This artist from Kerala says an aesthetically designed book cover is a work of art
Arun Gokul has designed the covers of some of Malayalam literature’s bestsellers elevating them
Book cover designer Arun Gokul shares his perspective on the importance of beautifully designed book covers, stating that they are an integral part of a book's presentation and branding. In Kerala, which is home to numerous publishing houses, Arun notes that book cover designers often go unacknowledged despite playing a crucial role in attracting readers and conveying a book's essence.
His career as a book cover designer spans nearly two decades, during which he has crafted over 1,200 covers, including works by renowned Malayalam authors such as Madhavikutty, M Mukundan, and Haritha Savitri. Arun's journey into this field began during his studies at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, where he designed the cover for the college magazine, which garnered attention and sparked his interest in the art form.
Although he lacks formal art training, Arun has honed his skills through constant practice and experimentation. He explains that book cover design is akin to packaging a product, as a captivating cover entices potential readers and sets the tone for the story within. He believes that a book cover is a work of art, much like the novel it accompanies.
Despite the abundance of resources available online or via AI tools, Arun emphasizes the importance of his unique approach, which involves using typography and color to convey the book's theme. He also acknowledges that his designs often include limited details about the book, such as a synopsis or simply the title, which forces him to rely on his creativity and the editor's insights.
Arun's work can be likened to a reader's glimpse into the author's world before they even turn the first page.
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