The Making of Yolanda La Bruja
CASE STUDY
For the project The Making of Yolanda La Bruja by Lorraine Avila, I had the opportunity to design both the jacket and the hardcover. The story, rich with themes of race, justice, and spirituality, demanded a visual representation that was as bold and impactful as the narrative itself. Collaborating with illustrator Blane Asrat, whose work perfectly captured the essence of the book, I sought to create a design that would resonate with the powerful themes within.
TAGS
Art Direction, Cover Design, Print
INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DESIGN
CREDITS
Chindo Nkenke-Smith
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER
Nick Thomas
EXECUTIVE EDITOR AT LEVINE QUERIDO
Blane Asrat
ILLUSTRATOR
I was pleased with how the final design turned out, especially with the suggesting by Nick Thomas, the Executive Editor. He proposed that the hardcover design should reflect my interpretation of what the main character’s best friend’s school poster might look like. This intentional detail added a layer of authenticity and connected the design directly to the story’s characters, resulting in a book that feels as personal as it does visually striking.
FINAL DESIGN
The design inspiration for this project centered on creating a visual impact with bold colors and typography. I wanted the cover to have dimension and depth, achieved by warping type behind the image to draw the viewer in. Since “Bruja” translates to “witch,” I infused the design with a subtle, whimsical touch, adding a layer of mystique to the cover while maintaining its strong, modern aesthetic.
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