If you are attempting to publish a catalog or an E-Book, designing a cover is incredibly important. They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but don’t let that stop you from creating a cover that fits the theme of your catalog. With these helpful pointers, you may find yourself inspired to design a fantastic catalog or E-Book cover.

Keep the Theme of the Catalog in Mind

Is there a picture that will single handedly capture the theme? Often times, designers will focus on a central theme. For example if you are designing for a speech or keynote, you should probably show a defining picture from the subject’s life. Think about what colors might represent the event or product you are designing the catalog for. Schools usually have colors associated with them, so it should be easy to come up with a color theme from those. Most companies have colors already in their logos you can draw from for inspiration. These colors are like flags that hint at what’s in store for the audience.

Conceptualize your design

If you don’t draw it out on paper, you may not know where to place the elements of your layout. Acquainting yourself with the space on paper is the fastest way to get the design part down. Be very clear with where you will place the title, the company name and any images that will make up the background. If your cover will span the entire catalog, make sure you measure that out on paper.

Look for Inspiration

Just like Stephen King will tell writers their best teacher is someone else’s work, so it goes for Graphic designers. There is an awesome archive of catalog covers for design inspiration on the net, and with some searching you can find them on Flickr as well. Follow top design blogs and take notes! If you surround yourself in great designs, you will produce brilliance.

Get professional printing and binding

It’s next to impossible to get DIY binding and printing to look as good as a printing house can make. Most printing houses will even take care of book binding, saving you time and headaches. Always get your design proof, even if they only give you a PDF. Proofing insures you know what you are buying into. Remember that books don’t come in one standard size, so will your printing house allow you the opportunity to print custom sizes? These important details are the finishing touches on your book cover design.

If you want solutions for your catalog printing needs, The Digital Room has you covered with simple file uploads, support staff (including live chat) and affordable prices. When you are ready to bring your catalog to life, call us at 1-888-888-4211, or simply visit the Digital Room site!