an artist and savvy marketer.
Creating a beautiful book cover is not that tricky anymore
There are plenty of great tutorials and amazing creative hacks on designer pages about colours, typography, composition, etc. Nowadays, artificial intelligence can also help you create special graphic element and countless websites offer cover templates that, with a little modification, can produce the desired result.
But it’s one thing to create an aesthetically pleasing, eye-catching cover and another to create the right one that resonates. Especially when the topic is complex and the manuscript consists of profound discourses.
Creating the right book cover
Every designer has their own approach and opinions differ wether it is compulsory or not to read the manuscript before the ideation. Sometimes, material or time constraints make it impossible to read the book, or even to get a thorough enough summary beforehand.
However, when it comes to complex and controversial topics, our team insists on reading the peice and dives deep into related research. This practice helps us in the planning stage to design a cover not based on the plot but based on either the reading experience or the core and subtle message of an essay collection.
Also, when we have the chance to read the manuscript and get the full picture, we can do a better job in the post-publishing promotion, where our content strategists are often involved.
Wehenever possible, we pay attention to the specific ideas of the author which then we have to align with the publisher’s expectations. This can be a tough task because author and publisher might have different visions – though they have the same interests.
Ultimately, the final product should make potential readers feel like they just have to pick up that book and turn its pages, or can’t help but click on it to get more details.
What to pay attention to when designing visuals for controversial topics
Here are a few thoughts and lessons from our graphic designers about how to approach cover design in controversial and complex topics:
- Be mindful of the historical, cultural, and social context of the topic. As much as you are leaning towards being provocative, be aware of potential sensitivities and avoid imagery that might be offensive or misinterpreted. (Misinterpretation can be very unpleasent, it can harm the author's reputation or readers may feel deceived if there's a mismatch between the the visual and the topic.)
- Grab and present the topic without overt bias.
- Use design elements that can be interpreted on multiple levels, adding depth to the cover.
- You already know the cover has to tell a story, but there's more to that. Aim for imagery that is thought-provoking without being sensationalist. Even go beyond being just thought provoking: create an experience that prompts readers to think critically about the topic.
- Seek feedback from people with different perspectives: those with expertise in the topic and everyday readers. (Ask someone in your family or a friend how would they visulize a topic on GMO or gender equality, and you'll be surprised!)
- Be mindful of the traditional way we percieve the meaning of colours and typography, but be brave enough to break through the clichés.
Cover plan (SciArt)
Cover plan (SciArt)
In the end it’s about crafting a visual gateway to profound discourses.
If you need help with your new publication project and don’t want to end up with something like this
let’s talk!
