Illustration
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Cover Redesign
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Illustration • Cover Redesign •
Project Summary
The goal of this redesign was to refocus the cover illustration on the key imagery and motifs of this book rather than the overall premise of the series as the existing one does. In tandem with reconnecting the art with the content, I explored how the text could come alive and become part of the story rather than feeling separate as the original does.
"Trials of Apollo, The Hidden Oracle" is the first novel in this series by Rick Riordan; and centers on Apollo - now in human form by punishment of Zeus - attempting to locate the oracle held hostage by Python.
Within this redesign I explored both the surface plot of Python holding the Oracle of Delphi hostage, while also delving into Apollo’s role. I chose to create a symbolic image of the snake wrapping around the oracle's neck, choking her powers of prophecy, while her blindfold illustrates as they await Apollo's help.
Process
My research and visual iteration process slight varies by project; for this project see below for book theme notes, mood board, thumbnail hand sketches and digital drafts of the cover.
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My research process for this began by researching the genre as well as this particular book. This consisted of rereading the novel, creating a mythology and fantasy covers mood board, and taking notes on the key themes of the book.
Core themes: betrayal, teamwork, repetition of history, self reflection.
Moodboard highlights: bold & active title font, patterns, central figure.
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My visual process began with illustrating ten thumbnail sketches by hand before choosing two of them to move forward with.
In Procreate I created digital drafts of these two versions. From here I assessed the strengths and weaknesses of each cover visually and technically before refining to my final finished version.
All visuals available below in “Process Images”