"Stop and Stare" novel cover (final edits)

So I gave up on the previous cover and decided to make another one. It focuses mainly on the two teen friends; Charlie Black and Austin McCormack. This is my second and last novel cover entry for the contest. I would love to hear your opinions.

I haven't read this book, but it makes me want to. I like this a lot!

Well I haven't read your story but the cover is intriguing. Job well done!:)

Ok, we all know the cliche, dont judge a book by its cover, but if i saw this in stores or the library, i would totally pick it up. the cover itself looks awesome, and intriguing. So yep yep, let me know when you have the whole story i will totally read it. cant wait.

I love how you've captured the feel of the story, how it has to do with everyday stuff that goes on in the streets (well, that's what I get from the cover anyway, not sure what it's actually about).

The red tint. Is that to emphasize some kind of importance? I think that it should be toned down a bit, personally. Sure it catches my attention, but there isn't much else to contrast it, aside from the text.

The text. First of all, the font you used for the title. It matches perfectly, great job on that. Second, I like how you made it overlap the kids, not drawing attention away from them. I also noticed that, all in all, you used three different fonts. I think that it'd look better if the bottom line was all the same font; specifically, the one that you used for "Skins".

Overall, it's an enjoyable piece of eye candy, but you could do better. -High hopes-
--Brandon
xoxo

I really like this! I agree with confetti, I don't know what the book is about, but this makes me want to read it. Which is exactly what you want a cover to do. Plus, I like the names of the two characters for some reason.

The color is great, kind of a burgundy red, and easy to look at. Usually if you do something in all red it's very distracting and not so easy on the eyes, but this is not so intense. So I really like the colors. And the fonts btw, wherever you got them! Very cool.

I'm always curious on the novel covers whether the artist took the pic themselves or got it off google images x) If you did take this pic, AWESOME job. You really captured the models well. They both have great expressions.

I kinda wish there was a little more contrast between the models and the wall, just to make them stand out a bit more, but that's a minor complaint. It looks great the way it is ^_^

Good luck with the contest!

@ Maimoona & Amberchelli : The novel isn't mine. It was written by Skins. If you would like to read it, it is already here on YWS. Personally, I think it is awesome and it gave me inspiration to design this cover for the contest.
@ xXTheBlackSheepXx: Actually, I haven't take this photo myself. I have found it on http://www.inmagine.com Luckily, I have just discovered that website by chance and it contains millions of great images.
Here is the original image.
Thanks all for the reviews.

Thanks for the reply, Star ^_^
As long as you have the artist's permission it's all good I really like the choice you did with the red, that was smart editing. On the original image though, you can see how the two guys have much better contrast against the wall. I think photoshop might have tools for that, where you can select the area where the boys are and fiddle around until they show up a little bolder. Anyways, that's just a suggestion x) You might've wanted the entire background a bit faded, so that the title really popped. And that works too ^_^

Hey Star! <3

So, I've participated in this contest, too, and I have to make my edit and another piece, too. But I'd love to help you out because at the end of the day, it's not about winning a prize but helping Skins pick up the best cover for her novel.

I do like how you've used the orange tint and made a simple picture look much more fancy and glimmering. I strongly believe that without the tint effect this picture might not have gained that much effect and might have just remained a simple one. So, it's a good thing that you changed the colour.

I am in love with the font for your novel. It's bold, simple and attention seeking. People mostly like such fonts, and for a novel with a theme like this we do need some font without floral designs or those ridiculous curves. If I have to rate you on the basis of the font, then I'll give you full marks. Also, the fact that you've kept it in white is also good. But the text where there's mention of this being a novel by Skins is a bit distracting. Something about its alignment, font style and colour is not going too well with me. I just feel the clumsy way Skins has been written should be changed and it should also be made bold. Also, I feel that if you make the whole text in the centre then it would be more eye-grabbing and easier to get people's attention on. So, I'd like you to re-consider that part of the text.


There's something else that I feel isn't looking too good. I'd say the picture in itself. No doubts that this picture is indeed looking cute, but I've read the novel and the cover isn't giving away anything about the story. It seems like it's basically about two boys, when it's not the whole picture. There's more to the story than just two boys and there's murder, drama, lies, and all that stuff. If you're confused because you have not read the novel or something just flick back to the contest's main page and read carefully the themes Skins has given to this novel. That will make things a bit easier for you to plan. If you're confused by what I am saying, then I'll put it out straightly. Given the theme and the bold title, the novel's picture isn't showing the picture a person would like to have considering the two things. It's not bold enough or provocative enough to make me want the story. By the looks of it, it seems pretty simple and maybe that's why it is not looking good for this particular novel, since it's everything but sweet. Also, the words 'Stop and Stare' might demand something bold, edgy or dark which this picture again is far from.


Overall, I rate you on your efforts, font style and colouring techniques. As for the picture part, I truly think you should find something else.

I hope this helps and I wasn't rude or harsh. Any questions, PM or post on my wall. I'd be glad to help you out.

Keep Writing and DigiArting,
Mia