How Scholtysik’s playful use of the ampersand tilts convention for Swiss publisher Kein & Aber

At Kein & Aber, you’re invited to judge a book by its cover. Taking care to emulate the essence and artistry of the author, each design is treated as a unique artistic expression. “Meticulous book design and, in particular, individual, high-quality cover design have always been the hallmark of Kein & Aber, alongside the unconventional wit, wisdom and sparkle of their stories,” explains Holger Huber, Partner & Designer at Scholtysik, who took on the challenge of rebranding the publishing house. Founded in 1997, Kein & Aber has positioned itself as a distinctive voice in Swiss publishing, consistently delivering exceptional works in German and international literature. The name ‘Kein & Aber’ plays on multiple linguistic and cultural levels, perfectly encapsulating their editorial philosophy, which is traditional yet unconventional, serious yet playful. In German, it directly translates to ‘No & But,’ which initially appears nonsensical. However, it references the common German phrase ‘ohne Wenn und Aber’ (meaning ‘without ifs and buts’ or ‘without hesitation’). Simultaneously, the name creates a phonetic connection to the biblical tale of ‘Kain und Abel’ (Cain and Abel), adding another layer of depth through this wordplay. “To German-speaking readers, the name seems normal at first glance, gives strong hints of a twisted meaning at closer inspection, but remains an unsolved riddle in the end,” notes Huber. Scholtysik’s task was to make the brand more distinctive and contemporary while maintaining this unconventional spirit, without compromising each book’s individual expression or the publishing house’s rich use of illustrations, photography, and colours across their marketing materials.