They say that one should not judge a book by its cover. This line must hurt all the book designers who work immensely hard on creating an ideal book cover. After all, book covers speak a lot about the book. A lot of times goes into developing and writing the plot and story for the book but book cover design plays an important role in reflecting the jist of the book. If you are a designer and are struggling to meet your client’s expectations, we have 8 book cover designs to inspire you.

1. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

the goldfinch by donna tartt

One crucial thing to keep in mind while designing a book cover is that it has to be unique. This book cover here certainly fulfills this criterion. The Goldfinch, the painting, is an important part of the book’s plot. The writer, Donna Tartt, requested, Keith Hayes, a veteran art director for Little, Brown and Company, to not reveal the painting in the cover. Hayes, however, included the painting on the cover, but in a unique and creative style, by just giving a sneak-peek. The writer loved it and we love it too.

2. The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson

the psychopath test by jon ronson

The book cover is completely in sync with the title as well as the theme of the book. The writer explores the area of psychopathy and the designer has brilliantly represented the distress, terror and shock with the ripped up design.

3. The Dinner by Herman Koch

the dinner by herman koch

The story is about a family crisis being discussed over a dinner. The cover is metaphorically designed and very intelligently signifies the anxiety of the story. It gives a wonderful jist of what lies inside the pages.

4. Very Recent History by Choire Sicha

very recent history by choire sicha

How do you depict multiple characters, multiple lives on a book cover? Here is a perfect example. The cover has so much going on that your eyes can’t rest at one spot for few seconds while looking at it. The use of colors provide a breather from the chaos and that’s how a balance is achieved while designing a book cover.

5. Me (The Art of Living) by Mel Thompson

me the art of living by mel thompson

The book is about self-exploration, introspection and reflection. Isn’t that obvious from the cover? The minimal design looks as philosophical as the book. The cover is intriguing and would make you curious about what lies inside the book.

6. A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab

a darker shade of magic by v

It is not very often that one sees a title and the illustration on a book cover to be in such great coordination. Designer Will Staehle has done a wonderful job with the simple design perfectly representing the theme of parallel universe showcased in the book.

7. Thrown by Kerry Howley

thrown by kerry howley

Thrown is a book that centers around cage fighting. Keeping the theme in mind, designer Jonathan Gray, designed the minimal illustration that resembles a fighting ring. Also, if you look carefully, the choice of font and the arrangement of fonts also justifies the title of the book.

8. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

a midsummer nights dream by william shakespeare

We have earlier covered a story on the 14 book covers for a series of Shakespeare’s plays done by illustrator Manuja Waldia. The minimalist book cover design is highly impressive. It looks fresh and modern yet binding inside a classic tale by Shakespeare.

Book covers create the first impression of the book. They summarize the most twisted of plots into one simple design and this is not an easy thing to do. These book covers are a perfect example for any designer to keep in mind while designing any book cover.

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