I liked pondering all these examples. Thanks for gathering them. Related to your third footnote, do sales relate to how often a book cover changes over time? Like a series of experiments? If it’s “too ugly,” they will commission a new cover to basically try again?
Even when a book cover isn’t “ugly,” there’s often a new design for the paperback. To my knowledge this is usually about sales—maybe the hardcover didn’t sell great, or maybe even if it did, the publisher might want to rejuvenate sales by making the paperback look new and fresh.
Later redesigns happen if a book has been around and in print long enough. Often an author’s catalog will get “repackaged” so that they all look like a series.
I'm working with an artist for my poetry chapbook...it’s a process and I'm incredibly lucky to have her before she gets snatched up my the gaming industry.
👀⚡️ But had an idea too: If you are into astrology I would love to have you on my new podcast--to the poetry one I do! I’d love to have a “dog pile” episode of all the book cover artists talking about their work in a roundtable discussion and then I do some on-the-spot astrology.
N.b., since no one in the comments has mentioned it: the photo on the cover of the Safia Elhillo book is by the contemporary (and very distinctive!) Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj. I've loved his work for years; never thought I'd see it on a book cover (but it makes perfect sense there!)
In the digital space I've been looking at a lot of trends too re your these seem recent comment. And there is this resurgence of the 90s/early ots design, ugly maximalist, and some trends I even see be called "anti-design" design. (Digital dada resurgence?!?!? This art history nerd can't help but wonder)
Honestly kinda here for all of it. I'm tired of the pre 2020 design trends of minimalism, bring on the contruscted chaos!
On A Guide for Murdered Children, I think it’s even better than silver star stickers — pretty sure those are supposed to be stars “written” with Elmer’s glue, then glitter sprinkled on while the glue’s still wet, with the excess shaken back into a tray. Remember that from first grade art class? Check out the unicorn horn. So evocative of a certain period of childhood. And that it’s made to look like construction paper! So good
The cover of Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder made me pick it up and read the description. A slab of raw meat combined with that title was so visceral and…well, raw. One of the best books I’ve ever read. Possibly the best book on being a creator/mother.
While it’s not an ugly cover per se, I’d say the most unusual I have is Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica. It aligns very well with the story though so I like it.
Well, you did a good job of explaining why I find book design so bad that I regularly go to ebay to buy old books. The idea that a designer’s job is to convey an IDEA represents, to me, a lack of faith in design. Beauty is not enough in this philosophy of design; it must be redeemed by the idea. It’s just a trickle down effect of the academic, political attack on aesthetics. To me it’s as passé as Dada.
Thanks for elaborating! I really appreciate your take here. I don’t know if I agree or disagree—I think it might depend on the book—but you’ve given me lots to think about.
I liked your post, though, Nathaniel. I really did. It got me thinking too. I just wonder if design, like many occupations now, serves the designer. After all, these are all cool to talk about in an interviewer, when one is trying to sell oneself as a designer, but the public—I don’t know if they are well served by it. Anyway, I’ll look forward to more of your writing. It’s clear and to the point.
Thanks Chris, I really appreciate that. Especially since I’m trying to explore different aspects of books and design without being dogmatic. One thing I can agree on is that good design is often getting out of the way—but you’re right, that doesn’t happen much in cover design (interior is another story).
You may appreciate my recent post about whether or not book covers matter. At any rate, thanks for reading and providing food for thought!
I liked pondering all these examples. Thanks for gathering them. Related to your third footnote, do sales relate to how often a book cover changes over time? Like a series of experiments? If it’s “too ugly,” they will commission a new cover to basically try again?
Even when a book cover isn’t “ugly,” there’s often a new design for the paperback. To my knowledge this is usually about sales—maybe the hardcover didn’t sell great, or maybe even if it did, the publisher might want to rejuvenate sales by making the paperback look new and fresh.
Later redesigns happen if a book has been around and in print long enough. Often an author’s catalog will get “repackaged” so that they all look like a series.
Gotcha. Thank you!
I'm working with an artist for my poetry chapbook...it’s a process and I'm incredibly lucky to have her before she gets snatched up my the gaming industry.
I want to share her mock ups vs mine with you!!
I'd be happy to see them!
Shall I DM you????
👀⚡️ But had an idea too: If you are into astrology I would love to have you on my new podcast--to the poetry one I do! I’d love to have a “dog pile” episode of all the book cover artists talking about their work in a roundtable discussion and then I do some on-the-spot astrology.
I realize this could be a turn off…🥲
N.b., since no one in the comments has mentioned it: the photo on the cover of the Safia Elhillo book is by the contemporary (and very distinctive!) Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj. I've loved his work for years; never thought I'd see it on a book cover (but it makes perfect sense there!)
Thank you for sharing! I only knew the designer and I’m very happy to know the photographer too.
More more more!!!
In the digital space I've been looking at a lot of trends too re your these seem recent comment. And there is this resurgence of the 90s/early ots design, ugly maximalist, and some trends I even see be called "anti-design" design. (Digital dada resurgence?!?!? This art history nerd can't help but wonder)
Honestly kinda here for all of it. I'm tired of the pre 2020 design trends of minimalism, bring on the contruscted chaos!
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing all of these covers. Designers are brilliant, and I will never not be amazed by the work they do.
I look forward to the published results of your “scientific” study.
Ooh this is a fun list! I think the mostly black and white cover of The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera would belong to this list 😅
Yes! I agree.
I'm really enjoying what you have to say!
Also - - "But a boy can dream" was freaking hilarious & made me actually laugh out loud.
Thanks so much!! Knowing you laughed makes me incredibly happy 😃
On A Guide for Murdered Children, I think it’s even better than silver star stickers — pretty sure those are supposed to be stars “written” with Elmer’s glue, then glitter sprinkled on while the glue’s still wet, with the excess shaken back into a tray. Remember that from first grade art class? Check out the unicorn horn. So evocative of a certain period of childhood. And that it’s made to look like construction paper! So good
Astute observation! You’re so right about those details evoking childhood.
The cover of Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder made me pick it up and read the description. A slab of raw meat combined with that title was so visceral and…well, raw. One of the best books I’ve ever read. Possibly the best book on being a creator/mother.
That’s a good one. Another one where the cover works I conjunction with an off-putting title, too
Such a fan of all of these. Thanks for putting this together! Gonna share with my students :)
Well that just made my day 🙂 but don’t blame me when you get a 1000% increase in projects with Comic Sans.
Thanks for reading!
I’m interested to know if certain ugly covers *attract* more readers than maybe the text itself would pull.
I’m sure that’s true! It probably depends on the reader. There are lots of different reasons to use an “ugly” cover, too.
While it’s not an ugly cover per se, I’d say the most unusual I have is Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica. It aligns very well with the story though so I like it.
I LOVE that cover! But I haven’t read the book. Adding it to my list
Yes! That cover always makes me pick up the book, but then I read the synopsis and am so freaked out that I re-shelve it. One of these days…
It all depends on your taste but I liked the story. The audio was performed well too.
Cleverness. Sigh.
Not a fan, I take it?
Well, you did a good job of explaining why I find book design so bad that I regularly go to ebay to buy old books. The idea that a designer’s job is to convey an IDEA represents, to me, a lack of faith in design. Beauty is not enough in this philosophy of design; it must be redeemed by the idea. It’s just a trickle down effect of the academic, political attack on aesthetics. To me it’s as passé as Dada.
Thanks for elaborating! I really appreciate your take here. I don’t know if I agree or disagree—I think it might depend on the book—but you’ve given me lots to think about.
I liked your post, though, Nathaniel. I really did. It got me thinking too. I just wonder if design, like many occupations now, serves the designer. After all, these are all cool to talk about in an interviewer, when one is trying to sell oneself as a designer, but the public—I don’t know if they are well served by it. Anyway, I’ll look forward to more of your writing. It’s clear and to the point.
Thanks Chris, I really appreciate that. Especially since I’m trying to explore different aspects of books and design without being dogmatic. One thing I can agree on is that good design is often getting out of the way—but you’re right, that doesn’t happen much in cover design (interior is another story).
You may appreciate my recent post about whether or not book covers matter. At any rate, thanks for reading and providing food for thought!