Do we judge a book by its colours? : a study into the importance of colour in book cover design

Abstract

This dissertation is primarily a graphic design project aimed at re-designing the covers of six contemporary novels, paying particular attention to colour and imagery. The design of these covers was based on criteria derived from the theoretical rules and properties of colour gathered from the literature, as well as from the limited empirical research conducted in relation to Maltese perceptions of colours in book covers. This research was in the form of questionnaires which were distributed to both males and females of different educational backgrounds, between the ages of 18 and 50; and whose purpose was to test the applicability of some colour theories on a section of the Maltese public. The six re-designed covers are also presented with a call-out journal outlining in detail how each cover was created.