Cover Art Issues!

[MushkikizouChan]

Hi hi!!

So, I don't know if I'm the only one, but I have a terrible time deciding on what kind of artwork I should put on the cover of a manga. Do I want it dark and moody, or a simple, one character thing? Do I want it symbolic or plain? How can I show the very best parts of my story but leave enough out so people are intrigued and want to read it??

So! This forum is for advice, rantings about this issue, or whatever you want to say. And I'd love to see pictures of covers that you guys did so I can get ideas!! Idea circulation yaaaay!

I'll start by showing some attempts at covers that I've done for my manga Paripey.

Post away! And leave some awesome art while you're at it~ ^^

[MylCreates]

Both are very captivating, although between the two my eyes tend to be attracted to lighter colors.
This is my cover: Hacheeachkee

[MushkikizouChan]

Waaah~ I've always liked those kinds of covers with the dynamic "we're gonna go fight and be awesome!!" kinda poses~ And you did yours really well~ With interesting characters~ X3

And thank you, I tend towards lighter colors also~

[projectenovanov]

Here are some of my cover arts

I tend to go for darker colors (single or multi character covers are cool) but ultimately it should really encompassed to tone and overall mood of your story- I find darker tones and imagery to be most eye catching- but that's just me

I hope this helped- a little- I really do like the covers you posted ~
I'm sure whatever you decide to do will be great. >^<

[MushkikizouChan]

Waaah~~ I really, really like the first one you did!! They're both good but I'm especially drawn to the first one~ ^^

And yah, I like darkness and imagery and symbolism a lot too @.@ Thanks for showing me your arts!!

[cristiv93]

it usually depends on how you want your readers to see it by or what your story is mainly about. I like the second one because it shows that the main story is about the character and how they are going to have a lot of issues or something is going to happen to them..

while the first seem the character is already trapped in some sort of danger or so. but since this one has feathers I mean idk why but its awesome and I think it would also look cool if its in the second picture too or not either way, but the covers are good and I want to read it !

Fluttering Petals :D

[pakumc]

Here's the cover of my manga.

I also draw it every chapter.

• http://tapastic.com/series/Re-agreeIndenture-Of-Apostles

[MushkikizouChan]

Waah! I forgot to give a link to my manga, didn't I???

Here - Paripety

And thank you so much for the advice!!! o.o I'm still a total noob at knowing how to grab readers, buuut you helped me by breaking down my pictures. So thank you~ ^^

Also, read a bit of your manga - your art is so CUTE!!!

[MushkikizouChan]

You draw a colored cover for every chapter?? o.o That must be hard, man.

Also, these covers are wicked! I love the magical-girl-ish outfits with the awesome kick-butt-save-the-world-attitude~ X3

Also, read your manga. I rreeeeeaaally like it so far @.@

[pakumc]

yeah,I draw a cover every month,and I took it some cover made ​​into paintings.

[jonathancowen]

Here are my covers so far. I try to keep it simple.
Tapastic: http://tapastic.com/series/Red-and-Cyan

[MushkikizouChan]

Yes I'm starting to see more and more that simpler is better o.o

Thanks for showing my your arts!! These are beautiful~ X3 Especially with the color and the title of the story o.o smooth move.

[kristintipping7]

The best advise I've gotten for designing a cover is that the cover should be the visual equivalent of an elevator pitch. Try taking the elements you would include in a elevator pitch and try to incorporate them into the cover.

[OrbitalDeathRay]

I find it helpful to think of a cover as a splash page. Think of it as a scene from the story, one that encapsulates the FEEL you're going for.

Here's my cover, in case you're interested. ^_^

[MushkikizouChan]

Aaah, that's a good way of looking at it o.o

Awesome cover btw!!! o____o

[MushkikizouChan]

Ah, yeah! That's also a good approach!! o.o Thank you!!

And I've seen this story~ XD The cover is wonderful~

[OrbitalDeathRay]

Thank you, I'm glad you like it!

[Dirty12Robot27]

Just as @Jonathancowen mentioned previously I try to keep covers simple. I tend to imagine how it would look on an actual book and will sometimes make test prints to see how it fits and if the image gets the point across of what's inside.

I really like what you've done with both your covers, they have a real sense of deep, dark emotion to them.

Here's my cover I'm currently using for episode 1 of TUFFMAN®

[jonathancowen]

Cool cover Daniel! It looks well balanced with the text, your use of colour is great, and the dramatic stand off is intriguing.

[Dirty12Robot27]

Thanks a lot kind sir!