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Posted on 25/08/08 03:36:24 AM
Steve Mac
Grunge Genie
Posts: 539

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Re: book cover
Thanks for the feedback Dave. I think you are right. The more I play around with the text the less I like it. Do you think that brown text is too 3D? Maybe it should be a little flatter. I don't think it should be trying to pop off of the page.
Maybe I will post a small version with just white text with a small black stroke.

Thanks again.

Posted on 25/08/08 07:29:29 AM
Nick Curtain
Model Master
Posts: 1768

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Re: book cover
Hi Steve
This is progressing well. I'm with Dave's view, although I did like the post integrated within the words idea.

Just a thought, would a wooden texture overlay on the letters add to the concept of the craft you are portraying. Perhaps another alternative would be to have the letters chiselled into a wooden block of unvarnished wood, with the recess slightly darker. Steve demonstrated this technique on the Jacob Marley gravestone in the second edition.

Nick

Posted on 25/08/08 08:06:02 AM
Nick Curtain
Model Master
Posts: 1768

Reply


Re: book cover
A bit like this



Posted on 25/08/08 1:37:03 PM
Steve Mac
Grunge Genie
Posts: 539

Reply


Re: book cover
Thanks Nick. I did try the wood text theme but I think I'm going to stay away from it. It's sort of what you would expect to see so I don't think it would grab anyone's attention.
I really want the title simple and easy to read.

I think I might go with the white text with the darker stroke.

Edit: now that I see it here, I think the stroke could be darker and the text below could be lighter.




Posted on 25/08/08 2:06:23 PM
dave.cox
Marquee Master
Posts: 518

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Re: book cover
I still think the first version with the post removed looks the best, as it is the most readable. The black outline with the higlights gives it the best contrast from the page which is dark on the right, and light on the left. Fitting text with a good contrast this kind of background can be a challange, but the version that you had works well here.

I like Nick's wooden sign above, but I don't think it works with the theme you are working on here.

Dave.

Posted on 25/08/08 3:40:01 PM
Nick Curtain
Model Master
Posts: 1768

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Re: book cover
Thanks Chris, it was just an idea. I think the white text looks fine.

Nick


Posted on 25/08/08 4:00:45 PM
chris berry
Overhead Overlord
Posts: 724

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Re: book cover
Nick Curtain wrote:
Thanks Chris, it was just an idea. I think the white text looks fine.

Nick



I think the white text works fine, too. The white separates it from everything else that is going on. But as Nick says, it's just an idea, which is what I love about this forum - when you're looking for inspiration, no-one's afraid to pitch in, in a positive way, which is great. Pity more companies aren't run like this!

Chris

Posted on 25/08/08 4:57:21 PM
Steve Mac
Grunge Genie
Posts: 539

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Re: book cover
I agree with Chris. I hope no one takes offense if there idea is not used. I don't think there is ever a bad idea because no matter what someone suggests, it can only get you closer to what may or may not work. It's all good. I owe the credits to this cover to all of you. Without your help I would still be second guessing. I respect everyone's opinion on this forum. This is definitely the place for support and inspiration.
Thanks again!

... I don't know, I think I might keep the simple white text like the post above. This still seems busy to me.






Posted on 25/08/08 5:02:33 PM
chris berry
Overhead Overlord
Posts: 724

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Re: book cover
Couldn't agree more, Steve.
As regards the type, however, I think the previous post's type is better. The current version is too heavy with the outline and shadow, and dominates the cover too much.
Have you tried a light grey outline with a dark grey shadow?

Chris

Posted on 25/08/08 5:35:05 PM
Luis
Six-String Synthesist
Posts: 236

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Re: book cover
Hi Steve.

I like the new look of your book cover. I hope you don't mind if I gave my opinion. I like the white Text with the outline without the bevel and Emboss.

However, to me, the step-by-step text does not seem right. Have you thought about creating a rectangle filled in with a solid color with a dark thin outline and have the text in white?

Also, have you tried to give the background a slight blur to it?

Luis

Posted on 25/08/08 7:39:35 PM
Steve Mac
Grunge Genie
Posts: 539

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Re: book cover
Thanks Chris. When you say "dark grey shadow" do you mean a drop shadow?

Thanks Luis. I will try that as well. One thing I am concerned with is the step-by-step part attracting more attention to the title.
I'll try it. Let me know what you think.

Posted on 25/08/08 8:04:22 PM
Luis
Six-String Synthesist
Posts: 236

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Re: book cover
Steve,

This is what I had in mind. Your thoughts on this




Posted on 25/08/08 8:11:49 PM
chris berry
Overhead Overlord
Posts: 724

Reply


Re: book cover
Steve Mac wrote:
Thanks Chris. When you say "dark grey shadow" do you mean a drop shadow?

Thanks Luis. I will try that as well. One thing I am concerned with is the step-by-step part attracting more attention to the title.
I'll try it. Let me know what you think.


Yeah - a drop shadow. But I would keep it it quite narrow (not a thick shadow), mid grey and not much (or maybe no) blur.

Posted on 25/08/08 11:39:14 PM
dave.cox
Marquee Master
Posts: 518

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Re: book cover
I hope no one takes offense if there idea is not used.


In the end, It is your product. We are glad to toss ideas and critiques your way, but you must make the final decision as to what works for you. Apologies aren't necessary.

By the way, I wish I was half that good with the wood.

Dave.




Posted on 26/08/08 01:26:15 AM
Steve Mac
Grunge Genie
Posts: 539

Reply


Re: book cover
Thanks Luis, I think I'm going to stick with the outline that I have. I want to make sure the title stands out first. I did use your idea about blurring the background. That really makes your eyes focus on the main part of the cover. Good call! I think that's why I was having such a hard time with the title.

Thanks Chris, I'm going to leave the title the way it is. Looking at Steve's How to Cheat title, it's just plain white text but it's the first thing you notice.

Thanks Dave, I just want everyone to know how much they have helped in this process. I'm very grateful for the input from everyone.

BTW... I wish I was half as good as you guys with PS and computers in general. If you need stair advice you know where to find me!



Posted on 26/08/08 08:57:41 AM
chris berry
Overhead Overlord
Posts: 724

Reply


Re: book cover
Let us know if it gets published.

Good luck!
Chris

Posted on 26/08/08 11:53:50 AM
Steve Mac
Grunge Genie
Posts: 539

Reply


Re: book cover
Thanks Chris, I will.

Posted on 27/10/08 5:09:57 PM
Ben Mills
Luminous Luminary
Posts: 570

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Re: book cover
It looks great Steve - don't mess with it any more or you could end up with something like this.



Posted on 27/10/08 5:57:14 PM
GKB
Magical Montagist
Posts: 3882

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Re: book cover
Steve, I hope the book works out ok for you.
Hey Ben!! Where did you find that photograph of the stairs that I made?


_________________
No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.


Posted on 27/10/08 10:00:11 PM
Steve Mac
Grunge Genie
Posts: 539

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Re: book cover
Ben, that's pretty funny.

Thanks Gordon. Much appreciated.
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