Alex Merto on his much less is extra strategy to ebook cowl design
New York-based designer Alex Merto says he got into graphic design by chance. Believing himself to be a failed high school student with no "clear path to anywhere," he spent a lot of time making music in various bands and designing album covers. He eventually moved from California to New York to study at the School of Visual Arts.
"I think the first piece of graphic design that really caught my eye and impressed me was a book that Peter Buchanan-Smith designed for the band Wilco," Merto told CR. “It was the first time that I noticed that a book can really be art. I was lucky enough to learn from Peter during my school days, as well as from Paul Sahre, who always inspired me a lot. "
Above: The story of Lian Hearn's Shikanoko series. Above: Under Flowers: A Walk in the Himalayas of Jamaica Kincaid. All pictures: Alex Merto
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Merto specializes in book covers and editorial design and moved to the area partly because of his love for books. "As a book cover designer, I'm exposed to so many interesting topics that I wouldn't have a chance otherwise," he says.
“You learn endlessly new things for every title you take on. I've been designing covers for about ten years now and I still enjoy it very much.” From well-known authors to first-time writers, Merto treats every project openly.
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The designer doesn't think their work is in any particular style, but this is a good thing when it comes to book cover design as Merto believes that having a strong visual style can be limiting and not being able to adapt to the needs of the book.
"I try to adapt my style in response to what I read," says Merto. "I think that's what really allows me to do something different every time. I would say the style is inspired by reading."
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Overall, however, Merto's work is clear, deliberate, and shifts between the use of illustrations, found images, and photography, creating a broad but refined portfolio of work. His creative process tends to move project to project, with Merto opting for a more organic approach.
"Usually it means reading the book first, taking notes, and then making loose sketches," he says. "I often revisit the text after this process is complete. There are also times when a manuscript is not available and you have to work with very little information, which can be free for the design process."
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While this can feel liberating, Merto sometimes feels that knowing when to stop can be difficult when the possibilities are endless.
"There is also a fear that you will not live up to the book until you have explored all possible solutions," he says of the challenges. "But when it comes to showing the book, I think it's better just to show less. There is nothing worse than a design that is ultimately chosen and that you are not happy with."
Merto says his ultimate goal is simple: to get someone to take up the work they have created. "If it's a book cover, I want it to be the first thing people see when they walk into a store," he says. "It has to be eye-catching and memorable."
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