Graphic Design Trends in Book Covers
When it Comes to Graphic Design Trends, Book Covers are Surprisingly Instructive
To step into a bookshop is to be surrounded by mini artworks that reveal a lot about the print design industry in the current moment, encompassing everything from typography to illustration. Indeed, many of the best book covers rival the best print ads when it comes to design ingenuity.
January’s Best Book Covers
We may only be one month into 2025, but we’ve already seen some stunning book covers. Curiously, there’s a strong yellow theme this month – are designers subconsciously trying to transport us from the winter doldrums and into the summer?
Blob by Maggie Su
Blob by Maggie Su is a debut novel about a young woman who decides to turn a sentient blob into her ‘perfect man’. It’s a boldly visceral and tactile cover, with some clever typography work as both title and author are warped by the titular, er, blob. The cover was designed by Harper Books’ VP art director Robin Bilardello.
Going Home by Tom Lamont
Going Home by Tom Lamont tells the story of three men—all of whom are completely ill-suited for fatherhood—who take charge of a toddler following an unexpected loss. The striking cover was designed by Jared Bartman.
A Gorgeous Excitement by Cynthia Weiner
Less yellow but no less sun-kissed is this nostalgic design by Chris Allen for A Gorgeous Excitement by Cynthia Weiner. Allen shares a quote from the author on Instagram: “The novel follows bright but insecure Nina Jacobs during her last months before college, when she falls for Upper East Side “It Boy” Gardner Reed and targets him to take her virginity, and, after being introduced to cocaine, ignores red flag after red flag in her headlong pursuit of him. Freud called cocaine “a gorgeous excitement,” but a gorgeous excitement for the wrong guy can be lethal."
Playworld by Adam Ross
Playworld by Adam Ross spans one enthralling, transformative year in the life of a child actor coming of age in a bygone Manhattan. The elegant yet striking cover was designed by acclaimed artist Oliver Munday.
Conclusion
As we head into the rest of 2025, it’s clear that book covers will continue to push the boundaries of design innovation and creativity. With a focus on bold typography, striking illustrations, and clever color choices, these mini artworks are not only eye-catching but also thought-provoking.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the yellow theme in January’s book covers?
A: It’s possible that designers are subconsciously trying to transport us from the winter doldrums and into the summer.
Q: What is the main focus of the book covers in this article?
A: The main focus is on the design trends and creativity of the book covers in January 2025.
Q: Who designed the cover of Blob by Maggie Su?
A: The cover was designed by Harper Books’ VP art director Robin Bilardello.
