Creative Brief
Time Eternal and Other Seasons
Front Cover Text
Title: Time Eternal and Other Seasons
Subtitle: Poems
Author: Courtney Merage
Book Genre
poetry chapbook
Format
Paperback
Trim Size
6×9 inches
Synopsis
A collection of poems in devotion to cyclicality and infinity, pleasure and pain, divinity and sovereignty, love and heartbreak. In five chapters and 25 poems, traverse the spiral of the heroine’s journey, with new folklore and ecological erotica as evolving allies along the path.
Example Book Cover Descriptions
- The first two (square) images were rough creations on Chat GPT. I like them because of the spiral and the symbols I want to have included. I would prefer for the spiral to be a true spiral, and not circles within circles, however.
- While I like the ruggedness of the more prominent tree branches, I think the branches as hands is too creepy, and the wolf face is too scary. However, the other option is a little too dainty and feminine and I would prefer more red.
- The actual book covers I found are all by Linet Huamán Velásquez. I love the symbols and colors she uses, the fonts, the sense of movement and cyclicality, and the illustrations and botanicals.
- The last two are images that I found. I like the psychedelic look of the green image, but there’s a bit too much focus on the lines. The sacred geometry component is very cool, though.
- The leaf spiral is very much what I’m looking for, like a portal with a lot of movement. I would probably prefer more symbols and colors if budget allows.
I have other examples I am happy to share, as well.
Wrong Direction Book Cover Descriptions
These three are clever, but too monotone and simplistic.
The black cover has a slightly creepy energy, which I would like to avoid, and I would prefer more symbols involved than in the other two.
General Likes & Overall Vision
- Circular/cyclical, botanical, natural, playful, warm, sensual, illustrated (probably!), a sense of movement, a hint towards psychedelic.
- I do have a vision for my cover, but I do not want to limit you as the designer. I am very open to your proposals and want to work with someone who will bring new ideas to the table.
- My vision involves an illustrated clockwise spiral made of bones, drops of blood, tree branches, claws, fur, canine teeth, hands with open palms, flowers and leaves, eyes, birds, bees, stones, mountains, moons, pomegranates, apples, lotus flowers, and old boots. I realize this is quite specific, and I’m open to exploring other pathways!
Colors
- I think it’s important to include red somewhere on the cover, but not in a creepy way.
- Earthy colors are great, and/or primary colors. I would also love earthy greens (but I don’t want it to look too christmasy with red and green!)
Dislikes & Things to Avoid
textbook-looking, linear, angular, harsh, text only, monotone, scary or creepy or violent
Stock Image Budget
$250 USD (flexible with discussion and approval)
At a Glance
Budget
$800 - $1200 USD
Method
Self-Publishing
Schedule
3 weeks, variable depending on pricing
Pub Date
Pre-sale will begin end of October or mid-November, sales will begin 2-3 months after that date
