How Does This Design and Art Stuff Work?
The effort and passion it takes to put your story into words—let alone package it for an audience!—is a lot.
Whether you're self-publishing or setting up your own independent brand; a small press or affiliated with a big house, every novel is a different challenge. And it can be daunting to tackle the visual look of your book, whether it's your first or hundredth.
But you don't have to do it alone!
Let's first admit that the world today is scary!
So much is going on. In the book industry, we're facing the new reality that anyone can generate, with a click of a button and a keyword, a tsunami of soulless material.
We're drowning in the uncanny valley.
It is harder than ever to stand out from the noise.
But you can.
An eye-catching bespoke book cover is—and always has been—the difference between getting lost and climbing to the top.
Figuring Out Your Creative Vision
Before we can do anything! We must first decide what your creative vision is. But are you an author, filmmaker, or other storytelling professional struggling with this?
Have no vision? Entirely stuck on what to do?
This questionnaire is for you.
Best part? Only five questions! And they will be emailed to you.
(No sneaky mailing list sign up either, do not sweat!)
01. Initial Cover Art Concepts
Now that we've definitely got the foundations of your creative vision to work with, I go off to do my thing. This will include, based off the references and prompts you have provided, the following:
> Theme / Visual Research
> Visual Element Studies
> Visual Style studies
> Crude Composition Sketches
This will take 2 to 4 weeks depending on my schedule and what kind of foundation and vision I am working with. At the end you will receive a document with all my progress work to review.
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02. Development
Based on your notes from the first round, we narrow down specifics of what you're looking for in Composition, Art Style, and Visual Elements. I then hone in on the details and flesh it all out..
At the end of this round, you'll be presented with an array of limited concepts. One hopefully the final product minus finesse.
This will take 2 to 4 weeks depending on my schedule and what kind of feedback I receive. (Note: No additional payment for these revisions UNLESS you have requested something not established in the prior vision). At the end you will receive another document with all my progress work to review..
Additional Fun Stuff
Marketing is important. Obviously.
So while I provide you material to brand your own promotional graphics and reels, don't hesitate to ask what I can do.
There's always something cute I can whip up for most budgets!
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So, if you're ready to take your book to the next level; find a new audience, or build upon your established fan base; maybe you're just looking for an obsess-worthy book cover for your own personal bookshelf!
Either way, you're in the right place.
Let's break down how my creative process works.
(Note: This is tailored to book covers but applies to most things)
03. Finesse
Now it's time for the magic dust! We've done all the hard work. This round is purely about cleaning up lines, polishing renders, and adding that final sparkle that will make the artwork pop!
At the end of this section you will receive your final cover (or last tiny variations) for you to review and choose from.
Final payment is then due. Once payment is received you will get in your inbox: A High and Low Resolution of your Cover, Mock Ups for Social Media, A No Text Export of the Artwork and maybe some sneaky cool extras if the inspiration strikes and I'm feeling real nice.
This will take 2 to 4 weeks depending on my schedule.