Designing Book Cover Artwork – PART 2

Designing Book Cover Artwork – PART 2

SQUISH Children’s Psychology Book Series

The Squish series takes readers into the child’s world, to give a helping hand with struggles that we all face in childhood and indeed adulthood. With stories and illustrations that draw us to the heart of these issues; these books beautifully and lovingly deliver psychological skills to children. Squish represents the thousands of children that Clinical Psychologist Author Dr Kirsten Hunter, has worked with and who have bravely shared their worlds.

Squish and his/her dearest friends, Jester, and Purr, were created by Australian artist, Emma Moorman. Squish doesn’t fit into any boxes. Squish is an individual who is neither male nor female, and not especially human. Squish is uniquely Squish; beautiful in their own making. We don’t need a box to fit around Squish, which is a great message for the many children who don’t feel like they fit in.

The key colours used in the creation of Squish are light blue and garnet red. They were chosen to work alongside the brand colours of Dr Kirsten’s adult psychology book series – SIGNPOSTS FOR LIVING. This beautiful colour combination represents a calm, cool, even vulnerable presence (light blue), with an energetic and fiery element (garnet red). The two colours balance each other out. On a more literal interpretation, SQUISH’S heart, in red garnet, represents the contrast of emotions that we all feel; passionate love and devotion, and fearful trepidation; the spectrum of psychology.  

Introducing Emma Moorman – A few words from the Illustrator:

I’m an Australian-born artist from Toowoomba. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved to draw, it’s been my escape from how overwhelming the world can be – and having grown up with Autism, that escape has been vital. It has always been my dream to share my art with the world, these books are my first step. I love working with pencil and paper, with some digital work as well. As a child I only worked in black and white, I’m now learning that it’s okay to use a bit of colour! These illustrations connect with my experiences growing up, I hope to connect with you through each picture.