How to Make Computerized Book Covers

For graphics artists, making computerized book covers is what they do and is at the forefront of their passion as an artist. As a youngster, I grew up with that same passion to be a graphics artist. Being in the public eye is the key behind graphics art, especially when it comes to book covers. In this article, I will present to you the steps I use to make computerized book covers.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Software program for clip and graphics art
• A design of your book cover written out or typed out to use as your skeleton.

1. Understanding the needs for the parts.
   
   While doing graphics art designs for book covers in the past, the computer was simply forethought of future technology. Today it adds convenience and a technological advantage because people who are graphics artists can now work within their own environment, develop, plan and create the backdrop for their graphic arts designs as well as create them in a less expensive way. Software programs like ClipArt, Coral Draw4, Photoshop and Print Shop are current the norm in creative graphics art software. These software packages allow people who are not graphics artists by profession to delve into the profession on an amateurish basis. They can select different colors, different patterns, different styles and different shapes for their designs. They can add text or words, charts, symbols, people, or objects. Finally, they can use their design of their book cover to be a skeleton of what they want their book cover to look like. This of course may change as the graphics artists thinks, pokes and prods his sample to fine tune and hone his creative abilities. If you think about it, without being a graphics artist you can behave like one.

2. Fine tuning your book cover design.
   
   Fine tuning your book cover design takes concentration and the desire to make your mental image or picture come to life. If you are an artist, simply draw the book cover on a sheet of paper. Take your time and don’t rush any details. If you are not an artist, use stick figures if the design requires people and shapes if the design requires inanimate objects. Be as elaborate as possible. Next, label your design “number 1” because this is your first design. Next, taking more ideas from your mental picture, draw or construct another sample drawing. Call this one “number 2.” Again, take your time and be as specific and as exact as possible. Finally, do the same thing for a third drawing and label it “number 3.” With three choices to choose from, it should be easy for you to reduce the odds of picking the wrong picture. Remember, this is your creative rough drawing of your book cover. For the sake of argument, we are going to assume that you picked “number 2.”

3. Insert your book cover design into your software program.
   
   Here is the fun part. Now you get to take your book cover design that you drew or constructed and recreate it in your software program. First, pick a program. If you have a system that support Microsoft programs like Photoshop and Print Shop, then these are the programs that you should use in recreating your book cover design. If you have system that supports other Microsoft programs like Corel, then Corel Draw 4 and Harvard Graphics should be your choices. I have used all four software programs. I would have to say that my favorite was Print Shop. It provides an easier extension from imagination to reality using charts, shapes, symbols and people. It makes it easy for you to use ready made templates and create something of your own. Even the borrowed images become apart of you because you took the time and conceived a reason for choosing them. They in essence become an extension of your mind, your heart and your ideas. See Resources for an example of what you created from using any one of the four programs.

4. Testing the fit of the computerized book cover.
   
   Testing your newly created computerized book cover means that you review the design and check for color discrepancies, pattern flaws and typographical errors in the font size, glare and formal presentation. Be consistent with your font size so that you do not over exaggerate the appearance of your title. Be careful of inconsistent color clashes: For instance, do not mix red with gray unless these colors are the symbolic backdrop of your book’s theme. Color coordination in book covers is very important. Finally, maintain consistent patterns: use circles when speaking of global things, reasoning, or round objects, such as baseballs, basketballs, or tables. Use other shapes like squares or triangles for other symbolic meanings. Again, this is your book design. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but also don’t be afraid to reevaluate your creativity. The best artist does not just draw, he or she redraws until the drawing itself becomes a masterpiece.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information, go to the following website:
• Look down for other websites below for more information
• Do not rush your design. Take your time and develop it properly.
• Be realistic about your artistic talents. Some people are good artists, while others are good craftsmen. Know the difference.
• Seek help for more sophisticated terms, concepts, and projects of this nature.

Resources

• The non-designer's scan and print book
• The Print Shop Deluxe for Dummies
• Book Cover Example

[LonnaLight]

on 5/14/2008 Interesting article!