SPQR Book Cover Design | Hand-Drawn Mosaic Typography
A hand-drawn book cover for SPQR using mosaic lettering inspired by ancient Rome, with full dust jacket design for front, spine and back
SPQR — Book Cover Design Concept
This book cover for SPQR was designed to reflect the depth, permanence and layered complexity of Roman history, drawing directly from the visual language of the ancient world.
The title is hand lettered in a mosaic style, inspired by the stone floors, walls and public spaces of ancient Rome. Mosaic lettering felt essential: Roman history is not a single image or moment, but something built piece by piece over centuries. Each letter is constructed as though it has been laid by hand, echoing the craftsmanship and endurance of Roman civilisation.
Mosaic as History
The mosaic approach also reflects how history itself is assembled — fragmented, weathered, and shaped over time. By using a hand-drawn mosaic rather than a digital typeface, the cover avoids feeling decorative or nostalgic, instead grounding the design in material history and physical making.
The texture and irregularity of the lettering give the impression of something unearthed, as if the title has existed for hundreds of years and is still bearing witness.
Colour, Texture and Time
The colour palette and surface texture reference aged stone and ancient materials, reinforcing the sense that this story is deeply rooted in the past. Subtle imperfections and hand-drawn marks allow the cover to feel human rather than monumental, reflecting the idea that Roman history was shaped by people — not myths alone.
Hand Drawing as Intent
Every element of the cover was drawn by hand, aligning the process with the subject matter. Just as Roman architecture and mosaics were created through labour, skill and time, the hand-drawn approach reinforces the idea of history as something built, not generated.
Dust Jacket Design
This project also demonstrates my ability to design full book jackets, including front cover, spine and back. The mosaic lettering and textures were extended across the dust jacket to create a cohesive object — allowing the book to feel considered from every angle, not just as a single image.
Conceptual Intent
This cover was created to give SPQR a sense of authority and longevity, while remaining visually engaging for modern readers. It aims to communicate scholarship without intimidation, and history without distance.
The result is a cover that honours the weight of Roman history while inviting readers to step closer and explore.