Studio concept, nonfiction
The Long Game
A business book concept that draws its argument
The brief
What the concept set out to do
Design a cover for a business book about building something that lasts. Clean, confident and distinct from the shouting style of most business covers.
Approach
Design decisions
- A dotted path winds from a small black point to a large orange one: the long game, drawn in one line.
- Cream paper tone and a heavy geometric sans serif make the cover feel like a well-made object rather than an advertisement.
- The path is placed so it never crosses the title, which keeps the cover readable at every size.
- The orange is the only colour, used once, so it carries all the emphasis.
What it demonstrates
One idea, one colour, one line. Restraint is what makes a business cover look authoritative.
Deliverables shown in this concept
- Front cover concept
- Diagram style for the interior
- Ebook cover sized for stores
Books A Nation's contribution to a studio concept is the whole design: concept, typography and artwork. For client books, our contribution is stated on each project only once the author has confirmed it.
Want this approach on your own book?
Our publishing and distribution service starts with a brief like the one above and ends with files you own.
Related reading: Publishing files, ISBNs and metadata: what to prepare before you upload
