SAYALI GHOTIKAR
Zoka is a light-hearted and feel-good story by Vikram Bhagwat that celebrates the simple joys in a woman’s life. For the cover, I illustrated a cloud with the title letters gently falling from it like raindrops. This visual captures a sense of innocence and the soft, playful rhythm of a swing — echoing the mood of the story. The rain-like typography adds a whimsical touch, reflecting the calm, joyful flow of life that the story so beautifully portrays.
BOOK COVER DESIGNING
A book's first impression is often its cover—it sets the mood, invites curiosity, and offers a glimpse into the world within. I approach each book cover as a collaboration between storytelling and visual expression. Whether it's fiction, poetry, or children’s literature, I aim to capture the essence of the narrative through meaningful imagery, color, and typography.
My designs often begin with a strong concept—sometimes subtle, sometimes bold—that speaks to the emotional undertone of the book. I enjoy working closely with authors and publishers to bring their vision to life while offering a perspective that adds depth to the reading experience.
I’ve had the opportunity to design covers for works by renowned author Vikram Bhagwat, where the visual language was crafted to echo the emotional and philosophical layers of his writing.
"Swapnavritta" is a Marathi novel by Vikram Bhagwat that follows the journey of a person searching for himself between reality and dreams. As he navigates through these shifting mental landscapes, he ultimately finds a path to reconcile with his past. The cover illustration features a suffering person sleeping, with their form transforming into the shape of a brain, symbolizing his mental struggles and journey of transformation. This depiction captures the emotional depth and process of self-discovery.
"Swapnavritta" is a Marathi novel by Vikram Bhagwat that follows the journey of a person searching for himself between reality and dreams. As he navigates through these shifting mental landscapes, he ultimately finds a path to reconcile with his past. The cover illustration features a suffering person sleeping, with their form transforming into the shape of a brain, symbolizing his mental struggles and journey of transformation. This depiction captures the emotional depth and process of self-discovery.
My Choice is a book in which the author talks about his favorite films. For the cover design, I created a collage of posters from these movies to visually express the essence of the book. Each poster has been thoughtfully selected to reflect the diversity and uniqueness of the author’s cinematic preferences. The collage design creates a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, celebrating the range of films while evoking a sense of personal connection and nostalgic film memories. This collective style of design presents a personal and cinematic journey through the author’s favorite movies.
Sthityantar is a story set against a political backdrop, highlighting the conflict between power and the common man. In the cover design, I’ve used the symbolic image of a blood-stained hand to represent the violent reality and struggles associated with power. A high-contrast color scheme has been used to emphasize the intensity and pressure of extreme situations. This contrast brings out the tense atmosphere and emotional weight of the story, giving readers a glimpse into the harsh truths and consequences of power. The visual style of the design powerfully conveys the depth and challenging tone of the narrative.
Story of a passionate painter Sam, who wants to paint on the canvas live pain. She paints pain of asthma patient Vishram and in exchange suffers brutal pain at his hands.
Sadanand is a story by Vikram Bhagwat about a very simple man, his little friend, and his dog. For the cover design, I used simple and colorful typography to reflect joy and the lightness of life. The design is intentionally kept minimal, as the essence of the story lies in its simplicity and the warmth of friendship. Through the use of cheerful, vibrant letters, I aimed to highlight the gentle and happy atmosphere of the story — inviting readers into a sweet and light-hearted world.
"Café Oceana" is a novel written by Vikram Bhagwat. The story unfolds in a small café named Café Oceana. In the cover design, I have used stains formed by cups, symbolizing how people in love leave marks on each other’s souls. These subtle yet lasting stains represent presence, absence, memory, and emotional connection.
"Maatuli" is a story written by Vikram Bhagwat about a dancer — her life, her passion, and her artistic journey. Her life flows like water — rhythmic, mysterious, and magical. This sense of flow and softness forms the core concept of the book cover design, capturing the grace of dance, its emotional depth, and its soulful beauty. The use of blue symbolizes passion, mystery, and a quiet confidence — a deep sense of being content with oneself. The fluid lines in the design reflect the rhythm of her movement and the inner calm she finds through her art.
Sulu ki Diary is a story about two women and their love. For the cover design, I used a handwritten font to reflect the personal and intimate feeling of a diary. I also included elements like the sea and birds, symbolizing the depth of their emotions and the sense of freedom in their bond. The vastness of the sea and the birds in flight represent the honesty, calm, and emotional expanse of their relationship. This design captures the quiet strength and unspoken thoughts that live within the pages of the diary.
