Pelatihan Peningkatan Keterampilan Book Cover Design dengan Adobe Illustrator Tingkat Mahasiswa di Kota Palembang

Abstract

Industri penerbitan buku cerita bergambar menuntut inovasi visual yang mampu menarik perhatian audiens sekaligus mengkomunikasikan esensi cerita secara efektif. Namun, terjadi kesenjangan signifikan antara kurikulum konvensional dan kebutuhan praktis industry, terutama dalam penerapan prinsip-prinsip desain persuasive pada perancangan sampul buku. Masalah ini menyebabkan mahasiswa kesulitan menghasilkan karya yang sesuai standar professional. Pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan Book Cover Design pada 19 mahasiswa Program Studi Desain Komunikasi Visual semester 5 dan 7 di Universitas Indo Global Mandiri Palembang. Pelatihan ini berfokus pada kemampuan merancang ulang sampul buku cerita bergambar yang efektif dan menarik sesuai standar industri. Pelaksanaan kegiatan menggunakan metode workshop partisipatif secara luring yang komprehensif. Metode ini terdiri dari pemaparan materi, studi kasus, workshop praktis dengan software Adobe Illustrator, dan sesi kritik desain terstruktur. Penilaian kemampuan dilakukan melalui asesmen kuantitatif dengan instrument pre-test dan post-test. Hasil pengabdian menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan pada pemahaman teoritis dan kemampuan praktis mahasiswa. Rata-rata skor asesmen meningkat dari 55% menjadi 77 %, menunjukkan keberhasilan pelatihan. Mahasiswa mampu menerapkan prinsip-prinsip hierarki visual, kontras, keseimbangan, dan kedekatan untuk menghasilkan karya yang lebih profesional dan komunikatif. Kegiatan ini tidak hanya memberikan keahlian teknis, namun juga menumbuhkan kepekaan estetik dan pemikiran strategis mahasiswa. Keberhasilan ini menegaskan bahwa pendekatan workshop partisipatif dengan fokus pada praktik langsung dan kritik desain sangat efektif dalam mempersiapkan mahasiswa menghadapi tuntutan industri kreatif.

Training Program for Improving Book Cover Design Proficiency Among University Students in Palembang with Adobe Illustrator

Abstract

This picture book publishing industry demands visual innovation that is capable of attracting the audience’s attention while effectively communicating the essence of the story. However, a significant gap exists between conventional curricula and practical industry needs, particularly in applying persuasive design principles to book cover design. This issue leads to students struggling to produce work that meets professional standards. This community service project aims to enhance the book cover design skills of 19 Visual Communication Design students from 5th and 7th semesters at Universitas Indo Global Mandiri in Palembang. The training focused on the ability to redesign affective and appealing picture book covers in line with industry standards. The activity was conducted using a comprehensive, in-person participatory workshop method. This method consisted of material presentations, case studies (analyzing popular book covers such as “The Kindest Red” and the classic “The Metamorphosis”), practical workshop using Adobe Illustrator, and structured design critique sessions. Skill assessment was conducted through a quantitative approach using pre-test and post-test instruments. The results of the project show a significant improvement in students’ theoretical understanding and practical abilities. The average assessment score increased from 55% to 77%, demonstrating the success of the training. Students were able to apply principles of visual hierarchy, contrast, balance, and proximity to produce work that were more professional and communicative. This activity not only provided students with technical expertise but also cultivate their aesthetic sensitivity and strategic thinking within the context of visual communication design. This success affirms that a participatory workshop approach focusing on hands-on practice and design critique is highly effective in preparing students to meet the demands of the creative industry.