This time around, I’m talking about the insane cover design process to get to the final (awesome) product. Suffice it say, it was a stressful time in the Paduano household.
The Long Road to Design
I’ve spoken about this before, but when I started DSA I had clear images in my head for the covers to Season One. So much so, that I went ahead and drew them out.
My talent still amazes me…
This was drawn back in 2015. I’m sure I’m a much better artist now. (I’m not.)
In 2016, I went one step further. I took a course in designing my own covers using PhotoShop. I figured this is how I would get a leg up on the competition. If I could get soooo good at designs then I wouldn’t have to pay for covers and would use the funds for marketing/ads/etc.
It came out all right. Maybe?
Anyway, I ditched the idea of becoming adept at PhotoShop. It still pains me to use the damn thing.
2018 came and went with the drafts finally ready for publication. Now it was time to find a designer.
The Cover Design Disaster Begins
Early in 2019 I found one. Nat was freaking amazing and communicative, which is big with me when it comes to working with people. I hate yelling into the void when things need to be done, and she was fantastic to work with through the process of putting together not only the Greystone: Complete First Cycle box set but the cover for The Clearing.
I even went ahead and revealed this cover on the blog back in 2019.
Reaching out to get the final files of the design, and start work on Promethean, Nat…vanished. Poof. Gone.
That void I was yelling into never clued me in on what happened. This went on for months. I would send an email and receive nothing but crickets. I wanted to work with this woman, but as time went on, all I really wanted to do was find out she was still alive and well. It was scary stuff to be going along all fine and dandy and then nada. No word.
The summer of 2019 was quickly fading, and I needed a new designer with some speed and a willingness to put together six covers in about two months time. (and put up with a frantic author…)
MiblArt to the Rescue
MiblArt is based in the Ukraine. They are AMAZING. An entire team of designers is at your disposal to help with whatever you need. I think they designed all six DSA books and Hammer and Anvil in about six weeks. It was crazy how quick the files were sent my way.
I can’t thank them enough for getting me out of quite the jam.
Being unable to put out a new project during the pandemic has been tough, being unable to see the awesome work MiblArt does to make my books the best they can be has been even tougher.
I still remember when this cover arrived. You wouldn’t believe the number of people I sent it to just to show it off. I love the design to this day.
But, holy crap, what a process.
That was the cover debacle of 2019. Let’s hope it never happens again. Please.
