The Bookcase: AIGA’s 50 Books | 50 Covers Winners Special Edition

The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) has just unveiled the winners of their annual 50 Books | 50 Covers competition, which identifies and honors the best-designed book covers of the year.

This prestigious competition draws entries from around the globe, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity within the publishing industry. In this special edition of The Bookcase, we will shine a spotlight on some of the newly announced winners of the 2022 competition, exploring the powerful and compelling designs that have set a new standard in book and cover design.

The Come Up: An Oral History of the Rise of Hip-Hop

“The Come Up” by Jonathan Abrams features a cover that pays tribute to and takes inspiration from the early hip-hop party flyers that originated in the Bronx during the 1970s. It documents the ascent of America’s most popular music genre over the past five decades, with a specific focus on the innovative DJs and artists who pushed boundaries and introduced a groundbreaking sound.

The collage artwork used on the cover was produced by Chris Allen, with creative direction by Christopher Brand and art direction by Rodrigo Corral. Brooklyn-based designer Anna Kochman was responsible for the overall book design.

A Seminar Named Desire

Designed for “A Seminar Named Desire”, the 39th Annual Key West Literary Seminar, this book cover is heat/touch-sensitive.

The minimalistic cover changes color in the hands of readers, as a result of utilizing thermochromic UV screen ink that transitions from purple to colorless. This visual effect symbolizes the connection between desire and heat. The intensity of this effect is enhanced in hotter surroundings, such as the Seminar’s outdoor venue in Key West, Florida.

Be Here to Love Me at the End of the World

In Sasha Fletcher’s novel, “Be Here to Love Me at the End of the World”, readers are transported to a poignant and surreal alternate reality. The book captures the profound allure of being in love amidst a crumbling world, skillfully portraying ordinary moments as extraordinary and absurdity as tragic through poetic scenes.

After reading the novel, graphic designer Beste Miray incorporated an image of Brooklyn into the cover to represent it as a “living, breathing part” of the story.

Jacqueline Burckhardt: La Mia Commedia Dell’Arte

After engaging in multiple verbal and visual exchanges with Jacqueline Burckhardt, London-based designer Kai Damian Matthiesen took charge of creating this beautiful cover. Utilizing Herbert Lachmayer’s concept of “aesthetic intelligence”, Kai crafted a wallpaper and pattern which serve as a representation of the significant figures and central concepts that have shaped Burckhardt’s four-decade-long career in the arts.

A Novel Obsession

Designer and art director Vi-An Nguyen was responsible for this clever cover design for “A Novel Obsession” by Caitlin Barasch.

The novel is a compelling exploration of desire, identity, and the blurred lines between art and reality. It tells the story of Naomi Ackerman, an aspiring novelist working in a bookstore, who becomes intensely fascinated with her boyfriend’s ex. This obsession fuels her creativity but also sends her spiraling into a complex web of emotions and actions.

Barasch’s debut novel has been praised for its propulsive storytelling, irresistible narrator, and its unsettling yet alluring narrative. With its unique blend of psychological insight and literary intrigue, “A Novel Obsession” offers a fresh and captivating look at the complexities of desire, art, and personal identity.

Baggu: Hold Everything, 15 Years

“Baggu: Hold Everything” is a comprehensive 680-page catalog, encompassing a range of products and prints created by Baggu from 2007 to 2022. Every book is bound using one of five fabrics sourced from Baggu’s textile patterns archive. Serving as a visual reference library and index, this book establishes connections between each pattern, color, material, and the corresponding product it was utilized for.

Gary Fogelson and Ryan Waller (Other Means) were responsible for the book’s bold cover designs, as well as the overall art direction of the catalog series.

No Hay Nadie En Casa

In “No Hay Nadie En Casa” (There’s No One Home), even the tiniest peach can stir up so much doubt in the protagonist Isabel that not even the most captivating scenery can distract her thoughts. As she prepares to go back home, she knows that the harsh reality she tried to avoid awaits her: the lingering memory of a failed exam, familial rifts, and unfulfilled love that constantly seek resolution.

Designed by Raúl Aguayo, the cover of Isabel Díaz Alanís’ debut novel demanded a deliberate simplicity, emphasizing the significance of peaches in the plot and their connection to the academy. This was achieved through a collage that seamlessly blended a straightforward image with an effective choice of typography. Given the short length of the novel, it was crucial to avoid revealing too much about the story, while ensuring that readers could readily recognize these key elements as they progressed through the book.

Abdias Nascimento: A Panamefrican Artist

This book presents the largest collection of works by African Brazilian scholar and artist Abdias Nascimento. The publication is comprised two types of paper: an uncoated one for the texts and a coated, thicker one for the portfolio of paintings and the opening section featuring posters.

Designed by Gabriela Castro, Gustavo Marchetti and Paulo Chagas (Bloco Grafico), the book offers two cover options, featuring the Brazilian and American flag. The two variants emphasize the catalog’s approach as well as the artist’s performance in both countries.

Butts

“Butts: A Backstory” by Heather Radke is an intriguing exploration into the cultural history and complicated relationships between humans and their backside. Radke, a reporter, essayist and editor, delves deep into the societal obsession with the human posterior, spanning nearly two centuries to unpack its symbolism and meanings.

The eye-catching cover designed by Rodrigo Corral with art direction by Alison Forner is clear, simple and fun.

Florida!

“Florida!” is an irreverent 547-page hyper-local guide to the iconic American state. Explore the pages to find advice on visiting the famous beaches of the Redneck Riviera, discovering the largest nudist colony in Pasco County and experiencing the thrilling coleslaw wrestling events on the Space Coast. Divided into 7 chapters based on the state’s different regions, this guidebook unveils countless hidden gems and peculiar attractions that Florida has to offer.

The colorful cover was designed by Studio Elana Schlenker and Jordi Ng, with fun illustrations by Gabriel Alcala.

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