book cover mockup
book cover mockup

Wildflowers of America

Wildflowers of America

Wildflowers of America

Redesigning a book cover for a classic botanical collection

Redesigning a book cover for a classic botanical collection

Redesigning a book cover for a classic botanical collection

Client

Smithsonian, Crown Publishing

Smithsonian, Crown Publishing

Smithsonian, Crown Publishing

Tools

Photoshop

Photoshop

Photoshop

This project started with a walk through my neighborhood (Temescal, in Oakland CA). Often neighbors leave boxes of books out and one day I found a book titled Wildflowers of America. Originally published in 1953, this book had beautiful images of hand painted flowers combined with detailed descriptions.

This project started with a walk through my neighborhood (Temescal, in Oakland CA). Often neighbors leave boxes of books out and one day I found a book titled Wildflowers of America. Originally published in 1953, this book had beautiful images of hand painted flowers combined with detailed descriptions.

This project started with a walk through my neighborhood (Temescal, in Oakland CA). Often neighbors leave boxes of books out and one day I found a book titled Wildflowers of America. Originally published in 1953, this book had beautiful images of hand painted flowers combined with detailed descriptions.

Inspired by the artwork I was compelled to redesign the cover on the premise this book, who's last edition was released in 1987, were to be refreshed and republished in 2023.

Inspired by the artwork I was compelled to redesign the cover on the premise this book, who's last edition was released in 1987, were to be refreshed and republished in 2023.

Inspired by the artwork I was compelled to redesign the cover on the premise this book, who's last edition was released in 1987, were to be refreshed and republished in 2023.

The Challenge

The Challenge

The found book was missing the original dust jacket and the hard cover was plain with a single flower embossment. Past editions of the book featured a dust jacket with a single flower, who's design felt incredibly outdated. It's too easy to loose a dust jacket, so this book would be designed with the artwork printed directly on the cover boards.

original books
original books
original books
spread showing flower illustrations
spread showing flower illustrations
spread showing flower illustrations

Inspiration

It felt clear from the beginning that the inspiration for the cover art should come from the hand-painted pictures featured in this book. Their exquisite detail and beauty are a primary feature. The colors and aesthetics of the Wild Rose (pictured right page) were particularly interesting to me and I worked to find a similar wild rose illustration for the cover art.

Inspiration

It felt clear from the beginning that the inspiration for the cover art should come from the hand-painted pictures featured in this book. Their exquisite detail and beauty are a primary feature. The colors and aesthetics of the Wild Rose (pictured right page) were particularly interesting to me and I worked to find a similar wild rose illustration for the cover art.

The Solution

The Solution

Designed in Adobe Photoshop, the cover features two illustrative portraits of wild flowers and a color pallet of warm earth tones. Ample white space allows the flower to be the feature and draw in the reader.

Title

Title

Gioviale typeface
Red from wild rose illustration

Body text

Body text

Cochin typeface
Rich black

Print Design

Print Design

Print Design

8 x 12 Inches, 1 inch spine
No dust jacket
Boards contain illustration

8 x 12 Inches, 1 inch spine
No dust jacket
Boards contain illustration

8 x 12 Inches, 1 inch spine
No dust jacket
Boards contain illustration

final design mockup
final design mockup
final design mockup
final design flat image
final design flat image
final design flat image

Ad Campaign

Ad Campaign

Continuing the process, I anticipate that this new design would need to be featured in advertisements for the special republication 60 years from its original as a special anniversary edition.

poster advertisement mockup
poster advertisement mockup
poster advertisement mockup
social media advertisements
social media advertisements
social media advertisements
instagram mockups
instagram mockups
instagram mockups
web banner mockup
web banner mockup
web banner mockup
poster mockup in mall
poster mockup in mall
poster mockup in mall

Thank You =]

Thank You =]

Thank You =]

© Copyright 2024

Storee Moss

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Contact Me

Have a project in mind or interested in hiring me? Lets chat!

© Copyright 2024

Storee Moss

powered with

Contact Me

Have a project in mind or interested in hiring me? Lets chat!

© Copyright 2024

Storee Moss

powered with

Contact Me

Have a project in mind or interested in hiring me?
Lets chat!