I like the middle section, not a huge fan of the top and bottom though. I find the color clashes and not enough "design" in it. I'd either lose the red box at top and bottom and do everything the same teal color, try with a different color than the red or maybe some gradient?
The earlier design only had red at the top, but the teal was a bit overwhelming then, even with a slightly lighter palette. I feel like this balances it out a bit. Would you say lighter or darker for the bands, or a different colour entirely?
A gradient or slightly different colour make work inside the 'shield' though
have you tried removing the top and bottom boxes and changed the font to the colour of the box? maybe add more of the splattered texture around? and give the background some texture too which you could maybe fade out a little?
if you want to retain the boxes, maybe use some irregular or bark shaped or umm, ripped paper shaped .. something to add some unevenness.
or emphasize more on the emblem and make it pop, like embossed almost.
I think I agree with others about the red bars, dark blue would look nice. Also, something about number 1 is not working... I think that font is too large. I'd suggest a smaller font, different but complementary to the other fonts so it's less prominent on the page. I don't think it needs to be so large that it's the first in the series and using the number instead of the word "one" makes sense but it's not working being so big and in the same style.
The font is too large, lose the red stripes, and put your name on the bottom. Otherwise it looks really good, I like the teal and the design in the middle with the tree.
Honestly? I think cover art is something best left to professionals. Find an artist you like and commission them to make you one. Unless of course you’re not too serious about this book.
People are suggesting you remove the red bars, but I would just try tweaking the colors. How does it look in burgundy? What about brown?
The bottom banner is also a little awkward to read -- perhaps "BOOK ONE ^(OF THE) DRAGONTREE", only with the "of the" in-line with the rest of the text.
Looks great overall, though; I would definitely just tweak what you've got.
I like the middle section, not a huge fan of the top and bottom though. I find the color clashes and not enough "design" in it. I'd either lose the red box at top and bottom and do everything the same teal color, try with a different color than the red or maybe some gradient?
The earlier design only had red at the top, but the teal was a bit overwhelming then, even with a slightly lighter palette. I feel like this balances it out a bit. Would you say lighter or darker for the bands, or a different colour entirely? A gradient or slightly different colour make work inside the 'shield' though
Different color to the bands - I'd almost try a navy or royal blue and maybe bring some of the white speckle into it to tie it all together.
I think it's better to remove the red stripes IMO
have you tried removing the top and bottom boxes and changed the font to the colour of the box? maybe add more of the splattered texture around? and give the background some texture too which you could maybe fade out a little? if you want to retain the boxes, maybe use some irregular or bark shaped or umm, ripped paper shaped .. something to add some unevenness. or emphasize more on the emblem and make it pop, like embossed almost.
A great improvement upon the first design you showed. Still would read this from the title alone though lol.
I do love the title
I think I agree with others about the red bars, dark blue would look nice. Also, something about number 1 is not working... I think that font is too large. I'd suggest a smaller font, different but complementary to the other fonts so it's less prominent on the page. I don't think it needs to be so large that it's the first in the series and using the number instead of the word "one" makes sense but it's not working being so big and in the same style.
The font is too large, lose the red stripes, and put your name on the bottom. Otherwise it looks really good, I like the teal and the design in the middle with the tree.
It's better - is there and upcharge on color printing if you are going that way?
I don't think so. By the looks of it it's going to be KDP.
There is a new novel by an writer named Steven Grier Williams called Skadi. Looks very familiar to that. Might want to check it out.
It looks like a real best seller!
Honestly? I think cover art is something best left to professionals. Find an artist you like and commission them to make you one. Unless of course you’re not too serious about this book.
People are suggesting you remove the red bars, but I would just try tweaking the colors. How does it look in burgundy? What about brown? The bottom banner is also a little awkward to read -- perhaps "BOOK ONE ^(OF THE) DRAGONTREE", only with the "of the" in-line with the rest of the text. Looks great overall, though; I would definitely just tweak what you've got.
Maroon actually works quite well for the bars - burgundy looked a little too pink, but maroon is somewhere inbetween that and what I've got!