Ever have one of those projects that you think is finished then at the last minute it isn't and you have to go back in and re-paint or re-work a few details? The cover art for Spacecarrier, by Veradance, is no different. Although the description of the Vorn (the four armed alien) is that he sort of blends into his surroundings on the ship, that doesn't offer a good cover art composition.
So, first I put him in dress whites, vs the armor designed to blend into the ship's hull. But then, the Vorn's fur/coat seemed to blend into the grey hull of the ship. We decided to have me go back into the ship and alter the hull enough to make him stand out better. Now the area around the view port has a blue tone, while the rest of the ship remains grey.
I then went 'old school' with the rest of the design, placing the art in it's own 'window' and designing the elements on a bed of stars.
As soon as I have the related links for those interested in buying a copy of the book, which will be available in both eBook and print, I will let ya'll know.
Let me now what ya'll think of the cover art and design.
'The Chronicles of Elydir' is Brenda Wynn's planned series of novels
that will take readers on a fantasy adventure. 'Silverdream &
Bloodfire' is her first installment. Wynn loads 'Silverdream &
Bloodfire' with lush incidents displaying magic and wonders that cross
two worlds.
A college student rents a house she hopes is filled
with paranormal activities. Amanda needs a term paper for Professor
Stevenson's class. Exploration of her rental just might earn her a top
grade. Meanwhile in a parallel medieval elfin world, populated as well
with humans and dwarfs, Prince Kelvan prepares for a final test that
will prove that he is the one who can rid his kingdom of the evil
Emperor Aton.
Exploring her new home, Amanda Jennings finds and
translates journals that detail the Silverdream ritual. With burning
curiosity, she decides to see if the ceremony can deliver any of its
promises. While she performs the ritual, Kelvan attempts a challenge of
his own. If he is successful, accomplishing the Bloodfire ritual will
prove that he is the one chosen to free his world once and for all from
Aton, and from the emperor's wicked witch advisor, Hagah.
The two
ceromonies collide and Kelvan and Amanda change places. In her new
world, Amanda is recognized as the Chosen One whom Kelvan was presumed
to be. In Amanda's old world, Kelvan discovers that evil still exists
in the world--in the person of Dr. Stevenson.
Subplots abound,
all tie into a well integrated good versus evil plot. In 'Silverdream
& Bloodstream', Brenda Wynn uses apt episodes to clearly define and
demonstrate both evil and good. Until its sequel, fantasy adventure
readers will have to anticipate what happens next in Kelvan's medieval
kingdom--and just what secrets still remain in Amanda's twenty-first
century house of magic.
Other than a couple of typos, a four start review is very much appreciated. :D Brenda and I are already working on S&B's sequel. I'll keep ya'll updated.
Product Details: Paperback: 472 pages Publisher: CreateSpace (September 5, 2011) Language: English ISBN-10: 1463706200 ISBN-13: 978-1463706203 Product Dimensions:
9 x 6 x 1 inches
Illustrators manage to take an idea and turn it into an image. They use their mind and creative tools presented before them to show off their artistic nature to render an image. Some use pencil and paper to bring to life the ideas of a writer or an art director; others use a computer and vectors to exhume the ideas of their creative leads.
Whether it’s through the use of a pencil or a computer, illustrators utilize a set of skills that allow them to produce the images and ideas writers and art directors envision. Some illustrators earn an online education and others do not. Regardless of education they have, they all posses talent and an understanding of how the industry works.
Types of Illustration
Opening scene from Strangers in the Stable by Jim Laughter ~ 4RV Publishing
Each type of illustration field will require a different set of skills. From a graphic illustrator to a book illustrator, each demands a different set of traits in order to produce worthy content. A graphic illustrator must comprehend the complexities of a design program like Adobe Illustrator, while the book illustrator must understand how to transform words on a page into pictures.
Before an individual can learn the complexities of illustration he must understand the specific field he wishes to learn about. Each field will demand knowledge from a different area, from the complexities of Illustrator to the collaborating with writers to finalize a project.
Read and Practice
Cover art for Celtic Destiny by Amber LaShell
Being a good illustrator requires more than just taking a few classes. It demands reading new techniques. You must practice new methods, and explore new avenues of drawing. Reading helps expose you to new methods of producing content. It also helps you understand complex drawing tools that can mean the difference between a great illustrator and a poor one. Reading will not only expose you to new methods, but teach you how to integrate them into your work.
Reading aside, practicing what you have read helps you learn the trade. Sure, you may possess a wealth of knowledge from all the books you’ve read, but you have to put your knowledge to practice. You must take what you’ve learned and see how well you can reproduce an image from your accrued skills. The more you practice the better off you master new illustration techniques.
Take Drawing Classes
Cover art for Being Jacob: A Day at the Zoo by Suzy Koch ~ 4RV Publishing
All illustrators integrate drawing techniques into their work. From simple squares and circles to perspective and color, illustrators learn about simple techniques by taking classes. Class will expose students to proper perspective techniques. Instructors actuate their students to think like an artist, conjuring up different skills.
Students will draw images with their mind and take plan shapes and transform them into notable figures. A rectangle will become a character’s body. A circle will transform into an eyeball, and even a square will become a three-dimensional cube. Each drawing class will aim to improve or refine a particular skill every human has. For more information on drawing classes, visit www.art-colleges.com.
Learning how to become a better illustrator takes time, practice and dedication. Expose yourself to different mediums. Learn new techniques. Take online classes and, above all, try new methods of reproduction to learn and improve.
No thanks to Avast screwing up my digital software files, tagging them as malware when I know they are not, I managed to get something accomplished.
Luckily, my computer file woes did not affect my ability to create slide shows or work in Photoshop, so not all work has ceased. This is my latest cover art and design: Out of the Darkness, Jennifer's Story by Jennifer Lowe.
