Building Bridges
Book cover design for Michael Sullivan's 'Building Bridges: Can We Love & Relate in a Polarized World?' — a cover built to capture the book's heart and stop a reader mid-scroll.
Design a cover that carries the weight of the title and hints at what the book is about — connection across difference — while staying bold and inviting enough for a potential reader to pick it up.
After three concept directions, the final cover pairs two hands forming a heart in different skin tones with a torn-page motif dividing red and blue — a simple, striking image of unity across division that helped the author reach paying readers.
'Building Bridges' is the debut book of Michael Sullivan, who grew up as a missionary kid in Thailand and has since lived and worked across the United States and Türkiye. Through storytelling, the book explores how we can love, relate, and expand our sense of community in an increasingly polarized world.
The cover needed to translate that message into a single, emotional image — one that feels honest and hopeful, and that works as hard on a thumbnail as it does in print.
How this brand came to life
- 01
Research & Discovery
I dig into the business, its audience, and competitors to pinpoint what makes it stand out.
- 02
Define Brand Strategy
I shape a strategy, mission, and positioning aligned with the client's goals.
- 03
Concept Development
I explore visual directions — colour, type, and imagery — and present concepts for feedback.
- 04
Design Exploration
I refine the chosen direction into a full system — logo, type, palette — then design the site.
- 05
Finalization
I iterate on feedback, finalize every element, and deliver clear brand guidelines.
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