A possible cover for my novel

My own meager attempt at making a cover for my novel - The Golden Box, if you couldn't tell. I did a basic hand-draw and outline for everything in MS Paint, with the exception of the Celtic knot, then moved it into Photoshop 5.5 (I know, archaic) to do the rest. Took me about two hours in total. Any feedback (besides about the obvious lack of talent ) or tips for improvement would be appreciated!

well it depends on what type of novel it is... if it's fantasy, I'd suggest a different font, becuas ethe current one looks a bit too "sci-fi-future-y"
but the gears and the pendant thing look cool!

what's the book about?

ps- the font kinda makes me think of mission impossible or something!

it looks a little to plain, and looks overdone, since all thats there is simple text and a small amount of picture(s)

Originally Posted by Margar

well it depends on what type of novel it is... if it's fantasy, I'd suggest a different font, because the current one looks a bit too "sci-fi-future-y"
but the gears and the pendant thing look cool!

what's the book about?

ps- the font kinda makes me think of mission impossible or something!

'Mission impossible' could be a proper title too

The story has pulls from many genres; it has dips from sci-fi, fantasy, horror, action, mystery, war, and an underlay of quasi-historical fiction; but overall it would be probably be labeled as fantasy because of the context. I know it sounds crazy to have all these elements en masse, but I think it's coming together rather well in a somewhat Lovecraftian manner (or so I am told).

The basic story follows a modern teenager who is thrust into an era he thought he understood, only to find it vastly different than what history would tell. Experiencing first-hand a story that has already been written, he's at odds with the world as it crumbles under religious, political, and social unrest in a war-torn society. It's dramatic, to say the least.

At the moment, the book stands about 30% complete, the estimated final length being about 500 full-size pages; 650 some-odd in paperback form. Right now, I am doing an edit of what I have done so far to ensure quality and flow, and I am absolutely ecstatic of what's to come!

It makes me think of the beginning of Chrono Trigger on the SNES with the swinging pendulum thing.

Originally Posted by Temple of Time

It makes me think of the beginning of Chrono Trigger on the SNES with the swinging pendulum thing.

OMG I didn't even think of that. Now feel cheap

Originally Posted by icehockeygoalie

it looks a little to plain, and looks overdone, since all thats there is simple text and a small amount of picture(s)

True. I wanted it simple, as I am prone to cluttering. That and I suck at the whole artsy thing so if I put too much into it, it will become a jumbled mess of color and indiscernible symbolism.

I use Photoshop 5.0 Mwahaha!

>.>

My first thought, upon seeing the cover, ran along the lines of James Bond and spy movies and things of that nature. I love the gears and the Celtic knot - they're like representations of two sides of your story.

But the space between the author's name and the book's title seems so empty; the knot and gears look as though they should be accessories to some larger picture. I would also suggest either lightening the background colour or the text of the word "the" and your name; I had to squint to see the latter, and it was only after some inspection that I discovered "the" hiding in its corner!

Originally Posted by Selah

But the space between the author's name and the book's title seems so empty; the knot and gears look as though they should be accessories to some larger picture. I would also suggest either lightening the background colour or the text of the word "the" and your name; I had to squint to see the latter, and it was only after some inspection that I discovered "the" hiding in its corner!

Thanks for the input - I go play with it some

As far as the blank space goes, I couldn't decide what to put there. I toyed with a few color designs and landscapes, but just didn't find anything that fitted well (or looked good, for that matter - my skills are teh suck). I'm sure something will come to me eventually, but, for now, it's gonna hover.

I'd ask for suggestions, but I know that would be difficult without the knowledge of the story's inner workings. But, if anyone does have an idea, I'd love to hear it!

If it's about a box, why is there a pocket watch? o_O

Also, have you written this novel? I advise you to make the cover only after you've written it - otherwise you get cocky and never write it. I know this from experience.

Hmm... Well, as far as things others haven't already said, I'd suggest editing the gears in the title. Right now, they make it look more like "Goolden", but one gear would probably not be as cool, so here's my suggestion:
Why not try two different gear sizes? Make the bottom one the size it is now, and the top-right one smaller, then center the bottom one so it is where the "O" would be. That way, emphasis is put on one gear, but there are still two present.

Originally Posted by Jason

If it's about a box, why is there a pocket watch? o_O

Also, have you written this novel? I advise you to make the cover only after you've written it - otherwise you get cocky and never write it. I know this from experience.

I can understand that. I have appendices for some works that span lengths two times as long as the actual story. I've learned from that mistake, but yes, it could happen again and I'm trying to avoid it.

The Novel is about 1/3 done (150 full-size pages written). I'm working on editing what I have finished so far to make sure it is proper and pliable before I continue any further. That, and it's a good refresher. I'm also working on my Zelda fanfic, Evil's Bane, so I wanted a break from writing for at least one night - I think my brain is melting!

Also, the "pocket watch", as you called it, is a plot device...I dare not say more.

Originally Posted by Tonchiki

Why not try two different gear sizes? Make the bottom one the size it is now, and the top-right one smaller, then center the bottom one so it is where the "O" would be. That way, emphasis is put on one gear, but there are still two present.

That's not a half-bad idea, messing with the gears. I think I'll toy with that a bit. Thanks!

I like it very much. but i thought the gears looked fine the way they were

I've played with it a little, namely making it actually book shape and size, and added a few other things. Forgive my hand-drawing skillz, they are teh suck! I have a couple other concepts that I'm messing with, but, for now, this is what I got.

That ones a lot better!! It's not so plain

Thanks! I'm going to be working on the ruins a bit more sometime in the next week or so, but I'm glad to hear that it's improving!

I made another cover for the book, mainly just to get some training in for textures/lighting/3D and such (and for a bit of fun ).




What do you think? Is it too busy? I'm still obviously an amateur at graphic art, and it's hard for me to judge my own works so any input would be appreciated!