Impulsar’s Post

Our Lead Designer, Paul, reviews one of his favourite recent reads - Now try something weirder: How to Keep Having Great Ideas and Survive in the Creative Business by Michael Johnson.
 Here's what Paul had to say: Michael (of Johnson Banks Design) draws upon his experience to offer over 200 brilliant hints and tips to help graphic designers navigate the industry, stay relevant, find new ideas and share some design secrets. The one-page, one-tip structure of the book makes it easy to dip in and out of, or return to time and again. I found the book insightful and in some way it validated my 20+ years in the industry. More importantly, I feel the book is ideal for younger designers, communicating the notion that design is far more than a vocation; design must be lived to be successful.
 It’s refreshing to pick up a design book so far removed from the glossy portfolio style. Instead, Michael offers genuine industry insight with a fantastic level of honesty and transparency. There is a very reassuring feel to the book, akin to sitting with your favourite tutor from art school as you are drip-fed nuggets of wisdom. I’ll certainly be passing this book on to the young team at Creatomatic. #design #designer #graphicdesign #branding #designagency #designbook #bookreview

One of the things that gets me excited on a daily basis, is my ability to bring my imagination into reality —leveraging (graphic) designs. At the conclusion of each design project, I’m usually filled with gratitude to God for embedding in me, the skills required to become a designer; and afterwards I just stare in awe, appreciating the beautiful artwork that has been birthed. The visualization I had for this design was to blend simplicity with professionalism and I strongly believe I was able to achieve this. The cartooned image featured on the design was to create a personalization on the act of reading rather than just putting a book on the design. I hope these ‘Five Tips’ help you complete reading your next book… What are you thoughts on the design? Lemme know in the comments. #design #book #graphicsdesign #designer #tips #socialmediadesign #designenthusiast

BOOK COVER DESIGN REVEALS FROM MY PORTFOLIO - #19 Cover design is more than art; it's a marketing tool. As an experienced book cover designer, I know that a cover must not only be visually appealing but also marketable. It should make readers feel something and prompt them to pick up the book just like the ones you are about to see right now. ============================ This atmospheric design for ALIEN SACRIFICE: VOLUME I perfectly captures a sense of mystery, suspense, and extraterrestrial intrigue. The cover features two haunting alien figures emerging from the shadows, their large, enigmatic eyes drawing the viewer in. Set against a twilight sky, the design blends otherworldly and earthly elements, with birds in flight hinting at eerie events unfolding. Above, ominous spacecraft hover beneath a glowing moon, suggesting an impending encounter. The use of elegant serif fonts for the title adds sophistication, balancing the unsettling imagery. The dark gradient at the bottom creates depth, framing the author’s name in a clean, modern style. This cover promises readers a gripping, otherworldly narrative filled with sacrifices, secrets, and encounters beyond human understanding. ============================ Now, I am done typing, writing and designing, it is your turn to comment and share. Also, I'm open to answer your pressing questions about book cover design and publishing. For collaborations, business inquiries and speaking engagements, kindly forward an email to me via soyeleoluwabori21@gmail.com   #bookcoverdesigner #bookprojectconsultant #bookpublisher #ISBN

Books, like any 3D objects, require structure to exist. Whether we are talking about designing the inside or the cover, invisible elements are necessary to hold everything in place. When these elements are well-designed, they seamlessly fall into place, resulting in a harmonious and balanced outcome that is enjoyable to look at. Recently, I learned how to sew an Islamic endband. Its complexity is what fascinates me. It consists of two endbands in one. Although only one endband is visible, the second one, hidden from view, is equally important for creating the distinctive chevron effect. Unless you have sewn this endband yourself, you might have no idea that the second structure exists. Yet, it does, and it is essential. This hidden structure in bookbinding reminds me of the foundational elements in any successful book design project. The visible parts—the final product, the design, the user experience—are what people see and admire. But it's the invisible elements—the planning, the attention to detail, the craftsmanship—that hold everything together and make the visible parts shine. Are you planning a book for your company? Whether it's to showcase your brand's story, share your expertise, or engage with your audience, a meticulously designed book can make all the difference. What steps are you taking to bring your book to life? If you need expert guidance on creating a beautiful and impactful book, feel free to reach out. Let’s transform your vision into a stunning reality. #BookDesign #BespokeBooks #BrandBuilding #ArtOfBookbinding #Design

8/52 These books are the spark of all my ideas and concepts. ⚡️ One of my first steps for EVERY Design project is to get my ideas onto paper, giving me the freedom to develop concepts further. I literally carry my pocket one everywhere just incase! ✏️ Sometimes, I will even sit and go back through my old notebooks to revise ideas and look back at concepts that didn’t make the grade, but had the potential… (these two are recent additions to my archive). 🔥 Ever worked with me on a Design project? Chances are that the origins of your design can be found in one of these sketchbooks. 🤙 (Yes, I am a massive Aaron James Draplin fan). #LogoDesigner #GraphicDesigner #IdeaCreation #FieldNotes

Is it just me, or does working from home bring a new level of comfort and flexibility? I love being able to sit in any position and dress as I please while getting creative with my projects. Currently designing book covers alongside doing editorial review for my client. It’s such a sweet experience to work closely with my client to bring her ideas to life through design. Seeing the project come together is a beautiful thing. What do you enjoy most about working from home? Let me know in the comments! #WFH #creativity #design #bookcoverdesign #editorialreview

94% of first impressions. Yes nearly everybody judges a book by it's cover. High quality graphic design creates a lasting and positive impression. How does your book cover look? #design #graphicdesign #branding

"As a designer, every design I create or encounter is like a book—full of lessons to be learned. I don't just make designs; I read them, reflect on them, and grow from them. Each project teaches me something new, fueling my creativity and sharpening my skills. This constant cycle of learning through design is what keeps me passionate and driven in my craft. 📖✨ #DesignJourney #CreativeGrowth #LifelongLearning #GraphicDesign #CreativeProcess"

I’ve been reading this design book called “Refactoring UI” by Adam Wathan & Steve Schoger. It’s a pretty popular book among designers. Chapter 1 really caught my attention of a particular design principle. “Start with a Feature not a layout”. If you really think about this principle you’ll realize designing becomes a lot easier when you know what you’re designing for before drawing the first shape on your canvas. If you haven’t checked it out well you should. As a designer you should check out design books as well, some gems are in the as well!

🚀 New Book Cover Design !🚀 I'm here to share my latest book cover design for Dr. Emily Harris's self-help book, "Mind Over Matters." 🧠 Concept Behind the Design: "Mind Over Matters" is a powerful guide that explores the intricate workings of the human mind and how mastering our mental processes can lead to extraordinary success. When designing the cover, I wanted to encapsulate the essence of the book's message: the idea that our mind is a complex machine, capable of producing incredible outcomes when we learn to operate it effectively. The cover features a stylized image of a brain intertwined with gears, symbolizing the mechanical nature of our thoughts and how they can be fine-tuned for success. I chose a vibrant yellow and red color scheme to evoke energy and determination—qualities that are crucial in the journey of self-improvement. The bold typography reflects the book's strong, motivational tone, encouraging readers to take control of their mental processes and shape their destiny. 🌟 Why This Design? This design not only captures the essence of the book but also stands out visually, making it easily recognizable on both digital platforms and physical shelves. The simplicity of the imagery, combined with the dynamic colour palette, ensures that the cover is not only eye-catching but also deeply meaningful. 📚 Yes, This is all about related to my design! #GraphicDesign #BookCoverDesign #LinkedIn #DesignProcess