I’ve noticed a lovely design device that’s becoming more and more popular these days: Multi-panel illustrations. Have you noticed these designs popping up as well?
I’m distinguishing this trend by a few factors. The fact that the different drawings/illustrations are paneled off in a grid-like formation is key. Adhering to a grid distinguishes this style from collages, which are inherently loose and disregard the x- and y-axes.
Speaking of the grid, giving those lines a thick stroke is another distinctive part of the look. There’s something very comic-book-y about calling attention to the grid itself. For this reason, I wouldn’t include this cover or this cover since the box outlines lack strokes.
I struggled a bit with what to name this look: comic-book style? Illustrations in boxes? “Color-blocking” is something else. How are we feeling about the term “multi-panel illustrations?” Bit of a mouthful?
Here are some great alternatives that came in from our community:
Amanda Weiss: Bright Tetris.
Jason Arias: Bento Books.
Nicolette Seeback: The Grids.
theBookDesigners: The Gridster.
Erin Fitzsimmons: Sequential Art. Panel Blocking. Graphic Paneling.
Jonathan Pelham: Illustrative Masonry.
I would consider multi-panel illustrations a cousin of color block covers and collages, but ultimately, a multi-panel illustration design is its own thing.
If you can think of other multi-panel illustration book covers that aren’t listed here, bring these to our attention by using our submission portal.
Today’s blog post cover image is from Vivian Lopez Rowe’s design for Tomb Sweeping.
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon | 2012
Designer: let us know!
Edna Ferber series | 2019
Designer: Oliver Munday
Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead | 2021
Designer: Oliver Munday
Cat Brushing by Jane Campbell | 2022
Designer: Jack Smyth
Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman | 2022
Designer: Cassie Gonzales
Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou | 2023
Designer: let us know
You, Bleeding Childhood by Michele Mari | 2023
Designer: Holly Ovenden
Good Material by Dolly Alderton | 2023
Designer: Emma Ewbank
Tomb Sweeping by Alexandra Chang | 2023
Designer: Vivian Lopez Rowe
A Portrait of the Scientist As A Young Woman
by Lindy Elkins-Tanton | 2023
Designer: let us know
The Rich People Have Gone Away by Regina Porter | UK Edition 2024
Designer: Yeti Mac | Illustrator: Leonie Bos
The Rich People Have Gone Away by Regina Porter | US Edition 2024
Designer: let us know!
Shanghailanders by Juli Min | 2024
Designer: Luke Bird (original UK design)
Shanghailanders by Juli Min | 2024
Designer: Charlotte Strick (adapted for the US edition)
Subculture Vulture by Moshe Kasher | 2024
Designer: Chris Allen | Art Director: Greg Mollica
Sucker by Daniel Hornsby | 2024
Designer: Perry De La Vega
Next Stop by Benjamin Resnick | 2024
Designer: let us know
The Unforgettable Loretta Darling by Katherine Blake | 2024
Designer: let us know
These covers ALMOST made the list, but NOT quite. They either lack strokes to define the x- and y- grid or lack a substantial amount of illustration/graphics in each quadrant. Others rely on photographs instead of illustrations.
How to Find the Best Book Cover Designer to Create a Multi-Panel Illustration For You!
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 connect with talented, professional book cover designers like the ones listed in this article. With over 500 designers subscribed to our private talent pool, there is no doubt that you will be matched with a pro who can create a multi-panel illustration for you.
If you enjoyed this listicle, check out our Design Devices series. Explore other elements commonly used on book covers such as newspapers, clouds, and concentric circles.
