Book Cover Design
If you would like to see my other case studies based on my services, click on the service you’d like to learn more.
Lettering, visual identity, speaking engagements, workshops, events and live lettering and marvellous murals.
A love letter to Harry Styles and Taylor Swift fans
“We’re really happy with the work you’ve done on the colouring book series. It was lovely to see the finished product, all the little fan details are very sweet and the final books have come up looking fantastic.”
Lucy Grant
Publishing Coordinator
Smith Street Books
Client
Smith Street Books.
Service
Book cover art, lettering, illustration, book design, graphic design and print publication design.
Background
Building on the success of the Dress Up series of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift, Smith Street Books aimed to create a new collection that would continue to bring joy to their audience.
Brief
The project aimed to design a series of colouring books that appealed to tweens and adults, offering fan service while standing out from competitors.
The secret sauce
To create a genuinely immersive fan experience, the design delves deep into the world of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift’s fandom culture. Both artists radiate charm and energy, which is seamlessly reflected in the design. By hand-lettering the title, the work achieves a unique level of originality that best represents both celebrities' captivating personalities. The lively composition of the lettering, paired with a retro-inspired style and subtle serifs, mirrors their vibrant, dynamic stage presence. As exceptional storytellers, both Harry and Taylor build strong connections with their fans, so the illustrations were crafted to narrate these stories in an engaging way, incorporating hidden Easter eggs that only the most devoted fans would spot, adding layers of meaning and connection to their music and personas.
The result
This series stands out in the market with its playful illustrations, fun lettering, and hidden Easter eggs, all contributing to its unique aesthetic and ensuring instant shelf appeal.
Credit
Art direction, design, illustration and lettering: Lyn Tran
Harry Styles and Taylor Swift fashion illustrations: Julia Murray
Empowering multilingual parents with inclusive Lunar New Year celebrations
Client
Natural Parent.
Service
Cover design, lettering, illustration, graphic design, print publication design/editorial, postcard design and typesetting.
Background
Natural Parent, a magazine dedicated to positive parenting and family life, set out to celebrate the Lunar New Year in a special edition. The magazine aimed to encourage multilingual parents to share in the festivities with their children, marking its first introduction of the Lunar New Year to its readership.
Brief
The task was to design cover artwork celebrating the inclusiveness of Lunar New Year and create full-page spreads showcasing different Lunar New Year celebrations from various countries.
The secret sauce
I aimed to showcase inclusivity, connection to heritage, and cultural awareness. As a Vietnamese Australian Migrant Designer myself, authenticity was paramount. I infused the design with hand-made textures, stylised illustrations, and lettering to foster warmth and a sense of connection. By highlighting the cultural values of Lunar New Year from various cultures, I aimed to emphasise the uniqueness of each tradition with lettering and illustration, infusing it with my own cultural background and experiences.
The result
Through the incorporation of illustrations combined with lettering, I aimed to evoke a profound sense of connection and nostalgia, particularly for families already immersed in Lunar New Year celebrations. The designs not only resonated with these families but also held the potential to encourage multilingual households to join in the festivities, fostering meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation for cultural traditions.
Credit
Lettering and design by Lyn Tran
Inspiring children's creativity with lettering through creative collaboration and bold lettering
“Lyn’s ability to break down concepts for the target audience and her general writing skills were excellent.
Lyn is excellent at communicating with ultra polite, friendly updates, detailed drafts and artwork always submitted on the day promised. The most impressive part of working with Lyn was the finished artwork she produced for us. The quality of her beautiful lettering and illustration was well above and beyond expectations and her files were immaculate. We are so thrilled with the final outcome of this project and thoroughly enjoyed working with Lyn throughout the process.”
Adam Carruthers
Head of Design at Tiger Tribe
Client
Tiger Tribe.
Service
Lettering, illustration, instructional manual and content, and book cover design.
Background
Following the success of the first edition of The Lovely Book of Lettering, Tiger Tribe sought collaboration to create a sequel Lettering Book, aiming to inspire children to tell stories through letters.
Brief
The project aimed to inspire children to tell stories through letters by providing step-by-step instructions and fun applications to use their new learnings.It involved creating simple and easy-to-understand exercises to encourage kids to craft their lettering. The overarching goal was to promote creativity, emphasising progress over perfection.
The secret sauce
Leveraging teaching experience, I simplified lettering theory and designed engaging activities to enjoy their lettering journey. Combining bold colours, organic textures with dynamic lettering and illustrations, created a distinctive and fun shelf appeal.
The result
The project stands out with vibrant lettering and illustrations through creative collaboration. The book was able to ignite and foster kids' creativity, motivating them to tell stories with letters. The one-of-a-kind cover art was memorable in creating shelf appeal, converting potential browsers into buyers.
Credit
Lettering, illustration, instructional manual and book cover design by Lyn Tran, graphic design by Tiger Tribe, photography by Tiger Tribe.
Celebrating canine companionship with wholesome recipes
Client
Cooking for Cooper.
Service
Fully illustrated book cover art and design, lettering, and illustration.
Background
Cooking for Cooper is a heartwarming tribute to the journey of a beloved furry friend through cancer treatment. Inspired by Cooper's experience and the transformative impact of a keto diet combined with Chinese Medicine, this cookbook aims to spread joy and vitality to dogs everywhere. Written by Linh in loving memory of her Husky, the cookbook is a testament to the power of nutrition and companionship in enhancing canine health and happiness.
Brief
To design a fun cookbook cover that exudes joy and love, emphasising the shared happiness and warmth of companionship, inviting readers into a world of culinary delight and heartfelt bond.
The secret sauce
To capture the essence of connection, warmth, and happiness, I've incorporated a traditional printing method: risograph. This choice not only adds a tactile quality to the design but also imbues it with a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. This heartfelt design transforms the cookbook into more than just a collection of recipes, offering solace and inspiration to dog owners on similar journeys.
The result
Cooking for Cooper is more than a cookbook; it's a celebration of life, love, and the special bond between humans and dogs. The cover design invites readers into a world of culinary adventure, where each recipe is a testament to the joy and vitality that pets bring into our lives. Through Linh's inspiring journey and a collection of nutritious recipes, Cooking for Cooper aims to enrich the lives of dogs and their owners, one delicious meal at a time.
Credit
Lettering and design by Lyn Tran.
Combining hand and heart to embrace self-discovery
Client
Jenny Han.
Service
Fully illustrated book cover art and design, lettering, and illustration.
Background
With a reputation for crafting heartfelt narratives, Jenny's vision for this cover was to encapsulate the essence of her protagonist, Lara Jean, and evoke the emotional depth of the story. The challenge was to design, illustrate and hand letter a design that would resonate with Jenny's readership and visually represent the themes and tone of the book.
Brief
To design and fully illustrate a bespoke book cover that captures the essence of Jenny Han's narrative and appeals to her dedicated fanbase. The cover needed to convey the warmth and emotion central to the story, inviting readers into Lara Jean's world and setting the tone for the reading experience.
The secret sauce
Drawing inspiration from Lara Jean’s love of writing with inky pens, scrapbooking, and her whimsical fantasies about romance, I applied pastel hues to evoke a romantic and playful tone. Hand-drawn letters were incorporated to emphasise authenticity, while subtle "easter eggs" referencing the story added depth and intrigue. The letters themselves became a catalyst for the narrative, setting the stage for Lara Jean's journey.
The result
The illustration, brimming with detail and emotion, effectively beckoned readers into Lara Jean's world and her unfolding journey of self-discovery.
Credit
Lettering and design by Lyn Tran.
Some of our fab and fun clients
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