look, i can't think of a title, right?
the cover what i must draw
Posted 31st January 2010 at 10:42 AM by chopper
Tags cover design, empire dance, writing
Generally, it's fair to say that I write far better than I draw. Even digital enhancements and super-fantastic-draw-it-for-you programs give results that look like monged spider-walking when i use them. So the prospect of designing a cover for the first volume of The Empire Dance - now on 40k with the finish line in sight - fills me with dread. i can't do heroic vistas or stunning flights of fancy. i can just about do stick men.
So i've been looking at other covers, to draw inspiration, and to see what i shouldn't do. Some of the self-published covers look tacky at best. Hire an artist? Nope, can't afford that. Nick an image off ConceptShips? Nope, that's theft. With some courage, might be able to blag one, but we'll see.... Ah, here's an abandoned Wii Gun in the shop's stockroom. Gives me an idea, along with the half-demolished warehouses outside Meadowhall. I can't draw, but I can turn images into silhouettes with Photoshop. Man with futuristic-looking gun, in silhoutte, against decayed industrial backdrop, equals rough book cover.
Now to convince Mrs Chopper to hold the camera.
So i've been looking at other covers, to draw inspiration, and to see what i shouldn't do. Some of the self-published covers look tacky at best. Hire an artist? Nope, can't afford that. Nick an image off ConceptShips? Nope, that's theft. With some courage, might be able to blag one, but we'll see.... Ah, here's an abandoned Wii Gun in the shop's stockroom. Gives me an idea, along with the half-demolished warehouses outside Meadowhall. I can't draw, but I can turn images into silhouettes with Photoshop. Man with futuristic-looking gun, in silhoutte, against decayed industrial backdrop, equals rough book cover.
Now to convince Mrs Chopper to hold the camera.
Total Comments 6
Comments
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I think you should engage in dialogue with some of the deviantart.com artists. The reason is that they don't get paid for their work, and it could be a chance for them to get their name out in the cover of your book. You could even propose them a percentage deal if a big name publisher picks up your MS.Posted 31st January 2010 at 12:19 PM by ctg
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it's a good suggestion, and one i've already looked at. one other thing i'm very wary of is actually getting the right image or design to begin with - i wouldn't want to just go with the first thing available only to regret it later.Posted 31st January 2010 at 07:48 PM by chopper - That's why you're going to have a dialogue with them, yeah?Posted 31st January 2010 at 08:11 PM by ctg
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And don't stand holding that "gun" where the CCTV might see you. We don't want to hear of you being "accosted" by an armed response unit, chopper.Posted 2nd February 2010 at 04:37 PM by Ursa major -
Good point, Urse. Reminds me of the news paper project I did at uni where I mocked up some photos of 'drug paraphernalia'. Luckily I did a shonky enough job of it, because the gal at the processing counter told me I was lucky the cops weren't waiting for me when I came to pick up the photos...Posted 3rd February 2010 at 10:28 AM by Culhwch - short nerd with plastic gun harrasses empty warehouse..... full details on page 93.Posted 3rd February 2010 at 01:53 PM by chopper
