Allen asked me to illustrate one of these memorable swamp scenes for the cover. He wanted to include Johnny, Linc, Linc's dog Hooter, and Linc's treehouse-like cabin in the background. When doing research, I found a great Flickr stream with photographs from southern swamps during the 1930's.
I sent Allen these three roughs.
He chose the third one. After several rounds of revisions I added color to the rough. Allen emphasized that he wanted a classic, nostalgic look. He had never worked with a digital artist before, and was a little worried that the cover would look too digital. So I went with a lot of golden light and a canvas texture on top. I was thinking of how period movies often have shafts of light streaming through dusty windows.
Here's the final. I think it captures the warm, adventurous spirit of the book - and completely relieved Allen's fears about looking too digital!
If you would like to order a copy of My Brother's Story, visit the Blackwater Novels website. Both hardback and e-book versions are available. (I do not receive any royalties from sales of the book.)
I will be sure to purchase a copy, and frame the cover.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I can just send you a print if you like Young :)
DeleteFine work Kelley. It was great to see how it came together. Love those pics you found on Flickr.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work! I adore the lighting and colors… It just radiates this time-worn, classic feel. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteLooks fabulous Kelley! This is exactly the kind of work I really look forward to doing in the future. I think you really captured a very classic look that will stand the test of time. Way to go.
ReplyDeleteLove it! I think you really captured the era and feeling of the genre really well. And it's very cool to see the printed book in physical form!
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