The Story Behind Bob Merckel’s Salute Cover Design

Designing Bob Merckel’s Salute: A Journey of Self-Acceptance and Imperfection

Creativity at Myretroposter often brings about fascinating collaborations, and one of the most memorable ones involved American author Bob Merckel. While visiting Alecse’s gallery in Sitges, Merckel was drawn to the unique charm of vintage travel posters and purchased two pieces. It was during this visit that the idea of a collaboration emerged—Merckel asked Alecse to design the cover for his latest book, Salute. Though the project moved swiftly, the design process presented a unique challenge: visually capturing the essence of the book without falling into the usual clichés associated with yoga-themed literature.

Salute isn’t just a story about yoga; it’s a story about self-acceptance, peace in imperfection, and growth. The book, much like life, is about embracing one’s present state without seeking perfection. The author wanted a cover that reflected the balance between the physical practice of yoga and the deeper philosophical insights about living life authentically. For Alecse, this project resonated deeply with his own artistic approach, as he aims to evoke the spirit of exploration and serenity in all his work.

Designing the cover of Salute required the creation of a visual narrative that embodied the reflective, meditative nature of the book. Much like Alecse’s posters, the cover invites the viewer to embark on a journey—one of personal discovery, growth, and the beauty of embracing imperfections.

Readers of Salute have been moved by its profound simplicity and universal themes. One reviewer, Lynne Rees, draws parallels to the works of Natalie Goldberg and Haruki Murakami, two authors whose exploration of life’s practices reflects the themes in Salute. Incidentally, Murakami is one of Alecse’s favorite authors, particularly The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, which also delves into the intricacies of life and self-discovery.

Rees writes:

“Salute reminds me of Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones or What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, where writing and running become metaphors for life’s lessons. ‘We are a part of everything,’ Goldberg says. Murakami says, ‘You make do with what you have… as you age you learn even to be happy with what you have.’ Bob Merckel says, ‘There is no perfect.’”

Other reviews have similarly praised Salute for its ability to transport the reader and provide digestible wisdom:

The cover, now a reflection of these themes, was a collaborative effort that captured the book’s spirit in both concept and execution. And as Alecse reflects on this rewarding project, it’s clear that the journey was as meaningful as the destination.

To explore this inspiring book for yourself, check out Salute on Amazon, and follow Bob Merckel’s latest musings on Medium.

Illustration photo of Alecse reading Salute on the beach in Sitges, taken by his son, Roman