It might not be best practice to judge a book by its cover, but at first glance every catalog is judged on its cover alone. What makes a great catalog cover? Its ability to command attention, connect with a target customer base, reveal what’s inside, promote a brand image or deliver discount promotions, when applicable. All successful direct-mail catalogs incorporate one or more of these elements into their cover designs, but some catalog designers go above and beyond the call of duty to craft outstanding, iconic catalog covers that are marvels not only in the marketing world but also the design world. I’ve shared 30 such creative catalog designs here.
1. Carushka Bodywear by Jon Briggs
Carushka is the name in bodywear, and though I’m not a target customer I couldn’t help but be intrigued by whatever that is the model is wearing on the cover.
2. Mac Duggal Prom by Kristin Berlin
I love how the designer highlights only the dresses in color.
3. Soundscreen Merchandising by Peto Girth
The “Get It On” concept has a hip vibe, and I like the strewn look of the T-shirts in the backdrop.
4. Failed Clothing by Gabriel Topete
The catalog cover is totally about the brand image, which has plenty of intrigue to motivate potential customers to take a closer look.
5. Sahara Smoke by Chozy Aiyub
The silhouetted skyline with product is a well-recognized play on an Arabian sunset.
6. Ritchey Bicycles by Jim Branstetter
Visual static motion and creative contrasting colors make this catalog design stand out.
7. Benefit Cosmetics by Fumiko Tamura
The use of dolls on a cosmetics company catalog is a creative and unforgettable way to brand.
8. Ferrero by Ferenc Pichler
Beautiful design intrigues the mind!
9. Kaplan Publishing by Adam Oreste
I think this catalog cover design captures the spirit of summer without a single photo.
10. UFLine by Elmer Maniago
The products wrapped around the globe is a nice creative touch.
11. Air Control Supply by John Brooks
The concept was never put into production, but I still love the red/hot-blue/cold shredding fan idea!
12. Knopf Academic Marketing by Meredith Pahoulis
Bright colors command attention and denote learning.
13. Libusandt by Linda Clayton
The tree concept represents the many branches of Libusandt.
14. Jesel by Dennis Ventrello
A contemporary, classy look for a 30th-anniversary catalog.
15. Gumboots by Alexander Gorbin
It’s a Russian catalog, but I love the concept for this rubber boots catalog. It implies that wearing the boots is like walking on the beach.
16. Vans by Phil Tosselli
This catalog design resembles sketches made on old Pee-Chee folders.
17. Cartier by David Prusko
Elegant and meaningful with an awesome tagline: “The Catalog of Love.”
18. Sessions by MAKI
This winter/snow 2010 catalog has a fresh, modern appeal due to its illustrated fonts and layout.
19. ASICS by David Whaite
This concept symbolizes how running cleanses the soul.
20. Harley-Davidson by Jeremy Packer
A vintage look appeals to the brand’s image and customers.
21. PEG by Raxenne Maniquiz
Color and style are intertwined with action in this super cool catalog cover design.
22. Mission Trade by Rasel Almazi
This design encourages you to visualize how the products will look in your own home.
23. Leaf Skateboards by Radek Baczkowski
This catalog was designed for a graduate project, so I’m not sure if it is in production. If not, it should be!
24. Lopez Art Catalog by Sergio Jimenez
Artistic flair? What else would you expect from a catalog created for an art gallery?
25. STX by Brittany Waldner
A modern, clean catalog cover design that brands the company. I like it.
26. Schoolhouse Electric
How can your eyes not be drawn to the bedside lamp? That’s the idea, as this company specializes in vintage lighting.
27. Benchmark Design Group by Patrick Carter
I like this catalog cover design because it does a nice job of visually conveying the brand’s image.
28. RW Pro Sports by Tugrul Ozmen
Product focus is this catalog design’s priority.
29. Pershing Yacht by Manuel Dall’Olio
An anamorphic swirl makes this catalog a visual treat.
30. Dragon Tea by Dmitri Verovski
Rather than focus on the finished, brewed beverage, the designer instead takes customers to the source of their favorite tea.
Dear Mr. Brian Morris,
I am gladly noticed, you selected my work on PSPrint!
Thank you very much and I wish you further succes on your work.
Yours sincerely,
Ferenc Pichler
Thanks Ferenc… keep creating outstanding designs!