Book Cover Project.
Brainstorm ideas:
Your book cover can be a favorite book from childhood or now, it can be a book you want to write or a book from your culture (use that language as well).
Journal #5:
Sketch out Your Book Cover using the template given to you on Journal #5. Remember it can be a book that is already written or it could be a book made up by you. Make sure to include the character(s), environment as well as title and author. This need to be both drawn and colored. You may leave the text off this illustration. However please make sure to indicate on the journal the title and author you have chosen.
Each category is worth 20 points for a total of 100 points. No black outlines if possible, no stick figures, think geometric, 3D and
NO WHITE BACKGROUNDS.
Part 1- Illustration
___ Your illustration uses the pen tool, live trace (Black and White Logo which will leave black lines or Line Art which won’t), expand, live paint, paint bucket, swatches, pattern, 2 different fonts (dafont.com or 1001fonts.com) and layers.
___ Background either uses articulated texture (go to affects and artistic filters), pattern or environment to set the scene.
___ The placement of the image(s) specifically the CHARACTER creates balance:symmetrical or asymmetrical.
Part 2- Gradient in Text
___ You included your title and author in a creative and innovative way using separate fonts for each one as well as a GRADIENT in the text of at least one.
Part 1- Illustration
FOR THIS PROJECT START WITH DOING THE CHARACTER(S) ONLY IN BLACK AND WHITE:
Once the Illustration is completely traced so it is black and white, you will need to take a picture of it and place it in your 8 x 10 inch new canvas.
-File- New- 8 x 10 inches
-File- Place and resize to fit the canvas
Next select the image (watch demo and apply this to the class file)
-Go to Image Trace and choose either Black and White Logo (which will leave a black outline) or Line Art which will not.
- Click Expand
-While all lines are selected chose an option:
Option 1: Black and White Logo
- Select All- Object- Live Paint- Make
(you can import the original image for colors)
Option 2: Line Art
-Make sure all lines are closed with Line Art first. Zoom in.
Add lines to connect and than make the fill transparent.
Select All- Object- Live Paint- Make.
Select image.
Image Trace.
Image Trace- Black and White Logo or Line Art
Expand.
Black and White Logo- Select all- Object- Live Paint- Make. Paint bucket to color.
Line Art- Select All- Fill- Transparent- Object- Live Paint- Make. Paint bucket to color.
Image is ready to paint with paint bucket, swatches and gradients.
New Layers- Click on the new layer icon next to the trash in the layer palette. If you do not have this go to Windows- Layers
-Your background will need to be constructed on a new layer below the drawing.
-Your 2 different texts need to be on another new layer above the drawing.
-You will need 2 fonts- try dafont.com or 1001fonts.com. Remember to
download, click on the download, open the folder, click on the .ttf or .otf file and install. Check the box for approval if that shows up.
-Make sure you have a gradient on at least one type. Select the text with the selection tool- Type- Create Outlines. See Part 2 below for step by step directions.
Black and White Logo
Line Art
Part 2- Gradient in Text
At least one of your text needs to have a gradient in it (the fill). Remeber you need to different fonts- one for the author and one for the title. To begin- go to your Windows bar and make sure the following items are open- Swatches, Layers and Gradient.
Make sure to have a new Layer for your text (New Layer next to the trash icon in the Layers panel) and LOCK all other Layers.
Next, type in your title and adjust size. Remember to use a font that is unique to your book.
Next, find your Swatches and Gradient panels. The Gradient panel will default to balck and white.
Next, drag the colors you want in the gradient from the swatches panel and remove the white and black if not needed. A gradient is the blending of 2 or more colors so you will need 2 colors in at all times.
Once you have your gradient completed you will drag the gradient into your swatches so you can use it.
Next, using the Selection tool, select your text. Go to Type on the bar with Window and go to Create Outlines. Select Text with Selection Tool- Type- Creat Outlines.
Next you will see that your text is paintable (like live paint make) and you can add your gradient as the FILL.
I will be looking for use of the pen tool an/or live trace (black and white logo which will leave black lines or line art which won’t), expand, live paint, paint bucket, swatches, (pattern), 2 different fonts (dafont.com or 1001fonts.com) and layers.
Below you will find links to inspire:
19 of the Best Book Covers of 2014
10 Noticeable Design Books of 2013: October Reviews
45 Beautifully Designed Book Covers
60 Best Book Cover Designs of 2011
Click here to download the Book Cover Checklist.
If you are interested, watch the video on Design Methodology by Chipp Kid.
