Zoe Norvell

Zoe Norvell and the Many Versions of Dorothy Parker in Hollywood

The original title for Dorothy Parker in Hollywood was Out There. 

Out There came to me a full 12 months ago through John Vairo, a real gem of a guy and an Associate Art Director at Gallery Books (S&S). With a title like ‘Out There’ for a book about the incredible Dorothy Parker, the original vision for this jacket was colorful and a bit wild. John envisioned a classic portrait of Dorothy that was enhanced with “Jean Cocteau-inspired drawings.” When I looked up Jean Cocteau, I immediately thought of the branding for British DJs Disclosure. Rad.

Zoe Norvell and the Many Versions of Dorothy Parker in Hollywood

Zoe Norvell: Designing Book Covers On The Go

To be a great designer, I believe one must live an enriched life. Designers find inspiration everywhere we look—from famous museums to dusty junk shops to the colorful currencies of other countries. In order to express the world visually, it’s important to me to digest as much of it as possible. This is one of the many reasons why travel has always loomed large in my life. Going to a new city or a national park is a feast for my eyes and a shot of adrenaline to my creative muscles! Traveling forces me to look beyond my desk, beyond Pinterest or Tumblr, and go to straight to the source. 
After living in Brooklyn, NY for ten years, I packed up and moved out at the end of 2017. For the last four months I’ve been a “digital nomad,” living in and visiting eight countries in Central and South America: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. In late December, I flew south with my MacbookPro, drawing tablet, notebook, a large bag, and a loose itinerary. During this time away, I upheld my usual work load—working on over 30 book covers.

Zoe Norvell: Designing Book Covers On The Go

Cover Designer, Zoe Norvell, on The Redemption of Galen Pike

Zoe Norvell is a Brooklyn based freelance cover designer. Among her incredible portfolio of work is the cover design for The Redemption of Galen Pike, by Carys Davies. Here Norvell details her process for developing the work, in her own words.

Cover Designer, Zoe Norvell, on The Redemption of Galen Pike