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Say Hello to Some Gritty Gradients

Nitty Gritty
byZoe Norvell
Views: 154
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Design Devices

Say Hello to Some Gritty Gradients

Nitty Gritty
byZoe Norvell
Views: 154
Design Devices

Gradient color ways are a captivating trend in graphic design, infusing energy and depth into contemporary book covers. Enjoy the 18 covers listed below, as their dynamic hues seamlessly blend, creating a striking visual narrative that resonates with modern audiences. Recently, there’s been a notable surge in their popularity, as designers harness gritty gradients to evoke emotions, captivate attention, and lend a fresh, vibrant appeal to literary works. Explore the tag gradients for more covers like these.

Today’s blog post cover image was created by gradient artist Nick Thomm. “Nick is an Australian Artist living and working in Los Angeles, known for his large-scale, hyper-color Spectral Paintings and immersive projection installations. Through his work Thomm explores modern color systems, abstract image construction, and the merge of traditional art with technology, resulting in a hypnotic combination of form and color.” You can view his paintings here.

The Language of Kindness by Christie Watson

Designer: Suzanne Dean

Void by Veronica Roth, part of the Far Reaches Collection

Designer: Caroline Teagle Johnson

This Weightless World by Adam Soto

Designer: Tyler Comrie

Apprenticed To Spirit by David Spangler

Designer: Alex Merto

Together, Closer by Giovanni Frazzetto

Designer: Olga Grlic

The Devil Takes You Home by Gabino Iglesias

Designer: Gregg Kulick

Wings of Red by James W. Jennings

Designer: write in with the credit

The Everything Token by Steve Kaczynski and Scott Duke Kominers

Designer: Zoe Norvell

On Not Knowing by Emily Ogden

Designers: Tom Etherington

The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlane

Designer: Na Kim

Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel

Designer: Lynn Buckley

Pure Life by Eugene Marten

Designer: Kate Sinclair

Ignition by M. R. O’Connor

Designer: Pete Garceau

Following Jesus In A Warming World by Kyle Meyaard-Schaap

Designer: let us know

Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte

Designer: Ploy Siriplant

There Plant Eyes by M. Leona Godin

Designer: let us know

The Brain’s Way of Healing by Norman Doidge, M.D.

Designer: write us with credit info

Be Not Afraid of Love by Mimi Zhu

Designer: write us with credit info

How to Find the Best Cover Artist to Create a Gritty Book Cover

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 who know how to utilize gritty color gradients to create a dynamic, unique book cover.

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 newspapers, clouds, 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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