Pleasures of Design

Standardised covers can be a convenient way of imposing a house style on a variety of internal publications from the same organisation. A simple formula can be established which, with a bit of ingenuity, can be adapted to a wide range of documents.

If the cover has a "selling" job to do then you may want to add some graphic images. One clear image which arrests the reader´s attention will be more effective than a montage that tries to refer to the entire contents. A typeset list of the contents on the cover will be more effective.

Designing a cover that can compete successfully with others on a bookstall calls for professional skills. Unless you are very experienced it will be wise to seek the help of a designer. He will be able to do a better job if you show him the rest of the publication and discuss with him exactly what you want to achieve.