I personally think either a dramatic scene from the book or a heroic Wendell would be the way to go. Those tend to be the type of covers that draw me to reading a story because I want to find out more about the person or scene depicted. The thing I like about a dramatic scene being the cover is I always close the book to look at the cover when I get to that part in the book. Maybe it’s because of my lack of imagination, but it makes the story come more to life for me if I have some help visually with the characters. 😅
....I didn't think you would be one to respond (jaw drop).
Appreciate that feedback, very much. It's always good to know how stories and artwork affect us.
I have a vision for these books, but I'm not sure I trust myself.
The story started as a comic book, it's still my favorite medium, but I want to get enough views and comments so I can take a step back, consider the perspectives, and THEN make a choice.
...I'd like to see if what have in mind stands up to the people I write for in this community.
I kind of like the idea of the silhouette of Wendell looking toward Til-Thorin. I don’t know how well it would work with your art style, but if it does work, it could look really cool. I do think though, that no matter what you choose to do, it will be perfect for this book.
I'm trying to visualize that, because a silhouette wouldn't allow for the smiley on his shirt to be seen...and that's key..because if he's looking at Til-Thorin, wouldn't he also have his back to us, the readers?
Yes, I forgot about the smiley and how essential it is. Maybe it could be integrated in another way, or maybe this idea just won’t work for this book. Either way, I’m sure you’ll come up with something
Keep sending suggestions, Benjamin. I want as many perspectives as possible!
I know I have to make a final decision on this and design it, but the last time I bought this up to the community, I got the Underlings cover, which , IMO, is the best one I ever made for my books....
...that means I VALUE the feedback. ALL the feedback!!
Many times it becomes a catalyst for someone else's idea, and with us all working on this, it's like having 160 minds on the same project.
Ok for the first book cover. One thing to consider is consistency from cover to cover. Book 2 should consistent with the first book. (If you leave it up to the imagination you have to commit for however many books you do.) at least i think that’s important not all people do.
What comes to my mind is actually Wendell at the bottom of the cover wearing his iconic tee reaching up to a floating Ithari reminiscent of the his first time they were I introduced. I can imagine Chuck and Dax peeking out from behind him. Til-thorin a silhouette in the background.
I agree with the blue and purple cover to start with I think that fits the vibe of the first book.
If it’s doesn’t make it too cluttered I would add other characters as well.
This is a very movie poster way to go which is how I tend to think. there are other ways you could take it too. You could have a image of Wendell in running looking back over his shoulder if you wanted to keep his face mostly up to the imagination have the smiley wide eyed and screaming or desperate. have a large orc after him and I don’t know have Dax and Chuck and Alhannah clamoring to catch up. To assist. This would focus on more of a comedic vibe I think.
100% agree on the consistency thought...which is why I'm taking my time on this one to get it right. The art will be comic book style, that is set in stone, but HOW to bring that about.
Love, love, love the movie poster vibe.
I'll play with that.
Truly want more input and views before I start sketches and bring ideas to the community.
Well, I’m certainly not one who has read enough about Wendell yet to speak really but my reaction to that title would be epic, hinting, mysterious, color explosions, liking the purple and blues you suggest!
I personally think either a dramatic scene from the book or a heroic Wendell would be the way to go. Those tend to be the type of covers that draw me to reading a story because I want to find out more about the person or scene depicted. The thing I like about a dramatic scene being the cover is I always close the book to look at the cover when I get to that part in the book. Maybe it’s because of my lack of imagination, but it makes the story come more to life for me if I have some help visually with the characters. 😅
Huh. Thank you for that, Legacy.
....I didn't think you would be one to respond (jaw drop).
Appreciate that feedback, very much. It's always good to know how stories and artwork affect us.
I have a vision for these books, but I'm not sure I trust myself.
The story started as a comic book, it's still my favorite medium, but I want to get enough views and comments so I can take a step back, consider the perspectives, and THEN make a choice.
...I'd like to see if what have in mind stands up to the people I write for in this community.
Now to hear what your brother has to say.
👍😁
I kind of like the idea of the silhouette of Wendell looking toward Til-Thorin. I don’t know how well it would work with your art style, but if it does work, it could look really cool. I do think though, that no matter what you choose to do, it will be perfect for this book.
Appreciate that Bendragon.
I'm trying to visualize that, because a silhouette wouldn't allow for the smiley on his shirt to be seen...and that's key..because if he's looking at Til-Thorin, wouldn't he also have his back to us, the readers?
Yes, I forgot about the smiley and how essential it is. Maybe it could be integrated in another way, or maybe this idea just won’t work for this book. Either way, I’m sure you’ll come up with something
Keep sending suggestions, Benjamin. I want as many perspectives as possible!
I know I have to make a final decision on this and design it, but the last time I bought this up to the community, I got the Underlings cover, which , IMO, is the best one I ever made for my books....
...that means I VALUE the feedback. ALL the feedback!!
Many times it becomes a catalyst for someone else's idea, and with us all working on this, it's like having 160 minds on the same project.
What does that mean?
POWWWWWWERRRRRRR!!!!!
Ok for the first book cover. One thing to consider is consistency from cover to cover. Book 2 should consistent with the first book. (If you leave it up to the imagination you have to commit for however many books you do.) at least i think that’s important not all people do.
What comes to my mind is actually Wendell at the bottom of the cover wearing his iconic tee reaching up to a floating Ithari reminiscent of the his first time they were I introduced. I can imagine Chuck and Dax peeking out from behind him. Til-thorin a silhouette in the background.
I agree with the blue and purple cover to start with I think that fits the vibe of the first book.
If it’s doesn’t make it too cluttered I would add other characters as well.
This is a very movie poster way to go which is how I tend to think. there are other ways you could take it too. You could have a image of Wendell in running looking back over his shoulder if you wanted to keep his face mostly up to the imagination have the smiley wide eyed and screaming or desperate. have a large orc after him and I don’t know have Dax and Chuck and Alhannah clamoring to catch up. To assist. This would focus on more of a comedic vibe I think.
100% agree on the consistency thought...which is why I'm taking my time on this one to get it right. The art will be comic book style, that is set in stone, but HOW to bring that about.
Love, love, love the movie poster vibe.
I'll play with that.
Truly want more input and views before I start sketches and bring ideas to the community.
Thank you for the feedback and ideas, Joseph.
....if you come up with more, post it!
Well, I’m certainly not one who has read enough about Wendell yet to speak really but my reaction to that title would be epic, hinting, mysterious, color explosions, liking the purple and blues you suggest!
But you have books you like, correct? That's partly what I'm after as well.