Curriculum Book Cover

Here are 2 proposals I'm working on for a writing curriculum cover.
Working on the 3rd...
seeking feedback!!
(important notes: The photo in image 1 has a watermark because I haven't yet purchased the rights. Should the design be selected, I will buy the rights. Also, they haven't sent me their logo files yet so what you see here is just a .jpg I yanked from the website.

I like the second one better. The only thing I'd change is the pillar from the right to the left where the book is bound.

Although I like the colors in the first one. The image in the middle is just there.. kinda. I do like the image though but it just doesn't seem to work/flow?.

I'm gonna share a bit of what I've learned from my uni teachers and personal experience.

The first one has a cleaner design and is more pleasant to the eye colorwise. I also like the choice of font and it's arrangement. I'd make that black, just to make it more visible and have correspondence with the frame around the photo. Not sure about the dark stroke around the edges; right now it seems a bit distracting.

There are some legibility problems you need to take care about, first and foremost. In the second variant the name of the author gets lost in that pattern. Go for a little more contrast for the titles, they are very important.

Also, try to grip on one idea and develop it without resorting on unnecessary decoration. Simple images can be very strong too if you've nailed the best combination. Right now, I think the bottom cover is too busy with the pattern, pillar, temple and writing hand. The shapes are also a bit contrasting (you've got very liniar shapes on the pillar and temple, yet curvy, decorative on the pattern and hand) - I'd go with one group or the other.

If this is going to be printed then you have to make even more sure that you've put enough thought into choosing the color tonalities. It's quite hard to get the same thing you see on the screen. I'd recommend printing some sample areas, just to make sure you're not gonna have surprises.

Something i've noticed is the drawing of the scroll is confusing. The gradient at the bottom doesnt go the whole height of the paper so it almost takes on a 3D shape rather than being flat. Also moving the pillar to the left like was stated would be a good idea.

Watch your typography, kerning seems to be an issue. Next make sure the type lines up as I see you probably layed this out in a grid.

Another idea ....




Thanks for the feedback so far!

Juslen - you're right, the scroll was bunk. I scrapped it.

FMD - Please explain where you see a kerning problem?

Ruby Blue - Design 3 is supposed to be simple, not patterns, very little decoration.

Edited by jtwant, 23 March 2009 - 06:41 PM.

Hi jtwant,
Here are my thoughts. First of all I strongly urge you to research the work of everyone that critiques your work. I am in no way saying that the people that have posted here don't know what they're talking about, I'm just saying be careful who you get advice from. Myself not excluded. I'd just hate to see you or anyone here at DC be mislead by an opinion given by someone who may not be as polished as others including yourself. Just remember, everyone's got an opinion but it's up to you to figure out what's most beneficial.

So anyhow, here's mine:

Design 1 - I really like the color richness of the image you selected. Although it feels a bit constrained in that frame I think it works okay. However I do think it's a little overpowering and it takes precedence over the title of the book. I believe every design you should have a hierarchy of elements. In other words the viewer should see what you want them to see in the order you want them to see it. It would be my guess that the client would want the viewer to see the title first and foremost. Colors, sizing and placement can all affect the order the elements in a design are viewed. For instance I like the design elements above the image but being in black really fights with the rest of the design rather than flows with it. I hope that makes sense. I may just be rambling. Anyway, it's just my opinion.


Design 2 - This design I feel flows much better. You have the large title up top left and the feather quill that leads your eye down to the author. The script in the bkgd adds good depth. I have to agree that the column doesn't work there. It kinda screeches the design to a halt. It doesn't feel integrated with the rest of the elements. I understand it represents the birthplace of writing but again sizing and placement are not it's friend right now.

Design 3 - I like the simplicity of colors. It's very bottom heavy because of the big block of color. It might help to move the entire block up and continue the white and script below the block. Again, column not really doing much for the design. If you want to use it you could try moving it inward to expose the design on the other side so you have a full column. Maybe even straddle the title and image with 2 columns. If you do this I would recommend losing the corner elements.

Again, please take these comments as merely an opinion. As far as you know I could be full of it. I hope this at least sparks more creativity for you.

I am up for voting into the design team. If you think my reply was helpful please go to http://www.designcon...your-votes.html and vote.
Thank you!

Edited by Dongerz, 24 March 2009 - 02:32 AM.

Dongerz-
I can't tell you how appreciative I am for your comments! You really allowed me to put things in a perspective I hadn't been thinking before. Most of the elements I used were good, in my opinion, but tried to needed to rearrange them a bit, keeping in mind the heiarchy. That concept isn't new to me, but it was pretty clear by looking at the first design I hadn't very intentional about my placement in round 1.

(p.s. The client requested I try to use columns in the design.)

I reworked all 3 covers a bit, here are the updates:

variant of #3....

jt,
Great job on the rework on #1. It flows very nicely!

Still not crazy about the column placement on #2. Looks like an afterthought. What do you think about going big again but really lightening up the color and using it as a bkgd element for depth. I attached a quick mockup of what I'm thinking. I hope I'm not being too overbearing by showing you. Please forgive me if I am.

#3(latest) - I'm feeling it's a bit top heavy. You might try swapping the placement of the bottom white script block and the grey author block. It might give the top and bottom more balance, then again it might break up the flow. I like that you took the author and publisher out of the top block. I really like the vignetted script you added behind the image. Again though, I'm not feeling the columns. Even at the size they are they're a little dominating. It could be that the drop shadow is bringing them forward. I don't know. Anyway, you're doing a great job working this out. I'm sure you'll end up with some strong entries. Good luck!

variant of #3....

This looks good! I think if you now just change the style of the columns, maybe something with korbels, they'd be more recognizable. Good job!

Thanks for the feedback so far!

Juslen - you're right, the scroll was bunk. I scrapped it.

FMD - Please explain where you see a kerning problem?

Ruby Blue - Design 3 is supposed to be simple, not patterns, very little decoration.

I don't know what exactly you're referring to by "design 3".. when I last visited there were only 2 designs and in the second one (with blue as dominant color) the author's name was overlaying on a repetitive motif of circular shapes, which I think is what could be considered a pattern (sorry if I sound awkward, english is not my first language).. I see they've all changed now!

The new variants present good improvements! Not only do the main areas of the book (title, author) are more evident and have recieved the importance they deserve, but also subtle details, like the delicate handwriting behind the central image (last cover) make the design feel more complete. Right now, I best like design 5 (with the pillar more discretely present, as in Dongers suggestion) and 6.


Not sure whom Dongerz's subtle attack was made for but feel the need to point out that:

a) When I made my first comment, all the covers looked different than they do now.
b) Ironically, I noted the same things regarding the hierarchy of elements (with the main info of the book needing to "pop" out more and the multitude of details detracting from it) but not as directly, because language restricts me a bit.
c) I don't think you need to present an astounding body of work to have a valid opinion. In fact, many art critics won't be able and don't have to do that.

Not my intention to distract from the main discussion here, but I've found that comment to be a bit disrespectful towards the first posters, though masked as neutral attitude. Be the advice good or wrong, I think we can all evolve by discussing and providing arguements and not just suggesting some are less "polished" than others.

Not that it matters much, but I've been immersed in this field for more than 5 years now, currently studying for a master's degree in Advertising & Book Graphics, so I've done a few book covers myself under the guidance of an experienced teacher/book illustrator. Still, I also think even a novice can have valuable oppinion in the matter..

I don't know what exactly you're referring to by "design 3".. when I last visited there were only 2 designs and in the second one (with blue as dominant color) the author's name was overlaying on a repetitive motif of circular shapes, which I think is what could be considered a pattern (sorry if I sound awkward, english is not my first language).. I see they've all changed now!

The new variants present good improvements! Not only do the main areas of the book (title, author) are more evident and have recieved the importance they deserve, but also subtle details, like the delicate handwriting behind the central image (last cover) make the design feel more complete. Right now, I best like design 5 (with the pillar more discretely present, as in Dongers suggestion) and 6.


Not sure whom Dongerz's subtle attack was made for but feel the need to point out that:

a) When I made my first comment, all the covers looked different than they do now.
b) Ironically, I noted the same things regarding the hierarchy of elements (with the main info of the book needing to "pop" out more and the multitude of details detracting from it) but not as directly, because language restricts me a bit.
c) I don't think you need to present an astounding body of work to have a valid opinion. In fact, many art critics won't be able and don't have to do that.

Not my intention to distract from the main discussion here, but I've found that comment to be a bit disrespectful towards the first posters, though masked as neutral attitude. Be the advice good or wrong, I think we can all evolve by discussing and providing arguements and not just suggesting some are less "polished" than others.

Not that it matters much, but I've been immersed in this field for more than 5 years now, currently studying for a master's degree in Advertising & Book Graphics, so I've done a few book covers myself under the guidance of an experienced teacher/book illustrator. Still, I also think even a novice can have valuable oppinion in the matter..

Dear RubyBlue,
First of all I think your english is very good! I would not have known if you didn't say anything about it.

Anyway, I apologize but my intention was not to "attack" anybody but merely to advise jtwant, or any artist for that matter, to take caution when considering any comments about ones artwork. In fact, I thought everyone's comments were legit and helpful. I have simply read some posts here on other forums that did not seem to make sense for a particular design and when I went to check out the source I then realized that you have to be careful and do your due diligence before taking anybody's advice. So I'm sorry if I offended anyone but my comments were in the best interest of good design. I do agree that even a novice can contribute for the better but a smart artist should always consider the source. BTW-Art critics do have a body of work in the form of past pieces they've critiqued and their reputation. Consider the source, that's all I'm saying.

That being said, there is one point I did disagree with. I do think it's okay to mix curvy and linear elements when it makes sense. I believe if done correctly it creates an appealing contrast. I understand there are certain rules of thumb to follow when designing, but I've also learned over the last 15 years of commercial/retail design, you also have to be open to bending and sometimes breaking those rules.

Anyway, again, great job on the revises jtwant!

Respectfully,
Dongerz

This looks good! I think if you now just change the style of the columns, maybe something with korbels, they'd be more recognizable. Good job!

I really like this design, the only sugestion whick i have is to find better color for the type of the Author. Something which will make it more easy too see but not so big contrast because you will lose the attention of the title.

Dear RubyBlue,
First of all I think your english is very good! I would not have known if you didn't say anything about it.

Anyway, I apologize but my intention was not to "attack" anybody but merely to advise jtwant, or any artist for that matter, to take caution when considering any comments about ones artwork. In fact, I thought everyone's comments were legit and helpful. I have simply read some posts here on other forums that did not seem to make sense for a particular design and when I went to check out the source I then realized that you have to be careful and do your due diligence before taking anybody's advice. So I'm sorry if I offended anyone but my comments were in the best interest of good design. I do agree that even a novice can contribute for the better but a smart artist should always consider the source. BTW-Art critics do have a body of work in the form of past pieces they've critiqued and their reputation. Consider the source, that's all I'm saying.

That being said, there is one point I did disagree with. I do think it's okay to mix curvy and linear elements when it makes sense. I believe if done correctly it creates an appealing contrast. I understand there are certain rules of thumb to follow when designing, but I've also learned over the last 15 years of commercial/retail design, you also have to be open to bending and sometimes breaking those rules.

Anyway, again, great job on the revises jtwant!

Respectfully,
Dongerz

Ouch..I was afraid you were gonna say that I was honestly having second thoughts about that curvy vs linar elements advice immediately after writing it myself .. I recieved that critique upon making a dvd cover where both types of shapes were being used and I was a bit surprised to hear it too, but after modifying the design accordingly and seeing the result was much better, it kinda got stuck in my head as being positive advice.

These shapes can surely coexist in a work and I've seen many such examples. It might have been hasty just reproducing that advice.. Agree with you in saying that they can be used to produce contrast, when that contrast is appropriate. I guess I was trying to suggest the need for a more unitary look and feel (most of the times I can sense that something doesn't "click" visually but have a hard time putting it into words..)

I appreciate you being open to discussion.. it helps us reach some of the best conclusions!

the most recent variant of #3 is really nice. I agree with swapping out the column - I actually didn't identify it as a column right away. The gray stripe at the bottom feels a little awkward to me - it'd be nice to see it in the brown tone or, if it's to be art of a series - maybe a bright color?

The thing that really bothers me though is the kerning on the title - particularly the W & the G. I'd tighten the kern up quite a bit.

other than that I think it looks great.

#3 is my favourite. modern, male, elegant, personal.

I see what you mean with the N-G kerning.
I am still waiting to hear back from the client for final approval on this one? Not sure what's going on...

They liked #3 as well.

Thanks for all the help, it was tremendously useful!