University Press Cover Round-Up

We welcome you to a new feature in which notable book cover designer Jordan Wannemacher periodically highlights a selection of recent university press cover designs. Please enjoy this celebration of amazing work.

This list is in no particular order. Credits are listed below.

If you are a book cover creative and want your work or the work of your department reviewed by Jordan be sure to get in touch with us!

As with any cover design we feature in our publications, we encourage you to head to your local library and/or bookstore to view the work in its full splendor when possible.

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Designer/Art Director: Julia Kushnirsky

Note: I love when the image and type can be as seamlessly married as this bicycle and the number "200." That, paired with handsome typography and a beautiful vintage image really makes this stand out.

Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Designer: Kimberly Glyder

Art Director: Ana Bichanich

Note: This colorful cover is so eye-catching in its simple repetition of elements. I love how well integrated the type panels are in this bold and graphic print. 

Publisher: University of Washington Press

Designer/Art Director: Katrina Noble

Note: This illustration is so simple, yet so clever. It's so striking and playful. 

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Designer: Amanda Weiss

Art Director: Maria Lindenfeldar

Note: I love when a simple graphic element works to illustrate books that are conceptual and otherwise hard to illustrate. The organization of shapes gives this a nice depth of movement.

Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

Designer: Joel Coggins

Note: This typography is stunning in its intricacy. I love how the tech-like graphics inside the type lead my eye through the words and how bold they are against this subtle textural background.  

Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press

Designer: Jeremy John Parker

Art Director: Jennifer Conn

Note: The color palette on this image is haunting. The treatment of this image makes me want to know so much about this woman and what her story is about. The script gives the heaviness of the image a delicate balance.

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Designer: Brian Chartier

Art Director: Jill Shimabukuro

Note: This cover is so elegant. I love the warm sepia color and the clever blending of images. It paints a perfect portrait of Emmett Till without leaning too heavily on a traditional portrait. Just lovely. 

Publisher: New York University Press

Designer: Heng Wee Tan

Art Director: Adan Bohannon

Note: This cover has been all over my feed and jumps out at me every time. I love the perfect wink and nod to Netflix's branding. It's so 3D! 

---