John Alves

John Alves – Designer

I’m an experienced graphic designer specializing in book covers. I design for high visual impact.

Overview

I’m passionate about my projects and enjoy the challenge of finding just the right way to express an idea visually.
Most recently I worked at Dover Publications for 18 years as a cover designer.

I start each project by doing extensive research on the subject matter, whether it is fiction or nonfiction. My goal is to bring together image and typography in a composition that reflects the book in a unique and eye-catching way. I take clients' suggestions seriously, and I also use my creative discretion and professional experience to offer them alternative directions so that we can find the best way to showcase their book in a crowded marketplace.

I have extensive experience with thousands of covers for both e-books and print, in a variety of genres such as, math & science, self-help, art instruction, classics, fiction & nonfiction, all types of children's books, fine art and many others.

Besides books I’ve also worked on ads both print and web, catalogs, posters, flyers, app logos, logos, branding, packaging etc...

Fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish.


Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Children's Classics Mystery & Crime Science Fiction
Non-Fiction
Architecture DIY & Crafts Humanities & Social Sciences
Languages
English

Work experience

Dover Publications

Jul, 2002 — Feb, 2020 (over 17 years)

◗ Created original book cover designs for a variety of genres (literature, history, inspiration, music, art history, art instruction, adult coloring books, children’s books, math, science)
◗ Researched, conceptualized, designed a minimum of three covers for each title, showcasing a variety of creative directions
◗ Produced original logos and graphics for Ixia Press imprint and the best-selling series Dover Evergreen Classics, How to Draw, Color Your Own, Dover Language Guides, Thrift Study Guides, and A First Book of…
◗ Maintained awareness of current marketplace trends
◗ Consistently delivered high-quality materials on time, within budget, under tight deadlines
◗ Collaborated with all stakeholders to ensure success of each book
◗ Performed quality control, including color corrections and file modification
◗ Streamlined workflow through naming and archiving of jobs

Portfolio

Riceyman Steps

Bennett, Arnold

The Art Spirit

Henri, Robert

Revelations of Divine Love

Norwich, Julian of

Dreams and Ghosts

Lang, Andrew

Canoeing in the Wilderness

Thoreau, Henry David

Travels in Arabia

Burckhardt, John Lewis

John has 14 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

K.P. O.

K.P. O.

Sep, 2024

John was professional, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the process. He made comps based on our discussions that fit exactly what I was looking for. He went above and beyond with my requested formats. I'd work with him again!
Jeff T.

Jeff T.

Aug, 2024

John is excellent to work with. He's been great on my project. He's now illustrated nine of my children's books and I have one more to go that I will definitely use John for.
Jeff T.

Jeff T.

Jun, 2024

John did another awesome job. He just completed my eighth children's book cover. He is really easy to work with and he does excellent work. I have two more to complete and I'll be asking John to do them as well.
Jeff T.

Jeff T.

Jun, 2024

Jon has done seven book covers for me and we are about to start on the eighth. He is excellent to work with, extremely professional and does great work.
Jeff T.

Jeff T.

Apr, 2024

Excellent to work with and very pleased with John's work. He's created 6 covers for my children's book series, and I will continue to use him! Talented and efficient.

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