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.
1. The Language of Kindness
Author: Christie Watson
Designer: Suzanne Dean
2. Void
Author: Veronica Roth, part of the Far Reaches Collection
Designer: Caroline Teagle Johnson
3. This Weightless World
Author: Adam Soto
Designer: Tyler Comrie
4. Apprenticed To Spirit
Author: David Spangler
Designer: Alex Merto
5. Together, Closer
Author: Giovanni Frazzetto
Designer: Olga Grlic
6. The Devil Takes You Home
Author: Gabino Iglesias
Designer: Gregg Kulick
7. Wings of Red
Author: James W. Jennings
Designer: write in with the credit
8. The Everything Token
Author: Steve Kaczynski and Scott Duke Kominers
Designer: Zoe Norvell
9. On Not Knowing
Author: Emily Ogden
Designers: Tom Etherington
10. The Sun Walks Down
Author: Fiona McFarlane
Designer: Na Kim
11. Headshot
Author: Rita Bullwinkel
Designer: Lynn Buckley
12. Pure Life
Author: Eugene Marten
Designer: Kate Sinclair
13. Ignition
Author: M. R. O’Connor
Designer: Pete Garceau
14. Following Jesus In A Warming World
Author: Kyle Meyaard-Schaap
Designer: let us know
15. Rejection
Author: Tony Tulathimutte
Designer: Ploy Siriplant
16. There Plant Eyes
Author: M. Leona Godin
Designer: let us know
17. The Brain’s Way of Healing
Author: Norman Doidge, M.D.
Designer: write us with credit info
18. Be Not Afraid of Love
Author: 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.
