How do you make a good front cover?

[monotone_ink]

What considerations do you make when creating your front cover?

Posting this because I'm trying to come up with a cover that's not trash for this webcomic, but I'm absolutely stumped as to what covers would look good. May post a few samples of work, but I'm tired right now.

[c0ldw1nter]

Personally, I like covers without too much clutter. I made one that just depicts the main character(s), vague scenery of the world and title logo, using colors reflecting the mood of the comic. Kinda straight to the point. Check it out if you like.

God's Paradox :: 1 | Tapas

[jamontoast98]

Personally I love flashy covers. Something that stands out and is readable from a distance. Also remember your title and cover are a two-part story. The title "oh, so the story is about this" and then the cover "ooh, what'll happen next?".

[SleepingPoppy]

While there's a lot of design and composition that goes into a good cover, I think the best approach when you're stumped is to look at other people's covers and see what strikes your fancy and suits your own style.

Think about what your story is about. What's the genre, theme, who are the most important characters, etc, and use that to help you build a cover that speaks to your content.

[kytri]

What makes for a good cover really depends on the contents of the book.
Traditionally in comics the cover is intended to be a sort of advertisement for the comic itself. Someone would see it on the shelf and hopefully want to pick it up and want to know what's inside. So it should communicate something about the story itself. e.g. a character driven story should probably have a character focused cover or an action story should have an action focused cover

Personally I don't know that webcomics need covers at all, usually things like web design and logos will give an impression before anyone sees your cover. That said I do still use them myself. Personally I always draw my cover very last thing, after I've drawn all of the interior art for a comic.

[TheFalseVyper]

The most important aspect with a good front cover, in my opinion at least, is to make sure the title is readable. That means the font is clear, and the color choice stands out without straining the reader's eyes (so don't use a neon green if the background is a neon blue).

The composition can play an important part as well. For instance, you wouldn't place the title in the middle if it's going to completely cover your character's face. When I design cover pages, I work out everything first. I figure out the poses for my characters, what all is in the background, and I always try and figure out where the title is going to fit. If I think the title looks too obscured, then I'll rearrange my character's until I feel the whole thing has some sort of synergy.

Does this represent my comic well? If it does, then that's perfect for a title page!

Good luck, and be sure to post it when it's finished! We believe in you

[Harmony-S-S]

Make a cover that makes the reader want to stop. The cover should draw them in and make want to read your story

[MK_Wizard]

In my experience, it should reflect what the chapter is about without giving too much away, it should have a good font to set the mood for the title, and always use good colours to set up the mood you are going for.

[amortelito]

-I think that composition and the overall silhouette is more important than the details.
Have a good distinction between figure and background instead of looking over saturated.

-It has to represent what users will find inside...There are amazing detailed covers and then the art style of the comic is totally different and people feel cheated.

-It needs space to put your logo or name of the comic. I made the mistake of making a super detailed drawing and the title had no room. People remembering your comic's name is as important as they remembering your art.

-Chose color palette that represent the vibe of the comic. Colors communicate that too. If you have blacks, purples and grey users could expect a mystery or horror comic, pastels, blues and pinks often go well with romance and light hearted slices of life. Is not a rule of course, just take in consideration what the color communicates.

[monotone_ink]

I'm still very unsure about the impact of this thumbnail, but this will do for now.
Thank you everyone for the advice!