Data-driven book cover design
Our new book of data stories!
December 2024
Project description
At The European Correspondent, my team and I published a sold-out batch of 1,000 copies of our book—a curated compilation of our best data visualizations from 2024. It was a thrilling project to be a part of, especially with such an overwhelmingly positive reception.
On top of contributing to the book’s content, I had the opportunity to design the cover within a tight deadline. My goal was to create something simple yet striking, taking a data art approach: a design inspired by data but not overly technical or intimidating. Instead of a “chart you’re supposed to read,” I wanted the cover to feel more like an artwork that sparks curiosity. Here’s what I came up with.
Data was collected manually. The data visualization was drafted in Flourish and then realized using Adobe Illustrator.
Process
1. Data Preparation –I manually eyedropped the main colors from European flags and grouped them by both overall rainbow hue and region (as defined by The European Correspondent).
2. Planning and Execution – I opted for a streamgraph due to its aesthetic appeal and organic flow—it doesn’t immediately read as a chart but evokes the impression of waves. This felt especially fitting, as the flag colors often evoke natural elements like sun, land, and water.
3. Reflection and Solution– Even with a streamgraph, there are countless ways to approach the shape and flow. Under time pressure, I explored various iterations and ultimately presented the team with several options. We decided on the final version collaboratively through a vote. For added visual interest, I let the stream taper off slightly on the right (after Western Europe). Since the design was more about artistic impact than precise data interpretation, I prioritized aesthetics over strict scientific accuracy for this element.
Some more images of the process (first image showing various draft options) and the final product of the book.
The contents of the book are inspired by the data stories we tell at The European Correspondent – find more info here.
