The Story Behind the Donald Trump “Art of the Deal” Original Cover
As one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics, Donald Trump has left an indelible mark on the business world. Before his presidency, Trump was best known as a real estate mogul, television personality, and author of the bestselling book, “Trump: The Art of the Deal.” However, what many people may not be aware of is the fascinating story behind the original cover design of this iconic book.
The Design Process
The concept for the original cover of “Trump: The Art of the Deal” was developed by renowned graphic designer, S. Neil Fujita. Fujita, who is best known for his iconic album covers for jazz musicians like Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck, was approached by the publisher to design a cover that would capture Trump’s larger-than-life personality and his business prowess.
Fujita worked closely with Trump and his team to understand the essence of the book and the image Trump wanted to project. After several brainstorming sessions and iterations, Fujita came up with the concept of a bold and powerful design that would stand out on bookstore shelves.
The Elements of the Cover
The original cover of “Trump: The Art of the Deal” features Trump’s name prominently displayed in bold, gold lettering against a black background. Below the title, a close-up photograph of Trump’s face gazes confidently into the distance. The design exudes a sense of power, wealth, and success.
| Cover Elements | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Bold font | Conveys strength and confidence |
| Gold coloring | Represents wealth and success |
| Close-up photo of Trump | Highlights his personality and presence |
The combination of these elements creates a visually striking cover that captures Trump’s larger-than-life persona and positions him as a successful businessman worth studying.
The Impact and Reception
Upon its release in 1987, “Trump: The Art of the Deal” quickly became a commercial success, spending several weeks at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list. The book solidified Trump’s reputation as a successful businessman and propelled him further into the public eye.
The cover design played a significant role in the book’s success. Its bold, eye-catching appearance drew attention and piqued the curiosity of potential readers. Additionally, the cover’s portrayal of Trump as a powerful and confident individual resonated with those who aspired to achieve similar levels of success.
While the original cover design has become synonymous with Trump and his book, it’s worth noting that subsequent reprints and editions have featured different cover designs. Nevertheless, Fujita’s original artwork remains an iconic representation of the book and its author.
Conclusion
The original cover of “Trump: The Art of the Deal” is a testament to the power of effective design in capturing attention and conveying a message. S. Neil Fujita’s bold and iconic design successfully captured the essence of Donald Trump and his business acumen, helping to propel the book to unprecedented success.
Whether one admires or criticizes Trump, it’s hard to deny the impact of his book and the lasting impression left by its original cover. From its bold font and gold coloring to the confident gaze of Trump’s close-up photograph, the cover design perfectly encapsulates the persona of a man whose business career has captured the attention – and at times, ignited controversy – around the globe.
As with any design, the impact of the original cover may be subjective, but it undeniably played a crucial role in promoting the book and establishing Trump’s brand. It serves as a reminder of the power of visual communication to shape perceptions and convey messages that extend far beyond the pages of a book.
References:
- Gibson, R. (2019). Neil Fujita: The Designer Who Changed the Face of Jazz. https://medium.com/lessonography/neil-fujita-the-designer-who-changed-the-face-of-jazz-7ffd4619bc3f
- Stahl, L. (2015). Art of the Deal: Donald Trump’s bestseller status may not be what it seems. https://www.cjr.org/analysis/book_beat_trump.php
- Zee, K. (2016). Complete List of Books Published By Donald J. Trump. https://data.journalism.ryerson.ca/donaldtrumpbooks/
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