As readers, we tell ourselves that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. We even spout this kernel of knowledge to others. But we all know the ugly truth. A great book cover grabs our attention and can make us drool in anticipation. I admit I am guilty of buying books based solely on their covers. And in this age of online browsing, it is never hard for me to find Pinterest worthy book covers that span across all sub-genres of romance:
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However, I’ve also seen some absolutely horrendous ones as well. Over pixelation, poor resolution, sub-par font selection, and even worse photo-shopping skills that I had when I was 10 years old and tried to use MS Paint for the first time. I won’t share those covers here, but I’m sure you’ve all seen them at one point. Today, as a sort of PSA, I thought I’d share some basic knowledge I’ve picked up over the last few years in the hopes that the madness will stop.
Have you ever wondered what went into the making of a great cover? If you follow me on social media, or have checked out any of my book covers, you know that I have some serious love for Taria Reed of The Reed Files. She is both an amazing photographer and cover artist. She’s designed the cover art for almost all of my books and I think she’s amazeballz. Aside from her amazing talent, I love that Taria enjoys sharing her creative process on social media.
After watching some of her videos, you quickly understand that there is true skill that goes into making and designing romance book covers. A really great cover can’t be made by throwing some text onto stock images. Designing a great cover requires an understanding of color, light, shadows, composition, and layout.
COVER SHOOTS
Although great covers have been made from stock photography, have you ever wondered where those photos came from? Cover shoots with great models are the foundation blocks of any cover design. Most people don’t realize that custom photo shoots are often ordered for covers, especially for books featuring people of color. Studios like The Reed Files are becoming known for their roster of gorgeous models of different races and ethnicities. The photos taken from the video below will be used for several different covers, but I guarantee that you will probably never notice. Well at least if the design is done correctly. Also, can we have a WOOT! for the afro on that model? I LOVE it!
BTS Periscope with Angel & Amanda from TheReedFiles.com on Vimeo.
COVER DESIGN
Once images are chosen, cover designers get to work on creating the final product. They are working off of the crystal clear and completely murky instructions provided by authors and publishers. Some covers are created to resemble real-life photography, while other times art illustration is requested. Below is an example of how illustration is used along with photos to create a cover.
And there you have it. The basics (not really actually) of book cover design. There are some obvious steps that I’ve left out, but I recommend befriending a cover artist and picking their brain. From a reader perspective, it is great to see the nuts and bolts of the machinery behind publishing. Plus befriending a few of the models on social media puts some pretty great images on your Facebook feed ;).
Are there any covers you’ve seen this year that you absolutely loved? If so share the names in the comments below. Let’s take some time to appreciate some truly luscious and beautiful art!
I couldn’t stop watching the video. That was incredible insight into a professional cover shoot and I’ve watched that video of the cover creation like a million times in awe.
I’ve always been a fan of Taria and her covers for Harper Miller’s books.
The Reed Files has this one pre-made cover that I keep eyeing up of a girl’s back with beads hanging down…it makes me get so many ideas for a book. I swear it shall be mine one of these days when the right story comes along. Thanks!
Yes. I do love Taria’s work. Like you I peruse her site and social media and love the plot bunnies the images inspire.
I also love seeing designers showcase their process. The more information there is out there, the more we can all appreciate the final package of story and cover art. Particulary now, when authors have more say in their covers than ever before.
Thank you so much for using my work as examples…lol. I enjoy showing authors and fans my design and shooting processes. It’s fun as hell to do the work but in the end I still have a job to do for you guys. Not everyone can do what I do but by showing you the behind the scenes stuff I hope everyone can have a healthy appreciation for the many many many hours it takes for me to do my job and create visually stunning cover art.
Hi Taria! You know I’m a fan. And thanks to your videos we all get to see more behind the scenes processes than we have before.
I think the Kimani covers from Harlequin are gorgeous
Me too! Especially the ones that resemble illustrated cards.