Semiotic of Layout Elements and Layout Principles on A Novel Cover

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify the meaning of the signs that can be identified as layout elements and principles on the book cover, namely text element, visual element, invisible element, sequence principle, emphasis principle, balance principle and unity principle using semiotic. The data that is used in this research is the book cover of Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer. The method that is used in this research is qualitative method since it does not have a statistical data. The result shows that the book cover has all those kinds of elements and principles mentioned above applied on it. The text elements that have been found are decks, title, subtitle and byline. There are two visual elements that is found on the cover is artworks. And the invisible elements that can be found are margin and grid. All four principles are found in the book cover are sequence, emphasis, balance and unity. The research shows that the layout elements and principles appeal the prospective readers by showing the meaning behind the layout elements and principles are what is the story about.

Keywords: semiotic, book cover, layout elements, layout principle

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/106-04

Publication date: May 30^th 2025