University Press Cover Round-Up
We welcome you to another in our ongoing feature in which notable book cover designer Jordan Wannemacher periodically highlights a selection of recent university press cover designs. Please enjoy this celebration of amazing work.
This list is in no particular order. Credits are listed below.
If you are a book cover creative and want your work or the work of your department reviewed by Jordan be sure to get in touch with us!
As with any cover design we feature in our publications, we encourage you to head to your local library and/or bookstore to view the work in its full splendor when possible.
Cornell University Press
Design: Philip Pascuzzo / pepcostudio.com
Art Director: Scott Levine
Just... wow. This cover is so striking and hits all the marks from typography to illustration to colors that absolutely vibrate with that oh-so-subtle background texture. Dating a history teacher means I've seen countless books about the Hitler and WWII but this is truly a unique take on their imagery without pasting swastikas everywhere. Well done Phil.
NYU Press
Design/Art Direction: Adam Bohannon
I love how this cover really captures a risqué quality while still making it PG for the bookstores. The play of negative space paired with the 70's pornographic inspired typography gives this the perfect balance of "wink-and-a-nod" and "you can see this cover at academic conferences." The one pop of color in the subtitle is also a nice touch.
UGA Press
Design/Art Direction: Erin Kirk New
These colors are so lovely! I love how the pattern captures bother mountains and Japanese patterns giving it such a fitting geometric quality. The calligraphic typeface is a perfect pairing.
University of California Press
Design/Art Direction: Lia Tjandra
What a powerful image for this topic. It's always nice when you find something that perfectly encapsulates the books topic without any manipulation, a testament to how real the problem in Detroit is. The type being cut off at the edges gives it a claustrophobic feel that really works for this subject matter against the stark juxtaposition of buildings. I also love the subtle gradient in the subtitle.
Ohio State University Press
Design: Regina Starace
Art Direction: Juliet Williams
I can't stop staring at this image and keep finding new details in it every time. The colored panels both conceal and highlight different parts of it that makes it such an interesting visual puzzle in a way. The all lowercase type lends a delicate and soft touch to the bold graphics going on behind it.
University of Nebraska Press
Design/Art Direction: Nathan Putens
I wish I could count the number of times I've been wowed by an illustration and found out it came from CSA images. Nathan made a perfect selection (those textures!!) and the chunky serif pairing is really stunning and balances the whole cover out.
University of Chicago Press
Design: Shiraz Abdullahi Gallab
Art Direction: Jill Shmabukuro
I am such a sucker for collaged covers and this one is no exception. This Kurt Schwitters piece is the perfect choice for a cover of his work. I am such a fan of his!! I love that the designer made the type small and restrained so Schwitter's beautiful collage art can be on full display with no distraction.
Harvard University Press
Lettering and Design: Lauren Hom
Illustration and Design: Kristle Marshall
Art Direction: Tim Jones
This illustration is absolutely gorgeous. So well done, what a beautiful color palette and play of textures. It captures a full range of experiences of such a complex and important topic. The circular angles give this so much dynamism and I'm absolutely obsessed with the lettering. Even the custom "waiting room" typography in the top right almost acts as a reading line for the book. What a gorgeous cover all around.
Jordan Wannemacher is a book designer based in the NYC area. She was born and art school educated in the Southeast at the Savannah College of Art and Design where she focused on graphic design and creative writing. Currently, she is running Studio Jordan Wannemacher, a boutique book design studio based out of her home in Montclair, New Jersey.