Client: Tony Hicks, through The Self Publishing Agency
Role: Cover design, illustration, interior design and production preparation
Format: Paperback
Overview
Lying Drunk is Tony Hicks’ candid memoir about decades of alcoholism and the impact addiction had on his relationships, career and sense of self. Drawing on his life as a longtime journalist and columnist, Tony tells the story with a mix of dark humour, self-awareness and uncomfortable honesty.
I designed the cover and interior on contract for The Self Publishing Agency.
Creative Direction & Book Design
Tony came into the project with the idea of incorporating a skeleton or skull on the cover. I was able to read the manuscript before beginning the design, which gave me a stronger sense of Tony’s voice and helped shape the visual direction from the outset.
I explored several illustrated concepts before developing the final cover, which features a skeletal hand holding a bottle alongside crumpled-paper textures, loose handwritten typography and an expressive splash motif. The splash can be read as both spilled alcohol and ink, connecting the subject of addiction with Tony’s identity as a writer.
I carried the handwritten visual language into the interior chapter openings, balancing the more expressive elements with a clear, readable layout so the design felt cohesive without competing with the text.
Cover Explorations
