The Sage Forgot Graphic Design
Somewhere in a dimly lit office, Robert B. Haynes sat before a computer, gazed at the horizon of possibility, and said: “What if I just… slap white Times New Roman on a sunset?” And thus, the cover of Sound Thinking: Thoughts From a Sage was born — a visual experience so profoundly uninspired it should be studied in design schools under “Don’ts of Cover Art.”
Let’s start with the photo — an overused stock image of a sunset that has seen more motivational posters than a corporate HR hallway. A lone figure stands ankle-deep in water, either pondering life’s big questions or waiting for Poseidon to personally hand them a better cover concept.
The title font? It’s the default setting from 2003 Microsoft Word, and it shows. Nothing says “ancient wisdom” quite like Times New Roman, unless that wisdom is “I don’t believe in kerning.” And the subtitle — “Thoughts From a Sage” — promises a Gandalf-level mind-meld, but the figure in the photo is just some dude in cargo shorts, possibly sending a text.
The author’s name is neatly planted at the bottom, because of course — the only thing standing between Robert B. Haynes and true sagehood is the inability to hire someone who’s heard of contrast, alignment, or composition.
Final verdict: This isn’t Sound Thinking; this is Plausible Thinking at best. If the wisdom inside is anything like the design effort outside, prepare for life lessons on how to make instant noodles and the benefits of socks with sandals.