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.

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17 Responses to “Evolution of a Cover”

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

  2. Shadra says:

    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 ;-)

  3. Nicole Tadgell says:

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

    Cheers,
    N

  4. Doret says:

    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?

  5. Roberta says:

    Hi Shadra !

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

  6. Shadra says:

    Thanks Roberta! Hope to see you again soon~

  7. Shadra says:

    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.

  8. Shadra says:

    Thanks Nicole, and congrats on your new release!

  9. Kelly says:

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

  10. Taeeun says:

    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!

  11. Shadra says:

    Thanks Taeeun-a. I will let you know.

  12. Brian Bowes says:

    HowdY Shadra,

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

    Cheers,
    Brian

  13. Shadra says:

    Thanks Brian~

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

  15. Shadra says:

    Thanks Jonas~

  16. Chrystal Carr Jeter says:

    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

  17. Shadra says:

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

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