GDS Chapter 10

Question 1

What is the purpose of cover design?

Answer 1

To attract and communicate.

Question 2

What is some advice for designing a cover?

Answer 2

“Do not show an image and say what the image is on the same cover.”

Question 3

In what three ways can type and image be used to convey the design concept?

Answer 3

Possess similar characteristics and voice.

Contrast one another, such as pattern versus solid.

Be neutral, contextualizing the image or type.

Question 4

Four basic schemes.

Answer 4

All-type, type-driven, image-driven, and image-type synergy.

Question 5

What is the difference between all-type and type-driven?

Answer 5

All-type depicts only text, sometimes only the title and author’s name; type-driven uses the text as the predominant visual graphic element.

Question 6

Describe an image-driven composition.

Answer 6

Image as the predominant graphic element.

Question 7

Describe image-type synergy.

Answer 7

Designing the imagery and type to work cooperatively to communicate meaning.

Question 8

What happens when type and image are visually integrated?

Answer 8

They become emblematic.

Question 9

Cover Design Checklist

Answer 9

Know the book’s content and the target audience.

Create visual interest.

Suggest the genre.

Differentiate it from competitive titles.

Design the spine for graphic impact and readability.

Treat the back cover and spine as part of the whole design.

Question 10

What are six compositional structures?

Answer 10

Positive/negative relationships

Approximate symmetry

Major focal point versus multiple focal points

Corresponding movements

Rhythm, pattern, or color

Corner-to-corner thrust

Question 11

What is approximate symmetry?

Answer 11

Arranging elements with almost exact correspondence on either side of a vertical axis.

Question 12

What does approximate symmetry achieve?

Answer 12

Balance and harmony through closely mirrored correspondence of visual weights.

Question 13

What do corresponding movements create?

Answer 13

Alignment through corresponding arrangements of any or all graphic elements.

Question 14

How can you create rhythm and visual connections?

Answer 14

An all-over pattern or thoughtfully positioned repeat of color.

Question 15

What can help you to achieve unity?

Answer 15

Avoiding obvious focal points in favor of recurring smaller graphic elements that create a beat or rhythm.

Question 16

What does corner-to-corner thrust do?

Answer 16

From opposite corners, transverse the surface by a diagonal pulling-like action.

Question 17

What does corner-to-corner thrust achieve?

Answer 17

Active spatial tension.

Question 18

What are three factors to keep in mind when designing new covers for existing books?

Answer 18

Target the appropriate contemporary audience.

Differentiate the cover from the older edition as well as from current competition.

Make the author’s name easy to see and read.

Question 19

What can help people recognize and identify books as belonging together?

Answer 19

Corresponding graphic elements and compositions.

Question 20

What is a template?

Answer 20

A compositional structure with designated positions for the graphic elements.