Designing a Book Cover for To Kill a Mockingbird
Designing a Book Cover for To Kill a Mockingbird-Penguin Archive Book Cover Brief
When approaching my illustrated book cover for To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, I was drawn to one of the quietest yet most emotionally resonant moments in the novel: the children discovering the small objects Boo Radley leaves for them in the tree.
This moment captures the heart of the book — curiosity, empathy, and the slow realisation that understanding another person requires looking beyond fear and assumption.
Seeing the world through a child’s eyes
Rather than focusing on the courtroom or overt symbolism, I wanted the cover to reflect Scout’s perspective. The hand-drawn illustration and lettering are intentionally imperfect, echoing the way a child observes the world — honestly, intuitively, and without polish.
This visual approach invites the reader to experience the story not as a historical event, but as a lived emotional journey shaped by innocence, learning and moral awakening.
Colour as emotional language
The dominant brown tones reference the tree trunk itself — a physical anchor in the story — but they also carry deeper meaning. Brown is grounded, earthy and human. It speaks to themes of empathy, moral weight and the complexity of walking in another person’s shoes.
Subtle gold accents were introduced to suggest the enduring value of kindness, humanity and quiet goodness — ideas that persist even in the face of prejudice and injustice. I also used gold when designing the endpapers
Humanity over judgement
At its core, To Kill a Mockingbird is a story about understanding rather than accusation. About learning to look closely before judging. About recognising shared humanity where society often draws divisions.
The cover reflects this by avoiding overt visual conflict and instead focusing on a moment of connection — small, human and deeply symbolic.
Hand-drawn storytelling
All elements of the cover were hand-drawn, including the typography. This was a deliberate decision to retain warmth, texture and authenticity. The tactile quality mirrors the emotional sensitivity of the narrative and reinforces the idea that this is a story shaped by human experience rather than spectacle.
Extending the narrative beyond the cover
In addition to the front cover, I also created illustrated endpapers to extend the visual storytelling inside the book. These subtle details offer an additional layer of immersion, reinforcing the themes of observation, discovery and quiet reflection.
I also explored alternative visual concepts during the design process, allowing space for interpretation and ensuring the final artwork remained rooted in the emotional core of the novel.
A considered approach to classic literature
This project reflects my approach to illustrating classic texts: honouring the original narrative while offering a contemporary, emotionally led visual interpretation that resonates with modern readers.
For publishers and art directors, this piece demonstrates my interest in designing book covers that communicate meaning beneath the surface — artwork that encourages connection before the first page is turned.