Comments on: ROL: the cover

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:31:45 +0000

It’s honestly really helpful, and frankly fun. Art can be a very lonely process.

I don’t arbitrarily change things just because someone has a problem with it, but I do check it out and if it’s something I can do something about without compromising my “vision” of the cover, I’ll do it.

So far, most that’s been said was something I wondered about, but wasn’t sure if I was “seeing” right, if that makes sense. You get a bit snowblind working on so many images and so fast, that the backup is seriously appreciated.

By: skitterling

skitterling — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:54:32 +0000

You are far too kind – letting us bitch and nitpick!

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:44:22 +0000

I’m seriously going to have to expand my dedication on this cover! Kato-ji, you still get top billing, but thank you everyone.

Tho I did a lot of art many years ago, I’m still really new to this cover and computer art stuff and the feedback is invaluable.

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:42:51 +0000

Oooo…I’m sorry you were sick. Big get-well completely wishes flying your way.

Khyel’s nose is a bit long, but I really can’t fix it without completely redoing him. I think he still looks pretty good, and I was probably channeling Deymio when I painted it. (Can you say painted when it’s pixels on a screen…hmmm….) But Deymio’s first comment about him in RoL is Khyel “looking down his long thin nose” or something like that.

However, I’ll check out Nikki’s eyes. I forgot, when I did the transparent overlay, the black in his eyelashes went transparent as well and it’s possible the white drop shadow I did on this new version is bleeding through. And Khyel’s mouth…I’ll check that out. That sounds like an easy fix.

thanks!

By: skitterling

skitterling — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:02:23 +0000

I’m coming late to the party, I know – I’ve been sick, but much better now!

Jane, aside from all the gorgeousness, three things are bothering me. One, Nikki’s eyes come across as a little insane-looking on my computer. I think the blue and white are bleeding into each other in the small image and it kinda makes him look like he’s baring his teeth to go for a throat.

Two and three, Khyel’s nose got a little long, I think, and the little downturn of his mouth on the left side leaves him looking kinda…sulky and spoiled in a not very pleasant way. I absolutely loved the sketch of him, but the final product kinda looks a little like a Disney version of the evil grand vizier.

Sorry, sorry, sorry! I think the work is amazing and I could never produce anything like it and I am properly envious!

By: emilyrln

emilyrln — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 06:52:56 +0000

Re 18ème siècle (I muffed an accent mark last time): read “dix-huitième siècle” aka “eighteenth century,” en français. It’s a Simplicity pattern (4092), since I discovered that they have a Hallowe’en costume contest with a grand prize of—a grand! (What could I do with 10^3 greenbacks? Ooh, I’d soooo love to find out!) I have nearly six yards of dark green crêpe-backed satin from some project or other, and I’m making a Louis XV era gown (but not the one requiring over twenty yards of fabric, as I am neither certifiably insane nor loaded with the cash to pay for it—plus, who wants to wear that much fabric?!). If I have time, I’ll also make a clockwork droid mask from the Doctor Who episode “Girl in the Fireplace.” If all goes according to plan, I will join all my Doctor Who fan friends for a fantastic (as Eccleston’s doctor would say) Hallowe’en. Dare we hope that “The Waters of Mars” will come out on 10/31? :D

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:22:44 +0000

Thank YOU! I think I needed to hear that just about now! It’s been a looooooong day. It all started with Ysabel kicking me out of my chair….

By: dali

dali — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:50:39 +0000

Wow, you are very skilled AND talented! Never mind being an author, which takes tons of work and dedication by itself, but to do illustrations of the books, can we say I am impressed?? I have no criticisms of the artwork, I am certainly not qualified to offer such input, all I can say is that I think they are awesome. Thanks!

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:03:38 +0000

It’s funny…I didn’t add the pink to his lips…it was one of the first things I put on. I think, maybe, it was the addition/proximity of the dark beard that perhaps made you notice it more. I’ve toned it back a little…and I agree about his neck. Took that out.

anyway… have taken everyone’s suggestions to heart and played with it today. Waiting to hear from Bri whether I fixed her precious Nikki’s green curls before posting the new version. I wanted his hair a really rich gold which requires a fair amount of green to keep it from going red, and it just really came out in places. It was a long process toning it down.

Dare I admit…much as I love hair, it’s never been my forte?

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:58:03 +0000

Fixing his hair color wasn’t nearly that simple. ARGH. I think I’ve got something, but I’m waiting to hear from Bri. (Hoping she gets my email.) Anyway, I’ve spent all day on this expletive deleted cover. Once I get to futzing, that seems to happen.

Re typeface…I admit, I love playing with them and finding what I like the look of with the image. One reason I chose this one was because I loved the way MY name looked in it. Then, I had to admit, I preferred the balance with Trajan for my name. WAH! But I’ll check out those you mention. I’m starting a little stash of possible “typefaces for covers.”

“And viola”…well, YEAH. I also say “Hahs-tee man-ya-nee” :D:D:D (tho I admit, this was a typo. But, hey…it’s funny!)

Harmonies…Ooo…hope you like it!

18eme siecle…dare I ask?