Friday, June 10, 2016

Friday Flourish: They Mostly Come Out At Night

Happy Friday Everyone!

It's been a little while since I've shared a recent cover design, and in light of a very cool honor for the one I'm posting today, I wanted you guys to see it!

Author Benedict Patrick told me early on in our talks that he had his heart set on one of my illustrated covers, and as soon as I read through the design memo he submitted, I knew what we came up with was going to be one of my very favorites. You all already know how much I love illustrated covers in general, and when they're in the dark fantasy genre I get even more excited (if that's even possible), so I was essentially vibrating with glee when I started the initial artwork for They Mostly Come Out At Night.

Benedict had asked that the focal point of the illustration revolve around the mask his Magpie King wears as it plays a vital role, so I started putting the core elements in place with a strong emphasis on movement and texture, and then added a large full moon and bare tree branches to up the ominous vibe. Lastly, I added the type, incorporating a font I fell madly in love with the moment I saw it and knew I had to have it for this cover.

After a few small tweaks, we had our finished cover! As I said before, it's in my top 5 covers I've done, so I was inordinately pleased and honored when Benedict entered They Mostly Come Out At Night into the Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off and, out of hundreds of entries, it was shortlisted (along with Masque!) and joined 30 others for final voting. I'm in some exquisite company, so be sure and check them all out when you get a chance!

THEY MOSTLY COME OUT AT NIGHT
Releases June 16th



He locked himself away from the dark, but in the Magpie King’s forest nowhere is safe…

Lonan is an outcast, accused of letting the monsters that stalk the night into the homes of his fellow villagers. Now, he will not rest until he wins back the heart of his childhood love and reclaims the life that was stolen from him. However, locked safely in his cellar at night, in his dreams Lonan finds himself looking through the eyes of a young prince…

Adahy has a destiny, and it terrifies him. How can he hope to live up to the legend of the Magpie King, to become the supernatural protector of the forest and defender of his people? But when the forest is invaded by an inhuman force, Adahy must rise to this challenge or let the Wolves destroy his people.

Watching these events unfold in his sleep, Lonan must do what he can to protect his village from this new threat. He is the only person who can keep his loved ones from being stolen away after dark, and to do so he will have to earn back their trust or watch the monsters kill everyone that he holds dear.


You can check out more of my design work at Seedlings Design Studio 
 

19 comments:

  1. The moment you said ILLUSTRATED cover I know I was going to LOVE it and I SO DO!
    I simply adore how magical & a lil bit creepy it is! As usual, you've done a brilliant job, not surprised it made it to the finalists at all, Jenny!

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  2. EPIC. Makes me want to write dark fantasy just so you can make me an illustrated cover. ;)

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  3. what an intriguing cover, so original! Great work there!

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  4. Oh ma gosh! This is amazing! I love it! :)
    I write fantasy books too, so I'm definitely bookmarking you :)

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  5. I LOVE this cover!! It's definitely in my top few. Well done Jenny!

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  6. Beautiful, Jenny! It's definitely one of my favorite covers from you.

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  7. Wow! What an awesome cover. Fabulous work, Jenny. Have a great weekend!

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  8. Ooo I love it! It has a slight creepy factor to it and definitely makes me wonder what is inside. Wonderful job Jenny!

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  9. ILLUSTRATED COVERS ARE THE BEST!! Oh man, and this one is GLORIOUS ♥ You're brilliant Jenny! If ever I finish writing my book (and if ever it's good enough to be published) YOU shall design the cover - if you want of course and aren't too famous for the likes of me LOL XD

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  10. My Jen, this is one of the very best covers I've ever seen you create . . . absolutely STRIKING! Every element of design is just perfect, and just so you know, it'll be the centerpiece of my wall hanging of your best 30 covers for 2016. Mom

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  11. THIS IS SO GOOD! AAH! I'm seriously in SWOON over this cover! I love the font, the colors, and it's both creepy and eye-catching at the same time. I just can't stop looking at it and I definitelyyy want to pick up the book, now! Wonderful job, Jenny--these just keep getting better and better every time!

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  12. WOW, WOW, WOW! I LOVE your illustrated covers, they are the best! This is absolutely stunning!

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  13. That is beautiful! And wow! All the covers in that group are beautiful! You do belong on top! Love your work.

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  14. That is spectacular! It's seriously art. <3

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  15. This cover is stunning Jenny, I always knew you were one talented individual, but with this cover, you've totally outdone yourself, I'm a huge fan!

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  16. Great work, Jenny! Your covers are always so gorgeous. <3

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  17. Wow Jenny -that cover is gorgeous and it screams read me!

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