Book Cover Design: Reimagine a Classic
A course by Rafael NobreGraphic Designer and Illustrator
A course by Rafael Nobre, Graphic Designer and Illustrator
Combine images and text to create memorable book covers and bring your designs to life using Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
While many stand by the popular saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover," when it comes to a literary piece, an attractive visual identity is integral to its success. Illustrator and graphic designer Rafael Nobre, who's created book covers for publishing houses such as Companhia das Letras, TAG Livros, and Nova Fronteira, teaches you to combine words and images to captivate potential readers. In this online course, learn to graphically reinterpret classic book covers. With Rafael as your guide, discover everything you need to convey the essence of a book in its cover, from the initial sketches to the preparation of the finished file.
What will you learn in this online course?
20 lessons & 29 downloads
Brief history of book covers
6 minutes, 32 seconds
20th century and the future
5 minutes, 55 seconds
What is a cover?
6 minutes, 36 seconds
Main graphic approaches and means of expression
7 minutes, 57 seconds
Bindings and finishes
7 minutes, 13 seconds
Briefing and reading
11 minutes, 37 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know Rafael Nobre a little better, including his main sources of inspiration and biggest influences. He also shares his most outstanding works to date. Move on to hear a brief history of the book cover, before learning about its main characteristics and functions as well as the more technical aspects like graphic frameworks and finishes. Now get to work on your classic of choice! Begin studying your book, paying close attention to the key points recommended by Rafael. After researching previous covers of your chosen piece, it's time to do your first sketches. Then learn to vectorize your design in Illustrator and decide on a font. Next, apply textures in Photoshop and create your mock-ups for their presentation. To round out the course, Rafael shows you how to prepare your file for printing and how to produce a physical copy of your book cover.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create a new book cover for a classic of your choice.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Designers, illustrators, and anyone interested in book cover creation.
Requirements and materials
A basic working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop is essential for this course. In terms of materials, all you need is a computer with all three programs installed.
Reviews
- 24 days ago
O Gabriel é um profissional referência e o curso é incrível e bem completo! Adorei! (:
- 3 months ago
Amei!! Foi um dos melhores cursos que fiz aqui
- inesgcerqueiraPLUS4 months ago
Muito interessante ver todo o processo criativo e a preparação dos ficheiros finais!
- 9 months ago
Muy buen curso, me ha gustado mucho!
- 11 months ago
Excelente
He has more than ten years' experience behind him and has won several awards including the Brasil Design Award and Melhor Capa de Livro Getty Images.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Thinking the cover
- Brief history of book covers
- 20th century and the future
- What is a cover?
- Main graphic approaches and means of expression
- Bindings and finishes
- U3
Preparing the cover
- Briefing and reading
- Search 1
- Search 2
- First ideas and sketch
- Vector design and typography 1
- Vector drawing and typography 2
- Finalization and creation of the guard of book 1
- Finalization and creation of the guard of book 2
- Mock-up and presentation
- Complete cover assembly 1
- Complete cover assembly 2
- U4
Finalization
- Closing the file for printing
- Creating a physical mock-up
- FP
Final project
- Book Cover Design: Reimagine a Classic
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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FAQs
The course is intermediate level, recommended for those with basic knowledge of graphic design or illustration who want to deepen their skills and learn specific techniques and processes for book covers.
You’ll need a computer with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, plus sketching materials like paper and pencils. Having access to visual references is also recommended.
You’ll learn how to blend graphic design with original illustration, create innovative covers, apply finishing techniques, develop briefs, analyze references, and complete projects for both print and digital covers.
The course covers everything from critical reading and research to sketching, typography selection, layout design, and technical finishing for print or digital publishing.
Advanced drawing skills aren’t required, but some illustration ability and an interest in experimenting with techniques like watercolor, vector art, and digital collage are recommended.
Yes, the course teaches how to analyze the market, avoid visual clichés, and come up with creative solutions that align with the story and target audience, using metaphors, symbolism, and unique techniques.
Yes, it covers finishing techniques like hot stamping, spot varnish, matte lamination, special cuts, and three-side painting, explaining how to choose and apply each.