Muslim Youth Musings approached me to design the cover for Hand Me Down Your Revolution, a powerful collection of stories, poems, and memoirs by young Muslim writers. Given the book’s themes of identity, faith, and self-expression, I developed three distinct concepts before refining the final design. Through a thoughtful exploration of colour, typography, and composition, I aimed to create a cover that felt both timeless and inspiring. This project allowed me to blend illustration and design seamlessly, crafting a cover that visually echoes the heart of the stories within.

The final artwork captures the essence of storytelling with a dreamy, whimsical composition. A young girl reaches toward a flowing tapestry of symbols—a book and feathered quill, a prayer mat, a traditional teapot, a mask, and nature elements—each representing the rich experiences woven into the book’s narratives. The deep blue background evokes night-time reflection, while delicate stars and a soft gradient create an ethereal, hopeful atmosphere. To enhance the book’s expressive feel, I hand-lettered the title typography, ensuring it seamlessly blended with the illustration while adding warmth and character.

“Soumbal not only did such an incredible job at each stage of the creative process, but she was thoughtful in incorporating multiple perspectives and drawing from concepts in the book, giving us a design beyond anything we could have possibly imagined. Any client lucky enough to work with Soumbal is truly blessed!”

– Arif Kabir, Director at Muslim Youth Musings