client: Harper Collins
Blending Romance and Activism in a
Striking BESTSELLING Cover Design
client: Harper Collins
Blending romance and
activism in a striking
bestselling cover design
HarperCollins selected me to illustrate the cover for Yes No Maybe So, a novel by #1 New York Times bestselling authors Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed. The book explores love, local activism, and cross-cultural relationships, themes I wanted to reflect in a cover that felt warm, inviting, and emotionally resonant. I crafted soft-toned characters in a candid, natural composition that captures the tenderness of the story while maintaining a contemporary, eye-catching look.
For the UK edition, my artwork was seamlessly integrated into the title typography, creating a bold yet cohesive design that stood out on the shelves. The US paperback edition incorporated my character illustrations, depicting the protagonists standing apart to subtly reflect their journey of connection and self-discovery on a soft romantic, pastel pink background. This project allowed me to blend my expertise in character illustration with thoughtful design, ensuring the cover visually encapsulated the heart of the novel while appealing to its diverse readership.
“Soumbal’s illustration beautifully brought Yes No Maybe So to life. She captured the warmth of the story with thoughtful detail and creative vision, making for a seamless collaboration and a stunning final result.”
– Alison Donalty, Art Director at Harper Collins
