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6 Helpful Classes On Book Cover Design

Learn how from absolute pros

6 Helpful Classes On Book Cover Design

Learn how from absolute pros

So you’re a design student or novice and you’ve become totally obsessed with book covers. Welcome. We know the feeling!

Knowing your way around Adobe products isn’t enough. If you want to learn the tools of the trade, you’re in luck! Six ABSOLUTE MASTERS of the craft have each put together their very own class in which they will walk you through the intricacies of book cover design. Take your pick!

1. Steven Attardo via Workshop

Steven Attardo is the design director for W. W. Norton and Company’s trade book division.

© Nerdabe

2. Catherine Casolino via Domestika

Catherine is the creative director of her design studio in NYC.

© Domestika

3. John Gall via Domestika

John Gall is currently the creative director of Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

© Domestika

4. Owen Gent via Domestika

Owen Gent is an artist & illustrator based in Bristol, England with a specialty in book publishing.

© Domestika

4. Chip Kidd via Domestika

Chip Kidd is one of the most well-known book cover designers of our day.

© Domestika

5. Peter Mendelsund via Skillshare

Peter Mendelsund was previously the art director of Pantheon Books. Today, he is the Creative Director of The Atlantic. 

© Skillshare

No time for class? Here’s a 2016 Format article titled How to Design A Best Selling Book Cover.

This article was last updated March 2024.

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Designer Requirements

Only a carefully curated group of designers are given access to the creative briefs posted on the INABC Jobs Board. This system ensures that clients receive top-notch, focused proposals from professionals whose talents have been vetted

All designers who will be bidding on your cover design have applied to receive job notifications and have been approved by the INABC admin team. Our approved designers:

  • Are professional book cover designers, not simply generalist graphic designers.
  • Have been working in the industry for a minimum of 3 years, usually more.
  • Must demonstrate a contemporary aesthetic, creating work that feels current and relevant to today’s book design market. We seek professionals who stay informed on industry trends while pushing boundaries with innovative, forward-thinking designs. Our designers know that our clients are not looking for designs that feel “dated.”
  • Work on multiple book cover projects in any given month
  • Are committed to delivering high-quality, original designs tailored to each client’s unique vision. 
  • Do NOT sell or offer book cover premades. At INABC, we do not condone the offering of pre-made book covers. We are fans of highly bespoke cover work.
  • Do NOT use AI-generated imagery in their commercial work.
  • Have accessible online portfolios showcasing book cover work that are easy for anyone to review.
  • Have extensive experience working with self-publishing authors AND commercial presses.
  • Are available and excited to receive these weekly briefs.

If you are contacted by a designer that doesn’t align with the requirements described above, we ask that you please contact the INABC admin team at ineedabookcover.assistant@gmail.com.

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