Cover Creation Time - I Need Your Help!!
Ready to have some fun together? I sure am!
It’s that time again, my friends…COVER CREATION!!
Remember this?
…and it morphed into this?
Well, it’s time to start discussing the cover ideas for Season 2 of The Underlings, and there’s no way I’m going to do this without you!
Step #1 - Brainstorming ‘The Underlings: Runaways’ cover…and all ideas are welcome!
We need to place all the ideas, no matter how crazy, on the table to sift through them. This will not only allow everyone in the community to get involved, it’ll allow me some time to work on the book edits.
…and I hope (crossing fingers on BOTH hands…and some toes) get the audio redone.
It's time to flex those creative muscles and help shape the face of The Underlings: Runaways. The cover is the first thing people will see, so let’s make it unforgettable! Here are some things to consider as you brainstorm:
Mood & Atmosphere
What vibe screams "Runaways"? Is it gritty and rebellious? Mysterious and dangerous? Or are we aiming for a mix of hope, tension, and wild adventure?Character Focus
Who needs to stand out? Are we spotlighting our scrappy underlings, their loyal bonds, or the forces chasing them down? Think expressions, poses, and that oomph moment that sums up their journey.The Big Picture
What story do you want the cover to whisper (or shout!) before anyone even cracks it open? A daring escape? A secret world? A clash between light and shadow? Think iconic moments.Symbolism
Are there objects, colors, or symbols that represent this season’s themes? Maybe a worn map, a flickeringstreetlighttorch or lamp, or something cryptic that only true fans will get (wink-wink).Action or Stillness?
Does the cover need explosive motion (think running feet, clenched fists, or a dramatic standoff), or something quieter but dripping with tension, like a shadowed figure slipping througha back alleythe trees or across the horizon?Color Palette
What hues hit the emotional notes of this story? Dark and moody? Vibrant with rebellion? Or something unique that screams "RUNAWAYS!" and grabs attention from across the room?Genre Shout-Out
How do we scream “fantasy adventure” while making this cover uniquely Underlings? A touch of magic, a dash of grit, and that raw human element that makes the series stand out.Easter Egg Awesomeness
What sneaky little details can we hide in plain sight for sharp-eyed fans to notice? Bonus points if it makes readers yell, “HOW DID I MISS THAT?!” after finishing the season.Typography That Slaps
The title and author’s name need to POP. Are we going for bold, distressed fonts? Something sleek and modern? Or maybe something wild and edgy to match the runaway vibe?Think of the Target Audience
What will grab the attention of our core readers? Who are we winking at with this cover, and how do we make them need to pick it up?Personal Favorite Moment
If you’ve got a scene or an image from the story that’s been living rent-free in your head, share it! Sometimes the best ideas come from those raw, unforgettable moments.What Would You Click?
Imagine scrolling through a sea of books (digital or physical). What would make you stop, click, or grab the cover for a closer look? THAT’S what we’re chasing here.
Throw your wildest, most brilliant ideas into the mix! Every thought matters. Who knows? Your spark of genius could shape the face of Season 2. 💡🔥
Let’s hear it—your brainstorming starts NOW. 💬✨
Author Notes
Seriously, do NOT HOLD BACK….I’m counting on you for brilliant views, wisdom, creativity sparks that only THIS community can provide!!
Jaime
I'd pictured them on the bird with the sea and the island beneath them... Fwiw
Ok so to be completely transparent I have not read either season of the underlings yet
so I don’t have any scenes or the like in my head and I don’t know the exact vibe this book is going for
But my advice from what I have seen
From the first cover etc
Make the audience feel the smallness of the world!
That’s the cool part of what I’ve been exposed to
Put objects / set pieces around them so they can realize “I know how big that is and they are smaller than that”
Examples:
Human size buttons used as I don’t know… A shield?
Acorns as hats?
I would avoid using rocks as a background as rocks give very little sense of scale for the character. But leaves like in the first one? Flowers? Hey maybe even though in some bugs or other small creatures which are also large to them!
Anyway again I haven’t read them
This is just what came to my mind
Who knows it might not be what you want or feel like doing!
Think tiny (in a big way) but tiny