Client
Hal Leonard Europe
Impact
Input
My input: Cover and editorial design
Raissa Pardini: Cover title logo design
David Harrison: Chord layout
Author: David Harrison/Bob Dylan Estate
Editor: Naomi Cook/Louise Unsworth
I was given the opportunity to design a one-of-a-kind reference book on Bob Dylan’s songs for guitarists and fans. With so many uninspiring chord books out there, I wanted to create something unique and special.
I went with a fresh, organic look to match the raw, honest feel of Dylan’s songs. I chose a warm, inviting color palette and printed it on uncoated paper for an extra natural feel. And instead of splitting it up into a series of books, I designed one big, beautiful volume that would make any fan’s heart sing.
The Typeface
In order to keep such a vast collection to a manageable size, I had to ensure that the majority of the lyrics were kept to a maximum of one page in length. So I chose Freight Sans, a compact typeface suitable for text-heavy content.
For the title and headers, I went with Clarendon bold, a classic typeface that exudes warmth and volume. And to make the organization even easier, I sectioned the book into years with key dates in bold, vibrant yellow.
Takeaway
Overall, I’m so proud of this comprehensive book and know it will be a sought-after item for Dylan fans and guitarists everywhere.