Book cover design and illustration for the John Everett’s book of historical fiction, Plug Ugly Ball: A Mobtown Tale of Bullies & Baseball.

Mr. Everett wanted his cover to evoke the late 19th century time period it was set in, but we also needed to make sure it didn’t look like it belonged in the non-fiction section. Custom illustration integrating key themes of the story were combined with period engravings of the Baltimore setting to give it a historic feel with a modern sensibility. Gentle textures in the imagery and a soft matte finish on the slipcover completed the look.

Design work included all aspects of the slipcover, including the cover flaps and spine, per the printers specifications.

This project  also included custom interior illustrations that evoke period engravings.

Publisher: Baltimore Bookworks