Evolution of a Cover

My cover art for ELIZA’S FREEDOM ROAD, AN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD DIARY, by Jerdine Nolen has been unveiled. Here is the final jacket:

Krista V., our designer, did a fantastic job with the diary concept. My original idea shows the heroine’s quilt turning into a landscape. Once you read the book, you’ll get it 😉 I’m bummed that sales didn’t go with the full illustration because I was really proud of it, but at the end of the day, I think this one works well too and immediately sells the idea of an aged diary. Too bad we couldn’t do a double cover with the fully illustrated case and a $$ die-cut jacket $$. Maybe for the pb :-).

I hope you read the book when it comes out. Jerdine Nolen is one of my favorite writers and I am honored to grace the cover and pages of one of her books.

17 Comments

  1. Zetta Elliott
    September 16, 2010

    Will you sell the original on etsy? it’s beautiful…esp with deepening night sky. but the final cover is also appealing…

    Reply
  2. Shadra
    September 16, 2010

    There are actually two originals. The final image is a combination of the two in photoshop. I may sell one of them on etsy, but I was contemplating selling prints after the book comes out. I’ll keep you posted 😉

    Reply
  3. Nicole Tadgell
    September 17, 2010

    It’s beautiful! I love Jerdine’s work, also. 🙂

    Cheers,
    N

    Reply
    • Shadra
      September 17, 2010

      Thanks Nicole, and congrats on your new release!

      Reply
  4. Doret
    September 17, 2010

    Both covers are gorgeous. I really like her eyebrows. I like the classic aged look to the cover. I think customers will really take to it.

    I am very excited that Nolen has a new book coming out. When is the release date? Is this a picture book?

    Reply
    • Shadra
      September 17, 2010

      Hey Doret, it’s a novel -middle grade, I think. I’m awful on knowing the categories. I’m glad you like them both! The book will be out in January.

      Reply
  5. Roberta
    September 17, 2010

    Hi Shadra !

    It’s Roberta from Literacy Head. I really got goosebumps looking at this it’s simply beautiful.

    Reply
    • Shadra
      September 17, 2010

      Thanks Roberta! Hope to see you again soon~

      Reply
  6. Kelly
    September 19, 2010

    Congratulations, Shadra! Beautiful cover. Definitely let us know when prints are available. I love the full image.

    Reply
  7. Taeeun
    September 20, 2010

    These cover work is absolutely striking and beautiful! Let me know when you start to sell the image in your shop. I would love to have this piece on my wall!

    Reply
  8. Shadra
    September 20, 2010

    Thanks Taeeun-a. I will let you know.

    Reply
  9. Brian Bowes
    September 22, 2010

    HowdY Shadra,

    Congratulations! The cover looks wonderful, may it be the first of many!

    Cheers,
    Brian

    Reply
    • Shadra
      September 22, 2010

      Thanks Brian~

      Reply
  10. Jonas Sickler
    December 14, 2010

    I love the landscape quilt. It is beautifully done! Hope you are busy busy busy!

    Reply
    • Shadra
      December 14, 2010

      Thanks Jonas~

      Reply
  11. Chrystal Carr Jeter
    December 14, 2010

    Shadra – what a beautiful piece! I would also like a print of the entire landscape illustration. It gives me goose bumps, too! How inspiring. I love how you have captured the regal, serene and yet determined look for Eliza – it’s a worthy period piece. Your work is a natural and elegant complement for Jerdine’s steady and always authentic writing. Best to you both for the holidays! Chrystal in Cleveland

    Reply
    • Shadra
      December 14, 2010

      Thanks Chrystal. You can order the print though my etsy store. I’ll e-mail the link to you. Happy Holidays!

      Reply

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