John Alves - Designer
I’m an experienced graphic designer specializing in book covers. I design for high visual impact.
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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.
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
Languages
English
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Children's
Classics
Mystery & Crime
Science Fiction
Non-Fiction
Architecture
DIY & Crafts
Humanities & Social Sciences
Work experience
Cover Designer
Dover Publications
July, 2002
–
February, 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 (38 selected works)
Botchan (Dover Books on Literature and Drama)
Soseki, Natsume, Sasaki, Umeji
Trips: Rock Life in the Sixties—Augmented Edition
Sander, Ellen
Travels in Arabia
Burckhardt, John Lewis
South: The Story of Shackleton's Last Expedition 1914-1917
Shackleton, Ernest
Canoeing in the Wilderness
Thoreau, Henry David
Dreams and Ghosts
Lang, Andrew
Dead Skip: A DKA File Novel
Gores, Joe
Death of a Doll: A Mark East Mystery
Lawrence, Hilda
When I Grow Rich: A Nuri Bey Mystery
Fleming, Joan
Black Wings Has My Angel
Chaze, Elliott
Revelations of Divine Love
Norwich, Julian of, Oakes, Kaya
The Art of War
Sun Tzu
Tao Te Ching
Tzu, Lao
Art Nouveau Ornamentation
Stoll, Christian
The Art Spirit
Henri, Robert, Ryerson, Margery A.
The Art of Spoon Carving: A Classic Craft for the Modern Kitchen
Irish, Lora Susan
Games with Codes and Ciphers
Pallas, Norvin
How to Live in the Woods: Expert Advice on Planning, Outfitting, and Managing a Camping Expedition
Halsted, Homer, Kelley, Don Greame
Fly Fishing: The Way of a Trout With a Fly
Skues, G.E.M.
The Indian Equator: Mark Twain's India Revisited
Strathcarron, Ian
Our National Parks
Muir, John
Hell's Cartographers
Aldiss, Brian, Harrison, Harry, Bester, Alfred, Knight, Damon, Pohl, Frederik, Silverberg, Robert
Riceyman Steps
Bennett, Arnold
Maia Bang Violin Method
Auer, Leopold
Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations
Library of Congress, Billington, James H.
Border Worlds (Dover Graphic Novels)
Simpson, Don, Simpson, Don, Bissette, Stephen R.
Civil War Adventure (Dover Graphic Novels)
Dixon, Chuck, Kwapisz, Gary
Apollo Expeditions to the Moon: The NASA History (Dover Books on Astronomy)
Edgar M. Cortright
Mark Twain at Your Fingertips: A Book of Quotations
Twain, Mark, Harnsberger, Caroline Thomas
John has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I must admit that I thought I could generate a book cover as good as anybody. Lesson learned: Nope. Its all in the nuance. John's experience allowed him to quickly identify the most eye-catching element of my story and render it into an unquestionably excellent cover, which receives numerous compliments like, "good cover", and "i like your cover". I plan to continue working with John for the ...
Read more
remo perini, April 2022
John did a masterful job of creating a book-cover that reflected the story within.
Sjur Linberg, April 2022
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Gudrun Jobst
Decades of experience designing book covers that sell, I will support you on your self-publishing journey.
London, UK
Sophie Leblanc
I am a freelance illustrator, living in Paris. I love to combine hand-made drawings and textures with digital work. I don’t work for free ;)
Paris, France
