I wrote the last chapter on Ruby's Fire a few days ago. Man, it was a complex, drawn out, organic process with people swooning over the "wrong" characters and a whole new lead than I'd planned! It left me breathless, in a good way. Now comes the next stage, me doing the interior drawings; and working with my talented cover artist, Jay Montgomery, to finalize the design so he can do what he does best: badass digital illustration!
Since it was so fun to get your opinion on the cover roughs for Fireseed One, Jay and I are taking another opinion poll. Here are his VERY rough sketches (So keep in mind Ruby's face, image details and exact clothing may change slightly). FYI, here's the link to see Jay's ramp-up of that first cover.
What I like in version A is that it's close, in-your-face dramatic. Ruby's looking at an exotic hybrid. 'Nuff said for now; no spoilers here. Suffice it to say, she's enchanted and weirded out by it.
What I like about version B is that Ruby's a lizard tracker and maker of elixirs, and here we get to see her hunting satchels and more of her desert-tromping, cave-garden slinking style.
Okay jury, A or B? Why?
Since it was so fun to get your opinion on the cover roughs for Fireseed One, Jay and I are taking another opinion poll. Here are his VERY rough sketches (So keep in mind Ruby's face, image details and exact clothing may change slightly). FYI, here's the link to see Jay's ramp-up of that first cover.
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| Version A |
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| Version B |
What I like about version B is that Ruby's a lizard tracker and maker of elixirs, and here we get to see her hunting satchels and more of her desert-tromping, cave-garden slinking style.
Okay jury, A or B? Why?
I far prefer #1. Fun to play!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine - congrats! I super love A because you can see her face and expression and for me, that draws me in more...I feel more connected to her than having more of a side view of her and her accessories.
ReplyDeleteJust for speculation, what if version B was zoomed in so it was a closer profile? Would that make a difference?
ReplyDeleteI like A because of her facial expression.
ReplyDeleteI like the close-up of Ruby's face in A better.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I prefer version A.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely A.
ReplyDeleteEek, I was hoping for B, but I really value your opinion and so far it's overwhelmingly A. This is exactly why I wanted to do this poll.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteI'm saying version A all the way too - for me, something is off on the profile in B. good luck!
ReplyDeleteI like the first one, but it's hard to say. Because I know they'll both look so different in color.
ReplyDeleteA :) Although B is reminiscent of the Fireseed one in having a more panoramic scope...a sort of survey of the world - which is as much a character in the stories as the people.
ReplyDeleteA already has me curious as to the person I see there, and I'm a sucker for character driven stories. I like to have a character to latch onto and be my guide into their world and the girl on A looks like she's as much in awe of her world as I'd like to be :)
Jessie, yes, the profile is off a bit in B. Her face is too long, I think. But it's a rough, so try to see past that. It's more for position, you know?
ReplyDeleteThey're both nice but I prefer A.
ReplyDeleteI like A the best because the design is more open and invites the viewer into the scene. Perhaps you can pull the perspective back just a touch to show more of the satchel.
ReplyDeleteExcellent work.
Mike, yes, I'm leaning that way. Gotta get the hunting bags in. You guys are incredibly helpful! I'm already seeing the changes we need to make on version A. Keep it coming!
ReplyDeleteVersion A - more dynamic.
ReplyDeleteI totally love version A. Her facials are priceless. Maybe if he zoomed out just a tad, he could include more of the pack stuff you liked at her waist in version B. But just a tad. Oh, I didn't read Mike's comment until now, but what he said. ;) By panning out just a bit, it'll also give you a tad more of the background as Fireseed One had.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see all the feedback of Catherine's vision and my drawings! See how the previous cover developed here: http://www.jaymontgomery.com/2011/11/28/fireseed-one-book-cover-illustration-and-design/#.UUss9hlAs1c
ReplyDeleteI prefer A also; I like the bird! Something's wrong with her waist in B -- too Barbie-ish
ReplyDeleteI prefer A because (in black and white) the two figures draw me to the title which is front and center. In color though, I may like B more because it may be beautiful depending on how the color comes in.
ReplyDeleteHelen, yes, the details of her waist and even her skirt will change. We're going for the big picture stuff now. Michael, yes, Jay is a master of environscape--richly-hued, sloping dunes, the vast sky, the ominous rock faces etc etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm adding Jay's link to the earlier cover development to the post.
I like A. Love the texture of her hair and the hybrid's feathers. I can just imagine the colors!
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough one but I'd go with A. The expression on her face is priceless.
ReplyDeleteI love the close up of Version A, Catherine. That's my vote.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Version A - it gives me more of a sense of Ruby (face, expressions etc)and I want to know more about her (and the wonderful bird - love it too - better image in A) whereas B seems like it could be about anything/doesn't draw me in.
ReplyDeleteI really like A a lot! It has a lot of movement, fills the entire cover, and is just...dynamic and engaging.
ReplyDeleteThese comments are all so helpful! I think Jay and I have a very clear picture of where the art needs to go now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I like A too. The girls face definitely shows enchantment. Also they Hybrid shows up better in A. The line of the hair from the top edge draws the eye down to the Hybrid and back to girl. Very dynamic.
ReplyDeleteI like A too. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI like the full face view of Ruby rather than the profile, so A is my preference. They're both nice though.
ReplyDeleteA !! Nice and bold. The other illustration kind of disappears. Maybe he could draw in a satchel...her clothes look kind of girly in A.
ReplyDeleteI vote for A, sounds like you have a winner.
ReplyDeleteSeems like I agree with everyone -- I prefer 'A' as well. =)
ReplyDeleteI like Cover A, though it's good that the title isn't 'obstructed' by background images in Cover B. Have fun picking!
ReplyDeleteThe cover of Fire Seed One was outstanding with a super unusual background landscape. So I vote for A with just a little bit more of the fab landscape showing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon, that's what Jay and I decided as well. Stay tuned for his grayscale polish!
ReplyDeleteIt's great "seeing" you again, Catherine, I do so love your illustrations. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine. Just coming by to tell you I appreciate your stopping in to say hi during the AtoZ, especially since I know you're really busy with this next book.
ReplyDeleteDid you decide on your cover or did I miss your announcement? Here's to the rest of a wonderful April.
Hi Lee, yes, we figured out the cover, and he's working on it now. Stay tuned. I've been too busy to do A to Z but I do miss it! It's still fun, when I have a moment, to check in on other A to Z posts.
ReplyDeleteGlad you made a decision. Honestly- they are both awesome! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess