Awards Book Archive

First, We make the Beast Beautiful
  • Shortlisted

Designed by
Daniel New
Category
Best Designed Non-Fiction Cover
Year
2018
Publisher
Pan Macmillan Australia

About the Designer

Daniel works closely with publishers and authors to capture unique stories and bring their visions to life. He was previously art director and designer at Lantern, Penguin Books, where he worked for a decade with experts in food, lifestyle and design. He is an award-winning designer with over 20 years’ experience. Daniel was a founding member of the Australian Book Designers Association and in 2017 he founded ‘New Studio’ in Surry Hills, Sydney.

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Design Rationale

The briefing process was unconventional. The publisher organised for us to meet the author at a bookstore so that we could walk around and get a sense of what Sarah liked. On our store travels Sarah mentioned that her friend made Japanese ink pressings of octopuses, could that be the ‘beast’? Damien gave us an Octopi, and for the ‘beauty’ I intended to add little pink flowers coming off the tentacles but ended up just drawing bubble splotches. Pan Mac asked for a quick, early cover direction for sales so in haste I just sent this one option in. Approved!!

Details
Dimensions
150 x 200 mm
No. pages
320
Special finishes
Cloth Head and tail bands Debossing Spot PMS Fluoro Silver Foil
Credits
Internal Design
Daniel New
Illustration
Daniel New
Printing
McPherson's Printing Group
Author
Sarah Wilson