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• Min

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  15 years ago

  Fri Sep 04 2009, 07:22am

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  Min

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  Master of Obernewtyn

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Hi everyone!
  We've been talking of releasing this competition for months, but were looking for the opportune moment to release it :P
  
  This competition lets you design a set of 3 covers for a Darkbane launch, similar to how the Obernewtyn Chronicles were all re-release when TSK came out earlier this year.
  
  Since it's just for fun, you're allowed to use any stock images you want.
  
  We're going to leave it open for 6 months, to give people plenty of time to get their entries in and refined.
  
  For more information click here: ~Link~
  
  Any questions or want to discuss your designs? Post away below.
  
  

  Read Isobelle's feedback on your designs here!
   
• Cat-Eyes

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  15 years ago

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  Cat-Eyes

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  cateyes
  

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Does anyone have any suggestions for some stock photo websites? I'm sure I can google some, I'm just wondering if anyone knows of any really good ones.
  
  Cheers
  Cat
   
• Zieria

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  15 years ago

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  Zieria

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  15 years ago

  ---

  DeviantART has some great stock photos. If you use the menu bar at the left, you can browse by interest... Conditions for use vary, but I'd say most of them wouldn't mind you using their images, although depending on the user, you might have to also post the images and/or links on DA.
  
  Also, I was a little unsure on the number of entries - am I right in thinking that each person may submit up to 3 covers, but we only get the full 10 points for each if we submit a cover for each book in the trilogy? (Hope that made sense. :P)
   
• Min

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  15 years ago

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  Min

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  15 years ago

  ---

  I tend to hover about Stock.xchng - there's heaps of free ones there. And there's always google Image search :P
  
  For points - to clarify - you get 10 points for Darkfall, 10 points for Darksong and 10 points for Darkbane... hopefully that makes a bit more sense :-/ sorry, I probably worded that really badly...
  
   
• Zieria

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  15 years ago

  Sun Dec 21 2008, 09:59am

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  Zieria

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Oh, wow - I think I've just found a new favourite site! :O Thanks for the link, Min! ;D
  
  And thanks for the clarification - I'm sure it was just me. I just wanted to make sure that the idea was definitely to submit a set of covers, so thanks for confirming. :)
  
  This is a fantastic idea for a comp - it's going to be fun! :D
   
• Bunne

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  15 years ago

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  Bunne

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  15 years ago

  ---

  This competition sounds like a lot of fun! And just in time for the holidays, too. :D
   
• Min

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  15 years ago

  Thu Jan 15 2009, 06:14pm

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  Min

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  15 years ago

  ---

  I'm after a little help/critique with this comp so far...
  (plus, work is driving me nutso, and I really need this artistic release at the moment)
  
  So, here's what I've got so far - nearly finished the first two - hopefully. Without any text (that comes later):
  Darkfall: ~Link~
  Darksong: ~Link~
  Darkbane: ~Link~ (so, just the background so far...)
  
  Question 1: Text for titles. I'm undecided, between two:
  Darkfall Text 1: ~Link~
  Darkfall Text 2: ~Link~
  (Darksong with Text 1: ~Link~ )
  
  Next: Composition. Does it make sense?
  All: silver arrow @ top, "tapestry" feel (link to the Soulweavers).
  Individually, I've tried to combine elements so that -
  Darkfall = Glynna feature (darklin in the top corner, cliff of Acantha/Draaka - though they get blanked out by the text in the end - perhaps a good thing :P and Fienna around her shoulders), with an inset Ember.
  Darksong = Ember feature (Lanalor and the Unykorn) with an inset of Glynn.
  Darkbane = eventually, be both of them, somehow.
  
  I'm just after a general critique after those questions, what parts of them need more work (ie, the integration of the fienna looking fake, or Ember's eye, etc)? Does the stuff in the background just look like a mess of colours rather than anything discernible?
   
• Erie

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  15 years ago

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  Erie

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Min, how on earth do you do that?! I'd love to be able to do anything even 1/1000th as good as that, but the only program I can work is paint - I don't have photoshop etc. Do you make things different layers?
  
  What about having Ember's eye as a kind of swirl to represent the void? Like a galaxy type swirl?
   
• Cat-Eyes

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  15 years ago

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  Cat-Eyes

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Ok, first up they're fantastic!
  
  I like text 1. I tried to put into words why, but it didn't work :P
  
  Also, I feel I should point out at this point I haven't read these books since 2004 when I first read them, so I can't remember a lot of the moments you might be refering to! Sorry!
  
  Silver Arrow - I didn't actually notice it until you pointed it out. Maybe you should make it contrast a little bit more with its background to make sure people see it since it has symbolism?
  
  Tapestry - I like.
  
  Um, I can't remember what Fienna is. I take it it's the kind of fox-like thing around her shoulders (by the fact you said 'Fienna around her shoulders' :P) but I'm not sure if you mean it's meant to look fake or it looks too fake.
  
  The only thing I think would really help the picture if it had a bit of work is making the instrument Ember is playing in teh Darkfall cover less bright. It's taking away from the sun and it doesn't look tapestry-like like the rest of the background. It kind of takes away from the difference between the tapestry background and the person foreground (which works really well in the Darksong cover by the way). If you could get the tapestry lines to come across the instrument and maybe dull it a little I think that would be really good.
  
  Oh, my only other thing is the thing about the wolf's head in Darksong. There are some kind of funny lines which I can't tell whether they're a part of the wolf picutre or just the clouds giving a weird impression, but it almost looks like the wolf is wearing a hat :P Maybe it's just me... The 'hat' is about the same size as the wolf's head and ends at the top row of clouds if you can't see what I mean. I think a tiny bit more blurring or something would get rid of the problem. Or if they're meant to be a part of the picture I think they might need to be darker and more clear so they stand out.
  
  Hope that helps! Aside from those two tiny things (which I only noticed when I started looking closely at the pictures, not on first glance) I think they're great!
   
• Zieria

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  15 years ago

  Thu Jan 15 2009, 06:59pm

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  Zieria

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  15 years ago

  ---

  I really like the composition of both images, and the colour scheme is great! ;D I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with Darkbane! ;D
  
  [act]ponders[/act] On the arrows, maybe you could try flipping them so they're facing to the right, to see how it looks? (I often find it helps make things more dynamic.)
  
  I really like the backgrounds, and I love the tapestry effect! :D I actually like the draakira, so it's a shame you can't see them once the text's added into the Darkfall cover - and I really love the Unykorn and the faces in the background of the Darksong cover! :D
  
  I think Ember's blind eye looks really good, although I would like to suggest that you consider changing the feinna. Your pic looks like a fox, whereas the feinna is described as mink-like, and mink are more like ferrets. |:| (Sorry, but I'm weird like that. ::)) I quite like the white ferret in the bottom pic here, although unfortunately I REALLY don't think it will be big enough for what you're wanting to do. :-/
  
  And I really like both fonts - the simpler font really suits your image, and the fancier font looks great as well - although I might be tempted to see how the fancier font looks if you use a different (simpler) font for Isobelle's name?
  
  Sorry if I'm not making sense, and feel free to ask me to clarify any points! ~:| Hope it helps!
  
  [act]coughs[/act] Cat - it's not a wolf, it's Ronaall! :P
   
• Min

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  15 years ago

  Thu Jan 15 2009, 07:00pm

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  Min

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Thank you Erie, and thanks SO MUCH for the depth you went to, Cat - that was the exact sort of second/third opinion and critiquing I was after!! Thanks a lot :D
  Now I can work on those parts more closely (it's great to get this sort of feedbaack because something on the screen might look right in my head, it's invaluable getting a second/third/twelfth opinion!).
  
  For the record, I'm a fan of text 1 too, I just thought perhaps the 2nd was slightly easier to read :P but again, opinions help with my indecision :P
  
  (Erie, I use Photoshop CS3, and yeah, a lot of the blending and stuff is layering, some paint brush work, some blurring, etc)
  
  Edit: Zieria! Thanks for your feedback as well! It seems we posted at the same time :P
  It does make sense re: fonts - I'll give it a go!
  For the Fienna - ehhe...good point ~:|
  I'm not 100% happy with the way its sitting on her shoulders anyway, so I'll look at some other animals.
  
  Thanks again guys!!! (L)
   
• Cat-Eyes

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  15 years ago

  Thu Jan 15 2009, 07:04pm

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  Cat-Eyes

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  15 years ago

  ---

  
  And I really like both fonts - the original Legendsong font really suits your image, and the fancier font looks great as well - although I might be tempted to see how the fancier font looks if you use a different (simpler) font for Isobelle's name?
  

  Zieria

  That's a good idea - I'd be really interested in that too. I looked at them again and whilst I still like the fancy font it is a touch over-fancy with both. (Although I reserve the right to change my mind back once I see the half-half version :P)
  
  

  
  [act]coughs[/act] Cat - it's not a wolf, it's Ronaall! :P
  

  Zieria

  
  I told you it was 5 years since I read the books! I really should read them again, the only part of these covers I actually recognise is Ember having a blind eye... |:(
  
  EDIT: Again with the everyone posting at once! That's ok Min :) Hope it helps! It can be really helpful to have people who haven't been staring at it for hours to look at something you're working on!
   
• Zieria

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  15 years ago

  Thu Jan 15 2009, 10:43pm

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  Zieria

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Hehe, sorry Cat - I did notice your comment that it had been a few years, but you naturally couldn't hear the tone I had in mind - I was teasing you a little. ;) But I agree with the idea of you reading the books again - they're definitely worth it! :D
  
  And is the second font from an existing IC cover, Min? Because that was my initial impression, but then I lost confidence. :P (Also, if it's a font you have, I'd love to get the name of it - actually, I think that font thread you mentioned in the floorplan thread WOULD be a good idea. :P) I'm looking forward to seeing how you go with the covers! ;D
  
  For the record, I immediately understood who and what you were depicting without having to read your descriptions. ;D Oh, and the left-facing arrow's really growing on me, so feel free to ignore my earlier suggestion. :)
  
  EDIT - Agyllian's got a good point with the covers in a bookshop - I agree that they'd be eye-catching regardless of whether or not you're familiar with the books. ;D
   
• Agyllian

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  15 years ago

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  Agyllian

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  15 years ago

  ---

  I understood what they were depicting as well which is good once you've read the books but not a browser in a bookshop whose thoughts probably are "Should I read the blurb?"... which is great because I think they are really catchy covers ;).
  
  Is it the same girl as Glynn on both books? On Darksong I really like that she has her hair pulled back because it is something I have thought she would do from her martial arts days and also how I picture the myrmidons with their hair.
  
  Also on the Darksong cover, Ember's silver blind eye looks good but it's her normal eye that puts me off. I think because it is in shadow. Maybe reduce the shadow on that eye and make the green a little more saturated. Or maybe it's just me :P
  
  And I like the first text too :)
  
  
   
• Min

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  15 years ago

  Sat Jan 17 2009, 09:46am

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  Min

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Thanks again guys! I'm planning on spending some more time on it this morning so I'll let you know the results!
  
  Zieria - the 2nd font, I picked it off dafont because I liked it's name :P - "Dark 11" - and, actually looking at the way "Isobelle Carmody" is written in it again - it is the font used on the cover of Darkfall/Darksong XP go figure :P You can download it from here: ~Link~
  
  Cat - Yeap, that's exactly what I needed, it can drive you nuts staring at the same thing over and over, missing the obvious because you've looked at it for too long :P
  
  Agyllian - thanks! I'll try adjusting Ember's eye. Once you said that I went and looked at it again - and now I can't *not* see the shadow either, so that's definitely getting fixed! I think it *is* the same girl for Glynn in both - they weren't in a set but they were uploaded by the same person. Here's the original photos, what do you think?
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  (hey, just realised that the photos I'm using for Ember come from the same user!! Talk about coincidence...)
  
  Okay, I'm off to tinker with the pictures again :P
  
  Edit:
  Here's Darkfall again (no fienna yet, so a bit unfinished...ignore the little fox peering over the back of her shoulder :P ) with the 2 texts: ~Link~
  Also have tinkered with Ember in that one to make her look more a part of the tapestry (Cat's suggestion).
  I'm not sure about both texts combined...but what do you guys think?
   
• Zieria

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  15 years ago

  Sat Jan 17 2009, 01:08pm

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  Zieria

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Thanks so much for the link to the Dark 11 font - and I can see why you liked the name! ;D
  
  I really like your new cover with those two fonts - the starburst looking bit on both ties them together really well (I know it's purple on one and in the centre of the letters on the other, but I think it works!). :) My only suggest would be making a slightly bigger space between the R and the M. :)
  
  And I really like the tinkering you've done with Ember and her instrument - I think the composition's already working a lot better! :D Oh, and I think you're right, and it is the same girl in both of the photos you're using for Glynna. ;D
  
  Edit: I'm sorry this isn't helpful, but I had to share it - I was browsing the "red hair" tag on the stock photo site, and I found this pic - I loved the fork! :P Also, Girl with Cat is so cute! :-"
   
• Cat-Eyes

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  15 years ago

  ---

  I like the new Ember and her instrument much better, it really makes the tapestry idea work and the Glynna-in-front bit stand out properly!
  
  I also like the two fonts except, as Zieria said, a space between the R and a M in Carmody would help a bit. Maybe the Isobelle Carmody could be dropped a tiny bit lower so the the dot on the I in Isobelle isn't touching the D on Darkfall? The circles from the As in Darkfall look fine underlapping IC but I think a teeny bit more space so the dot isn't touching it would be good.
  
  The tapestry in the background makes me want to touch it!
   
• Min

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  15 years ago

  Sat Jan 17 2009, 02:31pm

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  Min

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Girl with cat is really cute! I think that's the same Ember I'm using from mine - my, she's done a lot hasn't she!
  
  Okay I have to thank everyone again for their HUGE amount of help - it has really helped me get perspective on my three covers, and I highly recommend everyone else start their covers now and post in here as well.
  
  I *think* Darkfall and Darksong are done. Let me know if I've missed something...
  Darkfall: ~Link~
  (I'm SO much happier with the Fienna in this one now, so thanks Zieria for the help on that)
  Darksong: ~Link~
  
  And I was inspired to give Darkbane a go - let me know what you think: ~Link~
  Bits in it I'm unsure about:
  - The vortex-eye. Does it look...well, for want of a better word, stupid?
  - Bleyd. I don't like the way he looks, but any idea how difficult it is to find someone who suits his description? Does he look naff, or does the picture suit the character?
  - The merging of Solen into the tapestry. Too much black / transition doesn't work?
  - Does the way Flay (at least, I hope we see Flay in Darkbane), Bleyd and Solen are lined up at the top make it look like a star wars-esque cheesy movie poster? :-/ (I couldn't think of where else to position them so any ideas welcome!)
  
  Thanks guys!!
  
  How are everyone else's entries going? I feel really bad/cheeky getting help at the moment when no one else is - anyone else made a start?
  
  Also - I've got a TON of left over images I didn't use of red haired/blonde people if anyone needs some? I'll post the links anyway (yesh...I went through the whole category when I was first looking for pictures...all 260 pages):
  Ember-ish:
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~ - VERY nearly used these!
  
  Glynna-ish:
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  ~Link~
  
  Both: (oddly!)
  ~Link~ - looks like they're on holiday in the Mediterranean :P
   
• Zieria

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  15 years ago

  Sun Jan 18 2009, 05:09pm

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  Zieria

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Thanks for the image links, and I love that last one - they're even sisters! 8-| Oh, and I wouldn't worry at all about being the only one asking for feedback - at least you're taking advantage of the possibility, and it's always better to get feedback when it's quiet! ;)
  
  I absolutely love your Darkfall cover, and your new fienna's perfect! :D I also love your Darksong cover! There's just one little thing nagging at me and feel free to ignore this suggestion, but I'm wondering if you could make Ember's hair's a little less ... big? Say like this, only done properly. :P (And I'm sorry for making such a mess of your cover! ~:| )
  
  And now Darkbane - I really like your merging of Solen into the background, and I think the guy you've chosen is perfect! I also love the background image! ;D Now let's see - looking at the images as a set, so far you've got -
  

  • Darkfall: Glynna and the fienna, in the background Ember with the a'luwtha, and then the (mostly hidden) draakira.
    
  • Darksong: Ember, and then the Unykorn, Glynna and Ronaall.
    
  • Darkbane: Ember and Glynna, then Flay, Bleyd, Solen, and Glynna&Solen (I believe).

  
  I think maybe what's bothering me is that your Darkbane cover seems a little crowded? :-/ I really like your pics for Flay and Bleyd, but maybe you could consider seeing how it looks with just Solen and the two figures in the background, and maybe try a different arrangement of Glynna and Ember?
  
  (Oh, and I agree that Flay's going to be in Darkbane - I don't think there's any way she couldn't be, after all the lead-up! ;))
   
• Cat-Eyes

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  cateyes
  

  15 years ago

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  Cat-Eyes

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Heh, I love how her hair continutes behind the title in the one you fiddled with Zieria :-" (is this a laughing smiley? I need to work out a smiley that will work for 'Cat is laughing' :P )
  
  Man, I really really need to read these books again. I don't know who half the people you've mentioned are! |:( ~:|
  
  Anyway, back to the covers.
  
  Darkfall - (L)
  
  Darksong (or 'Sarksong' as I just typed) - Love the new and improved eye. It makes it clear that one eye is blind and it's not just a weird light thing.
  
  I also like how the bottom now has a solid grey line with the 'Book ___ of the Legendsong' it really looks good.
  
  Darkbane:
  Swirly vortex eye - I'm not a fan, sorry to say. I don't think it really ties in with the rest of the covers. It looks more like it belongs on a kind of futuristic / sci fi like cover and I think it clashes a bit with the oldstyle tapestry style.
  
  I agree with Zieria, I think it's a little crowded. By itself that could work, but comparing it with the other two it doesn't quite flow on as well as it could. I'd be interested in seeing a version without any of the three people in the background, just the two girls and the silouette of the lovers. You might need to find another smallish thing to put there if you were going to do that... It could be one of those three people, but I think they look a little squashed in there between the girls and the title. ("Help! Isobelle Carmody's going to crush me!" :P :-" )
  
  And, although I know you can't do anything to change this, although maybe if she was behind Ember instead (?), I don't really like Glynna's expression. :-/ Silly stock photo girl, why are you not utterly perfect? :P :P
  
  And if you do keep the three guys at the back, I think the middle one needs to be a little lower so his eye isn't being hit by the gold line of the title.
  
  I feel bad, I do still like the cover! I feel like I'm being really nitpicky :-/
  
  Hope that helps!
  Cat
   
• Zieria

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  15 years ago

  Sun Jan 18 2009, 05:22pm

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  Zieria

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Hehe, yeah, with the hair edit, layers would have made it easier. :P Haha, and I use this for a laughing smiley - XD - the other one's just too cute! :-"
  
  Oh, and in case I'm wrong (and so Cat knows what I'm on about :P), I'm reading the three background figures as (from the left), Flay, Bleyd and Solen. Another option would be to try it without Bleyd, but keep Flay and Solen? That said, I like Cat's idea of trying it without all three, although it would be a shame to remove Solen. :P Ooh, unless you have Solen as the focus (ie the foreground figure), and Glynna and Ember in the background?
  
  [act]coughs[/act] Sorry about the rambling. |:(
   
• Cat-Eyes

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  15 years ago

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  15 years ago

  ---

  I actually remember who Solen is ;D I don't remember Bleyd or Flay though... It'd be a lot easier to make the Darkbane cover if we knew what happened in the book! :P
  
  Solen as the focus could be interesting, but he's not really the main character. That said, Dragon got to be on the cover of TKP (although admittedly a lot of the action actually takes place inside her head, I don't think that'll happen to Solen :P ).
  
  I think a Flay and Solen one might work, or even just with Solen in the back. Hard to know where to position him for that instance though, with the two girls in the front it's hard to find a spot for him that won't make it look either squashed, crowded or like he's a part of the lovers on the beach bit (whihc would be weird, a dismembered head hovering above you while you're having a lovers' moment :P)
   
• Zieria

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Here's a quick refresher: Flay is Solen's sister (who went to the island of Darkfall to become a Soulweaver), and Bleyd is the 3rd son of the Fomhikan chieftain, although he's been staying on one of the other islands protecting his brother. In Darksong he plagues the life out of Ember - by admiring her and being considerate of her ::) - and they're trying to reach Darkfall together. Hope that helped. ;)
  
  And I agree it's an awful lot harder doing a cover without knowing what's going to happen in the book - but I like Solen and I'm sure he's going to be in the book! :P Or maybe you could try having Glynna and Solen in the foreground and Ember in the background? (Can you guess my favourite characters? :P)
   
• Min

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  15 years ago

  Tue Jan 20 2009, 07:42am

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Thanks!! I agree about the over-crowded-ness in Darkbane, I think that's the main thing that was bugging me about it, but couldn't work it out myself :P
  I'll try changing it to just Solen + Flay - maybe a bit more of Solen, instead of just a floating head :P
  
  Ooh, and I love the idea of Ember's hair being a bit smaller on Darksong! I'll give it a go.
  
  Cat - nitpickyness helps though! Thanks for the feedback on the eye as well, I wasn't sure about it but thought I'd post it anyway, to see what everyone thought.
  
  I'm thinking I might avoid the Void XD on Ember's eye, and try putting it in the background somewhere - perhaps putting it or something like it as part of the tapestry will make it look less futuristic?
  It may result in the removal of Solen+Flay :-/ or at least the removal of Flay, so it fits and I don't fall into the clutter again :P but I'll have a play with it anyway.
  
  

  "Help! Isobelle Carmody's going to crush me!"

  Cat-Eyes

  LOL!!
  
  I'll try give the adjustments a go this week sometime :)
  
  And Huzzuh - my Darkfall is finished, then :D thanks for all your help on it.
   
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  Min

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  15 years ago

  ---

  Sorry :P *dpm*
  
  Darksong; Zieria, you mean like this?
  ~Link~
  
  For Darkbane, I've tried moving the people around - dumped Bleyd, and added a vortex in an area that really isn't seen (so it just looks like 'somethings' there :P ). I also changed the positioning of the girls, slightly...what do you think: ~Link~
  
  I'm happier with it than I was before; it feels more 'balanced' - but I'm still not sure. Anyway, what do you guys think?