Book Design Career?
Jennifer writes:
I just recently came across your site and it’s had a motivating effect on me.
Thank you. There is no higher praise to us.
I’ve designed (and published!) exactly one book to date. (Okay, so it’s a vanity press paperback. But, hey, it’s not bad, it’s still selling (!!), and some the most positive comments about the book had to do with the design. Feel free to pick it apart. There are any number of things I’d do differently with it if I could.)
Here’s that title:
I’m wondering if you have any good tips on how an obsessively detailed graphic designer in a dull, dead-end job with a passion for books, book design, typography and photography can break into the book design field.
We’ve exhanged a couple of emails, and I basically said, “start small and research, research, research.” I also suggested that she could take on a few side jobs while still at her current position, to see what typical jobs and pay are like.
Most of what I say comes from the freelance point of view. Anyone want to chip in with a from-the-employee point of view?
I love the variety freelance offers, but, being a financially cautious person, haven’t been brave enough to give up the bimonthly paycheck yet.
There are job listings here from time to time, as well — stay tuned. In the meantime, would any of our other readers like to offer up some advice?
Comments:
I took the back door into book design. I started out with only an AA in journalism and got a job out of college doing pasteup at a daily paper. Then, because I knew Quark from building ads at the paper during workflow downtime, I got a job at a book typesetter. We took on accounts from publishers who supplied us with the manuscripts and design, and that’s where I learned so much. I learned the basics of layout and book production and I was exposed to many different designers. We also typeset monthly journals, and I was able to do some of my own design work for them. So on that foundation I was able to get a job as an in-house designer at a small non-fiction publisher and I continue to learn more about design and problem solving every day. So from my experience, a prospective employer appreciates a solid foundation in typesetting. That may be one option to explore.
I’d guess what I’d say to Jennifer is: Is your ‘dull, dead-end job’ worth the bi-monthly paycheck? It doesn’t sound like it!
I didn’t really grow or blossom as a designer until I went freelance, and I’m certain that I wouldn’t be as successful as a jacket designer if I waited for someone to give me a job. I also didn’t want to move to NYC (I love it, but it’s too expensive). So unless I wanted to work for some crappy local press, I knew that I’d have to forge my own way.
I’ve been a designer for a number of years, which helped. But, in less than two years I’ve gone from having never designed a book jacket to having designed 50+ book jackets for Penguin/Viking, Vintage/Knopf, W.W. Norton, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins.
I say stuff the dull job and go for it!
(Jennifer — About the “Fatale” cover; I like the lower illustration and the way you pulled out the ribbon graphic, but I don’t think the Eiffel Tower duotone works that well with it. I’m also not fond of the extreme kerning of the text. But considering it’s your first book design, I think you’ve done a pretty good job).
[I]n less than two years I’ve gone from having never designed a book jacket to[…]
Your style and expert ability to work with elements may have something to do with that, too, J…;)
I don’t think the Eiffel Tower duotone works that well with it.
The tower, the duotone, or both? I like how the tower and fireplace interact and thought the color was okay, too. (Agreed on the text — and the ribbon.)
Giles - thanks for the kind words!
As for the cover: I guess what bugs me about the photo (other than the fact that the Eiffel Tower has been overdone to death as a symbol of “France” - a tad obvious for my tastes), is that it leads your eye right off of the page. Combine that with the woman looking off to the right, and your eye wants to do everything but stay on the cover.
I’m not bothered by the color of the duotone - I just find it a bit watered-down and stark - especially in contrast to the sumptuous painting on the bottom half.
J, I think that’s precisely right. I was going to say something much less eloquent about the Tower looking like it was falling back, but you’ve hit the nail on the head.
Hey, these are great comments! I wish you’d been around when I was putting this thing together. You know, it’s funny, I never even noticed how the fireplace opening more or less replaces the missing arches of the tower…another happy accident or else I need new glasses again. And, yes, the kerning’s a bit extreme, but I’m more bothered by the size of the subtitle. As I mentioned to Giles in an email, it was a case of the client (sp. “M-O-M”) saying, “can you make it bigger?” Very difficult arguing with all that guilt in the way.
…in less than two years I’ve gone from having never designed a book jacket to having designed 50+ book jackets for Penguin/Viking, Vintage/Knopf, W.W. Norton, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins.
J, I‘d be interested in knowing how those first book covers came about. IOW, did you just call up Penguin, etc. and say “Hey, got any covers I can design?” or did you send them unsolicited samples of your work? While I would really love to walk out of this cube for good right now, and know I can tighten my belt another notch, the dogs wouldn’t appreciate being without heat or their bag of chow.
Hey Jennifer - I think I’ve posted how I broke into the biz before, but I’ll post here what I wrote in an email that I sent to Amanda last March:
I’ve been freelancing for about 2 1/2 years now, but about a year ago I decided I needed to start taking my business in the direction I wanted it to go. I’ve been a designer for quite awhile (I’m almost 40), but I’ve always wanted to do book cover design. So, I needed a marketing tool…
I trawled around on Amazon, found about 10-15 titles that had pretty bad covers (I made sure that they weren’t put out by major publishers - wouldn’t want to offend a prospective client!), redesigned the jackets, and then designed and printed out (on my inkjet) a little 24-page booklet (4.75” x 7”) showing both the crappy original covers and my redesigns. I then sent about 20 copies of said booklet out to various major publishers.
I only received one response, but it was from Penguin! They gave me my first title, and the rest is history.…
Thanks, J. I‘m still new here, and haven’t had time to scroll through all the archives yet. Your story sounds alot like my story…which is very encouraging. I do have a few years on you though, so I guess I better get my rear in gear.
As mehitabel says: there s a dance in the old dame yet.
I’m glad this was brought up, since I was actually considering asking for similar advice myself.
What I’d like to know, though… what would you recommend as first steps for someone who is wanting to make a stab at freelance cover design. I mean… I’m a complete virgin… How should I submit my designs, besides the Artists’ and Designers’ Market book, what are some good resources?
I couldn’t be more excited to find this web site or this thread. As an experienced graphic designer anxious to make the transition into book design, I plan on picking this site apart. I’ll keep my mouth shut in the mean time and do my best not to ask any questions already addressed. Until then, just wanted to express my pleasure at stumbling upon this resource.
Great thread running here. I’ve been an art director about 12 years now and know how hard it is to get stuff in front of someone - that someone being me. What I hated were general mailers as they told me they were lazy or expensive. Having said that. Howd does one crack the monoliths such as Penguin, Random House, etc… I have 4 book jackets designed without type (I’m a photo illustrator) that I want in the right hands. So c’mon - gimme the goods
Until then, just wanted to express my pleasure at stumbling upon this resource.
Thank you. And thank you to all of the people who make it possible, especially all of the book designers who provide the great material.
We started this blog so that a resource would exist — for ourselves as much as anyone. I can’t even tell you how delighted I am that it’s become a community.
I’m interested as well in learning more about book design. Can someone tell me when designing a book cover such as the one above, that includes photos and a painting, where do you get these from? Do you have to deal with licensing issues, or do you go and photograph the Eiffel Tower yourself or paint a picture?
To put it another way, how much of being a book designer means being a photographer or being wary of copyright? Do you have to go out and find these elements yourself? I imagine it would take some time to research where to get something such as a photo to your liking, or an oil painting.
Thanks.
Awesome site! I am a Jr. Designer now specializing in pOsters and theater publications in NYC. I have not done a book jacket jet- but that is my next step. Again-this site is great!
I’ll be graduating with my a degree in English/Publishing soon. Through the program at my school, I’ve managed to have three book covers (one collaborative, the others solely my own) published. I’m very interested in hearing about anyone’s experience with freelance cover design work.
J., I love that you took the time to put together a booklet to send to publishers; that’s how I think about approaching this, doing something that sets me apart from the others.
Jennifer, I like your design; I think the duotone in juxtaposition with the painting below adds a sense of depth that I find appealing. I have to agree that the subtitle is a tad heavy, though.