Book Cover Design Critique

GOOD DESIGN

Columbine – Dave Cullen
Designed by: Henry Sene Yee



• Is the text in a logical ordering (i.e. title, subtitle and authorʼs name).
Henry Sene Yee’s design for this novel is simple, clean and mysterious. The only text that has been used is the books title COLUMBINE. Only having this one word on the cover draws the eye directly to the title stimulating interest in the book. I don’t think that not naming the author hinders the design as the simplicity of the text is what draws in the viewer.

• Does the font used suit the subject of the book?
The simple font used for the title suits the subject of the book as it is somewhat haunting creating a sense of mystery around the events that occurred in the school on that day.

• Is the text clear and easy to read?
The only text on the cover is situated towards the top and right in the middle of the empty space. Although the text is in a very predominant position, its colour can make it fade into the background making it difficult to read. However, this suits the look and feel of the book and its content.

• Does the image used on the cover correctly convey the meaning of the book?
The image on the cover is excellent in correctly conveying the meaning of this book. The book is based around the events of the columbine school shooting and the distant photo of he school on the front cover is powerful and confronting.

• Is the image engaging (ie. would it make you want to pick this book up in a book store)?
The way the image is only in the bottom third of the cover makes it eye catching and appealing to the viewer. This cover makes me want to pick up with book and it is very mysterious and engaging.

• Is this a text or image dominant layout?
The text and image battle for dominance on this book cover. Although the image is the first aspect that is seen by the viewer, the text, once noticed, is very dominant and intriguing.

• Do the image and text work well together?
The image and text work very harmoniously together on this cover. If there was any more text the cover would not work as effectively as it does.

• How could the ordering be improved?
I think the only thing that could be improved on this cover is the contrast of the background and the text. Although it is effective how the text fades into the background I think a little more contrast would still be effective.