Post 12 / Posted April 13th 2020
Cover Concepts: The Moogy Roo Series.
This Blog is a retrospective look back on my self publishing journey which took just on 12 months from the day I decided to publish my first story, mid January 2019 to finally collecting my first 534 copies from customs at Brisbane Wharf late January 2020.
Date in History 10th May 2019
Whilst Jan was getting started on illustrating layout of scenes, he had already worked on a few cover design concepts. All of which I liked, and thankfully had plenty of time to decide as the final cover design didn't have to be finalised until the very end. He had also updated character outfits that I had previous suggested changes to.
The design of all book covers is critical to capturing a readers attention, particularly for unknown authors. Both the title and illustration should evoke an immediate emotive response from your target market. Asking a question is a great way of getting attention, along with a scene or characters illustrated in a suspenseful, comic or even a cute warm and fuzzy way, particularly for children's books where the real impact of the story is told through the illustration, and by taking these emotive elements or theme of the story and used for the design of a cover will significantly help get readers picking it up. Further visual impact can be added to a cover design by utilising printing processes such as Spot UV and embossing elements, which I added to my cover for 'Have You ever Met a Giggly Goo!?'
Email 10th May 2019
Hi DG
Jan has provided some cover concepts and updated outfits for your selection / approval. We look forward to your reply so he can apply the outfit for all other illustrations.
PS. I have included Jan in the emails for clear communication going forward.
Regards Sharon Searle
I ended up deciding on the outfit on the left for Moogy's character. Minus the bucket and spade and the little bird on her front pocket.
Coming up: Comparing some of the initial draft sketches with final sketches before colouring.
Thanks for your support.
Please check out a portfolio of Jan Pimping's amazing artwork at www.behance.net/mrjan