Bye-Bye Belém – Book Cover Illustration

 

Brief

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I was commissioned to create the cover illustration and visual identity for Bye-Bye Belém, a novel following Edward's journey to Brazil at the end of the Second World War. The artwork needed to capture the spirit of adventure and uncertainty that defines the story, while enticing readers to pick up the book without revealing too much of the narrative.

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The brief called for a cover that felt timeless rather than literal—one that could communicate the book's emotional depth through symbolism, composition and atmosphere.

Alongside the illustration, the typography and layout were carefully considered to ensure the cover felt at home on both contemporary bookshelves and within the tradition of classic illustrated novels.

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The Challenge

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The challenge was to distil an entire novel into a single image. Rather than illustrating a specific scene, I focused on creating a visual metaphor that reflected the themes of travel, identity, hope and the unknown. Every element was chosen to encourage curiosity, inviting readers to ask questions before they had even turned the first page.

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Inspired by vintage travel posters, mid-century book jackets and traditional printmaking techniques, the finished artwork creates a strong first impression while remaining faithful to the tone of the novel. The result is more than a book cover—it is the reader's first encounter with the story, designed to spark intrigue, establish atmosphere and become an integral part of the reading experience.