Brown is not often thought of when it comes to attractiveness or even attention getting. It is often associated with age, dirt, or any number of other unlikeable things, and so to use it for a book cover is taking a little bit of a risk. But, with the right design and truly unique idea, brown can be used a very convincing way to lure readers in.
The Last Stormlord by Glenda LarkeContrast is key when it comes to really making individual images stand out, and therefore expanding the overall effect of a good cover. This is a fantastic example, specifically because of the lightning striking in the background. It is that streak that illuminates the rest of the brown background, while also simultaneously casting the mysterious figure in the foreground into shadows. This is also an incredible eye-catcher as it creates an instant curiosity. The two properties tied together against the barren brown background are wonderfully successful in making this cover an attention grabber that won’t let go.
New Moon by Stephenie MeyerReaders really don’t need the print at the bottom of this cover telling them that this is not only a bestseller, but also a movie, but the white print against the brown of the background make it stand out just in case there is that small majority that doesn’t already know. Here, the main characters are blending in with the background more than standing out, but the cover still creates an image that is captivating by illuminating a slight halo around them. Their skin colors are lighter than the clothes they are wearing and the trees in the background, and so it is this aspect that also makes them perfectly visible to anyone passing by this book on the shelves. There are still plenty of people out there that have not read this book yet, and as more and more generations become old enough to read it, there will be more opportunities for this particular brown cover to reach out and capture their attention.
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis CarrollThis classic tale has been retold in many different ways, including additional tales and countless versions on both the big and small screens. Just as more people adapt the story in their own way, many artists have created their own special cover for this timeless story. This particular one is beautifully enchanting and instantly creates an allure that is very hard to ignore. The browns on this cover range from the very light of the background to the very dark of the Hatter’s coat, with several varying shades in between; and each blends so perfectly to create some of the most memorable and recognizable characters in literary history. The style is also richly captivating, dating the story as old as it truly is with a unique drawing that really takes people back in time. This is a wonderful piece of artwork that really gives credit to one of readers’ favorite stories.
The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum/Jimmy TierneyThough this is a novelization of the original movie, and not necessarily the original story, it does not take away from the truly original idea behind the cover work. The brown creates a magnificent frame around two unique images that are still frames of the timeless story. The green of both the left side and the upper image create a nice contrast against the brown, really standing out and creating the right amount of contrast to demand more than just a passing glance. The gold also stands out just enough to add to the overall effect and complete the picturesque quality of this beautiful cover art. It is sometimes hard to really create something visually for a written work that has become so loved, but this designer has not only done it successfully, but with an enchanting style that really lends credit to the incredible story of Oz.
