Book Cover Illustration Tips For Self Publishers

Tips to good design- Being a book cover illustrator and book cover designer over the years, has helped me develop a formula of key elements. Here are just a few of the questions I go through during the creative process, as I work with you to explore and concept a book cover that will magnetize your audience into a sale

Note: As a book cover illustrator or self publishing Author, a good practice is to simple go into your local book store and observe how customers are drawn to and interact with a book on the shelf. Ask your self questions like…

1.Does the book cover design or book cover illustration jump of the shelf among other books? Does your book cover make people want to pick it up?

Note: Most people are initially attracted to a book through its cover. After picking up the book to view its cover, they usually flip it to the back and read the summary, so the back cover design and marketing layout is very important.

Does the book cover visually derive the author’s tone, setting and theme? Will it powerfully penetrate and attract the authors target market?

Is the typography in the book cover illustration or book cover design unique and powerful? Is it eye-catching at a distance?

Note: A common mistake in book cover design and book cover illustration is “over complexity”. A book cover design or illustration cannot be treated the same as an interior book illustration. A graphically strong illustration or design should incorporate the type and allow for ample negative space, allowing the design to appear prominent and legible on the shelf.

A seasoned book cover illustrator will intrigue the viewer with the artwork, conservative with the narrative of the piece, not giving away to much of the story, but enough to entice the viewer into reading the book.

Does the book cover look attractive at a small size. As a book cover illustrator,I offer awareness and tips in online marketing. In the online portal, books often appear as very small icons (about 108 pixels).