Erik Kriek
A New Vision for a Classic Tale
In 2024, Dutch illustrator Erik Kriek was given a unique and formidable task: to reimagine the covers of the Harry Potter series for a special "economy" edition in the Netherlands. Unlike many of the previous versions that leaned heavily on iconic imagery—such as Harry Potter with his round glasses and trusty broomstick—Kriek and art director Rob Westendorp, who also happened to be his studio mate, took a different approach altogether. It was to be a visual departure from the norm, one that would emphasize mood, symbolism, and abstraction rather than literal representation.
The Advantage of Collaboration
The project benefited significantly from the fact that Kriek and Westendorp worked together in the same studio. This proximity allowed for a seamless, organic collaboration. With Westendorp overseeing the graphic design and Kriek handling the illustrations, their shared vision unfolded naturally. The synergy between illustrator and designer meant that creative decisions could be discussed in real time, adjusted, and refined in a fluid process that might not have been possible under other circumstances.
Abstraction Over Literalism
From the outset, both Rob and the publisher, De Harmonie, were intent on steering clear of the overused trope of “a bespectacled boy on a broomstick.” Instead, the illustrations were to be crafted from a more abstract perspective. They would not depict specific characters or scenes in a direct manner, but rather, they would utilize visual elements and motifs pulled from the stories to suggest the essence of the magical world.
This approach had a dual effect. For readers already familiar with J.K. Rowling’s books, the symbols and themes were unmistakable, providing a deeper level of recognition and satisfaction. For new readers, the covers were meant to serve as an evocative invitation—an artistic lure that hinted at magic and wonder without overly directing the imagination.
The Language of Elements
A significant conceptual layer in Kriek’s designs was his use of elemental materials—rock, air, fire, water, and wood. These elements were woven into the artwork as part of the structure and texture of each image, helping to accentuate the magical undertones of the series. Each book cover was crafted to visually resonate with the core themes of its respective narrative.
This elemental strategy not only unified the covers as a set but also rooted them in a more primal, mythical visual language. Magic, after all, is closely tied to the natural world, and Kriek’s use of elements helped to underscore that relationship in a fresh and visually compelling way.
Evoking Rather Than Dictating
One of the main artistic goals of the project was to allow space for the reader's imagination. The designs were meant to evoke the tone and themes of each book rather than dictate a specific visual narrative. In doing so, Kriek avoided boxing readers into preconceived notions, especially important for a new generation discovering the books for the first time.
Instead of seeing Harry's face or watching a dramatic scene play out on the cover, readers would find themselves immersed in a swirl of symbols, textures, and shapes that whispered of magic rather than shouting it aloud. This subtlety was central to the success of the new covers, creating a bridge between the familiar and the unknown.
The Final Product
The result of this collaboration was a set of cover illustrations that stood apart from previous editions, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Beautifully abstract and rich in elemental symbolism, Kriek’s artwork offered a refreshing take on one of the most recognized series in literary history. The publisher was thrilled, the illustrator and designer proud, and now it was up to the readers to embrace this new vision.
As the books hit the shelves across the Netherlands, these covers stood as a testament to the power of abstraction, collaboration, and trust in artistic intuition. For Erik Kriek, this was not just another assignment—it was an opportunity to reinterpret a global phenomenon through the lens of elemental magic and visual storytelling.