I love to read. I love book cover design.
A freelance design project with a community literary organization that makes the work of self-publishing accessible for people of color: I was hooked!
Over the spring, I met with 3 unique authors who were publishing their first or newest collection of poetry. The organization manages the project and leads art direction, contracting with a selection of cover designers, interior designers, and editors who volunteer their time to elevate these emergent voices.
For each client, I had an initial video call with them where we discussed the subject matter of their collection, any cover design styles and colors that they gravitated toward. They supplied their own author portrait, any photos of their own that they wished included, as well as a description, and any blurbs for their cover. I developed 3 concepts for each author, and they then selected one direction to focus in on for fine tuning.
Book cover design is a trust exercise. These authors trusted me to cover their fought-for words in a way that doesn't misrepresent their intentions, or betray their own artistic confidence. I'm honored.
