Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Umbra trade cover fight

I usually end up fighting for a long time with a cover for a trade paper back (I did something like 8 revisions for the trade to Queen & Country, Vol. 6). Umbra is no exception. PLUS, we have offers from 3 other countries to put out translated versions so I want a really strong, iconic cover.

Anyway, here are a few initial attempts. The bit on the left side is the spine. Normally I try and design the entire book cover at once (front, spine, and back) but I'm only showing the front and spine here for now.

You may not be able to tell, but on the first version the light source is a head lamp the figure is wearing.

Many, MANY more revisions to go through and new ideas to cook up.




Best,
Mike

11 comments:

Ryan Cody said...

Hey Mike, my 2 cents for what it's worth, I like the second one better, but I'm afraid it might be overkill with the chick in the boat,on the cover art,logo and spine.

Mike Hawthorne said...

I think you're right. It bothered me that she was on the cover to #1 twice, but I forgot when I did this mock.

Thanks, BTW.

Mike

John G said...

Post more!

Mike Hawthorne said...

Will do ;)

mike

Daniel Hardesty said...

My vote's in for the second, love the skull and creepy nature of it.

Mike Hawthorne said...

Yeah, definately using a start or something. This is hella' rough.

Thanks!
Mike

Dario Brizuela said...

Great work in this Blog Mike!!
I hope Steve send me book of Umbra!!:)
Here i send you the link of my Blog!
http://dario-brizuela.blogspot.com/

All the best!
Dario.

Will said...

Great blog and great stuff!
Linked it to my faves

Mike Hawthorne said...

Thanks guys! I appreciate the comments. You'll see a lot more of this cover, as I fight it out.

Good to hear from you, Dario! Hope all is well!

Mike

Ivan Brandon said...

2nd one, for sure.

Mike Hawthorne said...

¡Gracias!

Mike