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Book Covers Using Crumpled Paper

One man’s trash…
byZoe Norvell
Views: 381
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Design Devices

Book Covers Using Crumpled Paper

One man’s trash…
byZoe Norvell
Views: 381
Design Devices

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Picture of Zoe Norvell

Zoe Norvell

Zoe has been in the publishing world since 2011 and currently lives in Washington, DC.

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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.

Designer Disclaimer

INABC is not a full-service design agency. It’s a curated directory that helps you connect directly with talented freelance designers. Each designer handles their own pricing, process, and contracts. We encourage you to communicate clearly with your chosen designer and to review their portfolio carefully to make sure they’re a good fit for your project. Designers and authors are expected to draft, negotiate, and sign their own contracts to ensure that expectations, deliverables, and rights are clearly outlined before any work begins.

While we do our best to curate a talented community, INABC is not involved in the collaborations that follow and we cannot guarantee the outcome of individual projects with specific designers. If you run into an issue with a designer that you find from using INABC, we are open to learning about your experience, but ultimately, INABC will not be involved in any specific disputes. For more information, visit the For Authors page and read our Terms & Conditions.
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