For this project, I was tasked with designing a book cover and spine for a Civil Warrior biography using both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. The goal was to create a portrait-driven cover that visually communicates the subject’s impact and legacy.

I chose Gloria Steinem as my subject because of her influential work in women’s rights and my interest in Ms. magazine, which she co-founded. The central graphic is a female gender symbol filled with black-and-white imagery of Steinem, representing her role within the broader civil rights movement. The monochrome photography contrasts with bold color to highlight both strength and clarity of message.

The pink and yellow palette was drawn directly from the branding of Ms. magazine, allowing the design to feel historically grounded while remaining visually striking. These colors create a strong contrast and reinforce Steinem’s association with feminist media and activism.

Typography played a key role in the hierarchy of the cover. I used a large, bold typeface for the title Steinem to ensure immediate impact and visibility, paired with a thinner, more understated typeface for the subtitle and author to create balance. To add a personal and human element, I incorporated Steinem’s signature into the composition, ultimately placing it behind the subtitle to subtly enhance the design without overpowering it.

This project allowed me to explore symbolism, color theory, and typographic hierarchy while working across multiple Adobe platforms. I enjoyed every stage of the process and am proud of the final result.