JULY CONTEST: Design a book cover for the Wizard of Oz

Eric Droke

@Johanna-Kim Thank you so much for the feedback. This is my first attempt at a book cover, so I was super nervous about it. I really appreciate the encouragement.

Eric Droke

@cathy-spee I did all my thumbnailing and sketching on paper with color pencils. Then I snapped a pic of my final sketch, pulled into Procreate and drew over it. I added some adjustment layers to play with the colors and textures, too.

JoshuaDages

@Ryan-Ehr Really great style (I love those trees!!!). And a nice decision to make the brick road zig-zag instead of curve. The simple color palette is very eye-catching. Nice job!

Eric Droke

@Megan-van-der-Berg This is just fantastic! I love the concept and metaphorical implications about the whole story happening inside the main character’s mind. It makes for both a beautiful and intriguing cover. Good work!

Ryan Ehr

@JoshuaDages Thanks Joshua!

I pulled this down because i'm redoing it completely! I guess no one can ever accuse me of being efficient. I didn't finish

To reread this as a parent made me see the story as an orphan girl that thought she had a home, only to realize her parents are not well enough to take care of her. So I made a landscape inspired by Aunt Em's hardship-induced mental illness. My imaginary Art Director was very understanding

Coley

@carolinebautista this is incredible, so intriguing. I think you nailed something special about the story. I love the characters in the tornado, and the colored land contrasted with the black and white. WOW

@Coley thank you! The story is actually really disturbing - in the first chapter, Aunt Em would scream every time Dorothy laughed. Desolate landscape, poverty, total isolation, and the people that adopted her don't even take care of her. kind of horrifying!

Maybe someday i'll redo the image now that i know how to do it, but it's definitely time to stop working on it...

Lucky Platt

@Ryan-Ehr the lion is so great in this

deborah Haagenson

@Ryan-Ehr Another good one! I love your style, the color palette, textures and the characters.

sandra_jessop

Well, here it is. It is so fascinating to see all the variations! So many great ideas.

Ryan Ehr

@Lucky-Platt he was tough to get right, but I'm happy how he came out

domdom

Seeing all these great character designs here makes me realize how lazy I am. But here's my version anyways.

mag

To be honest, I've actually never read the book before this contest! I'm now somewhere in a middle and enjoying it greatly

Mandy Forte

jimmybrewster

Hi all. I just started SVS two weeks ago. All of your designs are great and kind of intimidating.

Heather Boyd

@ryleygarcia this reminds me a bit like a video game. It is so very cheerful and I anticipate a great adventure on the edge of my toes.

Heather Boyd

@jimmybrewster don't worry about it. You get better by putting yourself out there and trying and learning as you go.

Nyrryl Cadiz

@mag this is professional work right here! Great job!

ryleygarcia

@Heather-Boyd Aw thanks Heather, I was hoping that sense of wonder and adventure would read through!