How a cover illustration can make or break a book
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Book covers created by artist Micaela Alcaino. Photos: Courtesy of Micaela Alcaino
Designer and illustrator Micaela Alcaino wants you to judge a book by its cover.
Why it matters: Alcaino knows from experience that first impressions really can make a difference in getting more people to buy and read books. She's backed up by studies saying as much.
- At a time when general readership in the U.S. has been dropping, art like the award-winning book covers Alcaino designs could make a difference.
What they're saying: "When you go into a bookshop, you do pick up books that you like the look of … there's power behind good cover design because it will draw people in before even the blurb," Alcaino tells Axios Latino.
- "So please, judge away," she jokes.
State of play: Alcaino has come up with covers for popular authors like Isabel Allende and Jennifer Saint, and she has also done special editions of massive series, like George R. R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire," and collectible editions of Leigh Bardugo's "Six of Crows" duology.
- She was a finalist for Best Professional Artist at the 2024 Hugo Awards, and was shortlisted for Designer of the Year at the British Book Awards after having already won the latter in 2022.
Zoom in: Alcaino says she's tapped into her own experience of being "ni de aquí, ni de allá" (neither from here, nor from there), the phrase many immigrants in the U.S. use to refer to sometimes not feeling like they fit in.
- Alcaino's parents are from Argentina and Chile, while she grew up in Australia and now lives in the U.K.
- "I kind of had to navigate this space where I never felt like I belonged anywhere at first. But then I started using that as a way to embrace all the cultures, to broaden my perspective," she says.
- Alcaino uses street art, photography, architecture and more to think about what the cover conveys, and always endeavors to avoid stereotypes.
- Her feelings of not belonging have been "a positive in the end," Alcaino says.
