steve_maz needed a new book or magazine cover design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 122 designs submitted by 25 freelance designers.
Stephen Marriott
Hi, I've written a short book (novella of c60 pages) and I need to cover to publish it on line for a ebook/Kindle.
My book is a fictional story of a young Spanish man (21), Diego who doesn't know much about life outside of the security/comforts of his little village in northern Spain and his local friends. Life is easy and Diego appears confident. However, he has a talent, he is an amazing flamenco guitarist and yet he is insecure about his playing abilities.
One day though he is forced to leave home and this sends him on a journey of self discovery and inner awareness - El Camino de Santiago (The Way of St.James). All he has is his father's old guitar and his luck...
The title is: Candyfloss Guitar
and it reflects the fact that Diego's father sold candyfloss in the village square as well as the fact that the father passes his guitar onto Diego.
The tone is slightly dreamy almost but it captures the image of a hot and dry northern Spain in the summer. There are some supernatural, ghost like elements in the story but I believe they come across as natural and believable. A friend said he liked the story because it goes to the light even though the tale deals with ghosts and death in parts.
I like the idea of the the title being handwriting style and dominating, around 3 quarters of the cover, with the final quarter in a similar handwriting font stating: A Novella
Stephen Marriott
Some images that come to mind are, a silhouetted figure of a man wearing a stetson hat and carrying a guitar case disappearing into the horizon or sunset, along a road or sat under a tree with his guitar. Or perhaps the sun casting the shadow of a man and his guitar?
I'm also hoping to get a quote/testimonial that would probably appear on the top right corner.
I've attached a working title design for a cover (working tile: Clouded Dreams) of a young man with a guitar to give further a further flavour - the illustration feels nice - although from an older generation.
I hope this helps and I look forward to your submissions.