Why would a book cover designer use crumpled paper or a ball of paper on a front cover? Here are a few themes they might want to represent:
- Process: A crumpled piece of paper can represent the raw, unfiltered stages of creativity and the process of trial and error; the initial period where ideas are rough and imperfect before being refined.
- Change and Transformation: The transformation from a crumpled piece of paper to a polished result symbolizes change, growth, and evolution. This reflects the idea that even discarded or flawed ideas can be reworked into something valuable and meaningful. It can represent resilience and the potential for growth and improvement through perseverance.
- Ideas and Invention: A crumpled piece of paper often symbolizes “the inventor.” It can also represent a writer or engineer working through ideas. Balled up paper represents the early stages of brainstorming when many concepts are quickly tried and tested before finding the best solution. When we think of creators, we think of drafts crumpled up on their studio floors.
Here are 11 book covers that utilize crumpled pieces of paper or balls of paper to evoke different feelings which are unique to each of these books below.
Coming Clean by Kimberly Rae Miller
Designer: Lynn Buckley
The Consciousness Instinct by David Spangler
Designer: Matt Chase
I Meant It Once by Kate Doyle
Designer: let us know
Refuse To Be Done by Matt Bell
Designer: David Drummond
Consumer Detox by Mark Powley
Designer: Faceout Studio
The Power Of Regret by Daniel H. Pink
Designer: David Litman
Wasted by Byron Reese & Scott Hoffman
Designer: let us know
Imagine It Forward by Beth Comstock
Designer: let us know
The Material by Camille Bordas
Designer: Michael Morris
A Fine Mess by T. R. Reid
Designer: Christopher Brian King
Invent, Innovate, and Prosper by Peter Sims
Designer: Zoe Norvell
How to Find the Best Book Cover Designer for Your Project
The “best” book cover artist is subjective and varies according to an author’s specific vision and style preference. However, platforms like the INeedABookCover Job Board have made it easier for authors to find and collaborate with talented, professional designers like the ones listed in this article.
If you enjoyed this listicle, be sure to check out our Design Devices series to explore other elements commonly used on book covers such as clouds, paintings, and concentric circles.
