Since 2018 I have designed book covers for several different publishing companies.

Process

Reading the book

My process always begins with reading the book or the manuscript. For some books that means reading them before the final editing is completely done, and for some it’s reading the english version before the Swedish translation is done. I wouldn’t want to create a book cover without reading it because I think you have to understand the book to make a good job.

moodboards and inspiration

The author often has some idea in mind that I can develop further. Sometimes it’s a text, a specific path in the book or just a general feeling. I try to develop that a bit more with a moodboard, I try to merge my thoughts and ideas with the idea from the author/publisher so that we have a common starting point.

Sketches and design

I like to keep up the pace in the beginning, trying to find the direction that suits everyone involved before I deep dive into the design. My contact is mostly with the publisher, who talks to the author.

Typography and lettering

The typography is super duper important! I really like to draw custom letters for the book covers. It can give the cover an extra human touch and a tactile feeling, but mostly making it completely original. In some cases I have hand lettered the text on the back, but it can be risky if that needs to change. All book covers I have made have custom lettering on the front.

final adjustements

When we’re all happy I add all the logos and codes needed on the cover and I deliver the files needed. When the book is released you’ll see me lurking around a bookshop trying to catch the cover in the wild.