In this guide, the typographer, book designer and manga artist Rittu Kogarasuashi share in addition to practical advice that helps you to master the art of the book cover design. Regardless of whether you are just starting or want to bring your craft to the next level, you enable your findings to exploit your full potential.
Of course, we all judge a book according to his cover – what kind of designer would refuse to pay attention to the carefully manufactured cover design that was selected for a book? This means that the designs on a book cover have to give the right mood and tell the story in a way that makes a reader. This is not always easy on a crowded bookshelf or a digital marketplace.
The top -14 tips from Rittsu lead you to breathtaking results and help you to increase your book cover designs to new heights. You can find more inspiration in the best book cover designs of the monthly takeover.
At the beginning of her career, Rittsu initially relyed on free software to improve her skills, which worked well for her learning. However, when her ambitions grew and her projects became more demanding, she was limited by the skills of these tools.
Regardless of whether she designs book covers, creates logos or creates digital media, she uses affinity-one professional, budget-friendly software, which has since become an integral part of her workflow and enables her to consistently bring her courageous creative visions to life. You can see other software options in the best graphic design -software and digital art software.
01. Understand the story first
A book cover should summarize the essence of history. Read the book or discuss its topics with the author before immersing yourself in the design. Understanding the plot, their characters and emotional tone helps you create a cover that swings with readers. Always sketch a hard design that looks like where elements will go. This does not have to be complex, just simple geometric shapes. For manga, I focus on grasping the visual dynamics and emotional intensity that is typical of the genre. Every element from typography to pictures should reflect the core message of history.
(Photo credit: Rittsu Kogarasuashi/Paper Sky Press)
02. Count the manga and anime aesthetics (if relevant for your genre)
Manga and anime styles often offer bold lines, lively colors and expressive characters. Integrate these elements into your design to address fans of the genre. Experiment with dynamic poses, dramatic shades and iconic motifs such as cherry blossoms or urban backdrops that can align with the genre, but balance the graphics to ensure that the cover is not overfilled so that the most important elements can emerge.
03. Typography is a tool with storytelling
In Manga cover, typography is not only functional – but part of the visual story. Choose fonts and fonts that match the tone of the story: elegant serifs for romance or brave Sans serif for action. Adjust the text placement and integrate it into the work of art, e.g. Well -designed typography can give a cover deep and increase the topic of history.
04. Design for immediate attraction
The bookstore shelves are overcrowded and your cover must immediately attract the attention of a reader. Therefore, use bold compositions, striking contrasts and striking focal points to stand out. For manga covers, the intensive look of a character or a dramatic action scene can attract readers. Make sure that your design is immediately visually effective, even if it is used as a small preview image for online stores.
05. Note the genre
Various manga -genres – Shons, Shojo, his and Josei – have their own unique aesthetic expectations. Shojo Manga may have soft pastel colors and delicate designs, while Shonen often used dynamic poses and strong colors. Set your design elements so that you adapt to the conventions of the specific genre and ensure that the cover speaks directly to its target group.
06. Use layering to add depth
Overlay techniques can make a cover more appealing. For manga-inspired designs, I combine characteristics with structured backgrounds and typography. I use affinity to add gradients, halftone or subtle patterns that are reminiscent of manga panels and generate depth and dimension in design. This approach is reminiscent of Manga's stories.
(Photo credit: Rittsu Kogarasuashi/Paper Sky Press)
07. Tell a visual story
Cover can serve as a mini narrative. Create a scene or a moment that indicates the content of the whole story without revealing too much. For example, present the protagonist in a dramatic pose, paired with a symbolic element from the plot that the reader will discover the meaning. This approach takes her curiosity and encourages you to record the book.
08. Include cultural elements
Manga is often very inspired by Japanese culture, so it is a good idea to include visual motifs such as Kanji characters, traditional patterns or iconic landscapes in order to give the cover an authentic feeling. However, these cultural elements can also be compensated for with universal design principles in order to address a wide audience of readers.
09. Play with composition
Dynamic compositions are a license plate of the manga cover. Use asymmetry, fatty diagonal and overlapping elements to create energy and movement in your cover. Experiment with unconventional layouts to highlight your cover. However, make sure that the overall design remains balanced and clearly legible.
10. Focus on character design
Characters are of central importance for manga stories and often the highlight of the cover. Make sure that the protagonist is presented with expressive details that reflect your personality and role in history. Use strong lines, rich colors and appealing poses to make them unforgettable for the reader.
11. Choose colors with intention
(Photo credit: Rittsu Kogarasuashi/Paper Sky Press)
Color schemes should match the mood and genre of the book. Warm tones are well suited for romantic or adventurous stories, while cooler colors fit darker or introspective topics. For manga covers, living colors can reflect the energy-rich nature of the medium, while steamed pallets add sophistication for more mature titles.
12. Experiment with iconic motifs
Integrate motifs that get going with the genre, including symbols that are not only connected to the wider aesthetics of the genre, but also provide subtle information on the specific environment and topics of history. However, remember to use these elements sparingly to overcome the design.
13. Do not overlook the spine and the back
It is important that the cover stands out and attracts the attention of a reader, but the spine is crucial for books on overcrowded shelves and the rear cover draws the reader into what the story can contain. Some would even say that these are the most important elements, since the spine is the section of the book, which is viewed, among other things, on the bookshelves. Therefore, I recommend using brave typography and small visual elements such as character silhouettes to make the spine even more visually appealing, and to ensure that the back is properly designed – readability and readability material as well as a convincing copy.
14. Test your design with fans of the genre
Get feedback from readers or other designers who are familiar with the genre. Your findings can help you refine the design to ensure that it swings with the target group. Honest reviews can often highlight overlooked details and help them achieve a polished and convincing end cover.
