Book Cover Thumbnail Sketch Of The Bible Story And Introduction To The Story Of God's Word

Business Name

Small Group Institute -- James Hicks

What do you do?

The Institute started with two purposes at heart. First to equip leaders of small groups, helping them understand the dynamics of small group environments, how people best learn, and how to encourage adults to grow in their spiritual walk. Second, we quickly recognized the need for basic introductory material for people who did not grow up in the church and knew nothing of the Bible, basic religious terms, and even the most necessary spiritual practices (prayer, service, etc). So we set out to create this material for small group leaders to use as needed.

How many pages of print design do you need?

42

List the size requirement(s) for your print design

We will be printing the book initially at 6*9 inches with a color cover. However we may later reuse the cover for a basic handbook (8.5*11), so something that can easily scale is helpful. Also, we will be converting this to a Kindle version, so the front portion needs to look professional in both color and gray scale (since kindle devices incorporate both e-ink and color screen). That said, color is the first and primary form the cover will be used.

What is your industry?

Describe the target audience for your print design

The target audience should be for non-religous readers who are interested in knowing more about the Bible story. Our organization is based in a university town of 40,000 students from all over the world where education and sound thinking is highly valued. We also want this book to be the first of several "introductory books" used by church pastors and small group leaders all over the country (and perhaps Europe).

What 3 things would you like to communicate to your audience through your print design?

Simplicity with historic and theological accuracy. The author wrote this book so that his grandchild (grade school age) could read it and understand the general story of the Bible. We have also introduced it to long time church attendees who found it refreshing to get a "bird's eye view" of what the Bible was trying to say. We have had one person even request this book to hand out to his "prison ministry" as an introduction to their Bible Studies.

What print design styles do you like?

Many of the "introduce to Bible" books I see at bookstores seem geared for people who are religious in nature. The covers also seem too busy and complicated. I don't mind multiple elements on a cover, so long as they all tie together with the general theme. I also like multi-level covers instead of flat covers -- where the eye does not get tired of looking at it because each time the eye focuses on a different view (ie, the fading colors in the background, the slight shadow / reflection, how the colors merge or blend together...like a good painting.)

What colors do you want to see in your print design?

I am completely open to colors at this point. For me it is more important with how the colors fit together with the words, shapes, pictures, etc.

What colors do you NOT want to see in your print design?

There are no colors that are "off the table" at this point.

What adjectives should best describe your print design?

Simple, everyday language, overview, introductory, accurate.

How will you use the print design?

Initially it will be for a 6*9 book. We will also create a PDF version and a version for the Amazon Kindle store. So the design needs to look great in color while also being acceptable and readable when viewed with e-ink gray scale technology. The design will probably be used again later for a basic workbook form (8.5*11) for seminars / conferences.

What content must be included in the print design?

1. The Title of the Book: A Thumbnail Sketch of the Bible Story.
2. The Author's name: Dr. James R. Hicks
3. The name of the institution and website (probably on the back):
Small Group Institute -- www.smallgroupinstitute.com
4. A bio and picture of the author on the back.
5. The ISBN barcode.

A PDF draft of the book will be uploaded for context just in case this helps.