Title Page Lettering, Inspired by Vintage Stickers
Book title page lettering for Volume 4 of the Great American Road Trips series, inspired by vintage fruit crate labels and retro sticker ephemera. The yellow “SOUTHEAST” lettering sits over playful, collectible-style illustrations; an orange with leaf, a dolphin, and a parasol. This piece demonstrates my approach to research-informed, visually striking title design that balances bold lettering with integrated illustration.
I was asked to design section titles - in the retro style of a vintage sticker book for a Reader’s Digest commission. Each hand-lettered and illustrated title needed to fill a quarter of a double-page spread and stand out against full-bleed photographs of sweeping landscapes
Midwest Sticker-Style Book Title Page Lettering
I switched between different design styles and modes of representation to create the feel of distinct stickers: Mount Rushmore appears in a rectangular frame with a more representational style, while the red barn and ears of wheat lean into a flat, icon-like depiction.
Punctuating the Flow
Each title had to visually punctuate the book’s flow, guiding readers from section to section. And it was crucial that every title held its own - alongside the big, bold photos. I drew inspiration from vintage roadside souvenirs and hand lettered every title, aiming for that playful, collectible vibe - while making sure everything felt at home within the book’s design.
For this coastal-themed design, I aimed for imperfect retro lettering that feels a little like a name hand-painted on a boat. I paired it with simple sticker motifs: a pine cone, a whale spouting water, and a lifebuoy with anchor, to bring in that New England feel of cool northern weather, sea, and fishing culture
Holding Their Own
The real challenge was balancing boldness and legibility with the need to complement the background photo. I carefully chose lettering styles, colours, forms, and references that would make an impact, but never overpower the imagery.
Wood Type-Inspired Title Lettering
Keeping with the collectible, sticker-book feel, I researched lettering that felt bold and playful, inspired by Wild West annuals and letterpress posters. The type uses chunky, high-contrast serifs to give presence on the page while complementing the retro sticker-style illustrations: the Golden Gate Bridge, a bear, and an erupting geyser.
More Than Decoration
I approached these titles as more than just illustrations - they became wayfinding tools for the reader, anchoring each section with its own visual theme, colour palette, and regional character.
This project sums up my approach to book illustration: lots of research, obsessive attention to detail, and a focus on creating elements that are both visually striking and functional. Each sticker-style title is its own little design system, balancing boldness, readability, and cohesion.
Connect with Me
If you’re looking for distinctive title lettering that can bring structure and personality to your project, I’d love to hear from you.