“If I pick up a book with vampires on the cover, I want there to be vampires. If I pick up a book with spaceships on the cover, I want spaceships. If I see one with dragons, I want there to be dragons inside the book. Proper labeling. Ethical labeling.” -Margaret Atwood
UPDATED 5:57pm 09/09/14–MORE COVER OPTIONS!
I could really use your help!
My designer just shared the initial cover design for my forthcoming book, and I would LOVE to get your feedback.
Draw Forth: How to Host Your Own Visual Conversations Without Having To Be a Professional Artist or a Full-On Facilitator is about…well, pretty much what the title says, actually! This book will help leaders move away from those business-as-usual meetings that just won’t do any more, to creating and maintaining a space where teams can engage and draw forth the best in each other simply by picking up a pen and drawing out ideas together.
To take a page from awesome author Margaret Atwood’s thinking, a book about hosting visual conversations should have a cover that communicates something about hosting visual conversations.
Vote in the “Comments” section
Because I have a head cold and apparently couldn’t open a file all the way to discover that I didn’t have just ONE cover design…but SEVERAL!
I looked through the other covers, and added two more to the voting mix to help round things out.
So, which book cover do you like best: A, B, C, or D? And why?
Cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments section below, and you’ll have a real voice in deciding what the cover will be for my book! (Woot!)
For your voting convenience, here are those cover images again:
Thank you SO MUCH for voting for your favorite and sharing your thoughts below. I cannot wait to see what we draw forth together as a result!
I like the 2 mixed up – I like the bolder title in the right one and the subtitle and lightbulb of the left one and I like the doodles on the right one… (sorry to be difficult)
Left is less busy. I would change the font in the “How to host…” to something more consistent with the font in “Draw FORTH” and go with the left.
#2! It’s brilliant! (SO proud of you!)
B is definitely my choice
B!!! No doubt!
Jeannel, I favor the “B” selection. Two key reasons: If appealing to a broader audience who may not be familiar with you as an author, teh cover communicates a more professional delivery. Second, the title and author’s name reads faster for quicker identification.
Though we are told that we should never judge a book by its cover, we all do, its human nature of selection.
Second.
Absolutely A. Perhaps stretching the top talk bubble a little to the right to make some room to make Draw larger, de-emphazise Forth. Stretching the top talk bubble will also fix the balance for me as well.
#2
Rather “B”!
#2
B – pops and I like the clean and large font
I like A. The pen and lightbulb concept defines your unique content much more specifically. I’d shrink the quote boxes to eliminate all the overlapping white space, and maybe round their shapes to look more like those in B. The overlap represents the interaction of ideas well, with the pen and lightbulb in the intersection, but the elongated quote boxes look a bit odd to me. I also like the title font in A more.
This is FANTASTIC! Keep the votes and comments coming…you’re helping a groovy cover to emerge! Thank you! :^D
I prefer A over B because B seems to scream at me. I think the tag line should be a bit larger. I suggest you boldly tell one important reason to do this. It could read: Visual Conversations insure your message is never forgotten. Then share what this book is about. It needs to be compelling!
Good Luck, I’ve always been a fan!
B
I vote B.
B! 🙂
A drew me in more (pun totally intended)
I like A
I like B except it’s harder to read the smaller bubble
A. It looks like YOU! The hand lettering and doodle-y drawing conveys your content & intention better than B does. I would also hand-letter the subtitle, and correct the inconsistent capitalization.
(I love your signature on the bottom of A, for some reason it reminds me of Walt Disney!)
B looks more commercial. The background “wallpaper” of images looks too random, it conveys no meaning. If you are going to go with that look, with type, I’d suggest making the conversation bubbles more even & regular too. Otherwise it is too jarring, it doesn’t fit for everything else to be sort of slick and regular and “machine made” except for just that one thing.
“B” – The bold captures attention
B all the way
I like A
I like A because it’s lighter in spirit (stars, lightbulb) and the fonts are more evocative of the subject matter! However, I’d think about changing the second bubble… How to host your own visual conversations etc. could be “You can host your own visual conversations” and forget the rest? which seems a bit negative to me, but maybe that’s just me… good luck with all this contradictory advice! go with your gut!
my choice: B
B looks super legit
I feel like A suits you better but B feels more professional (I am not implying that you are not professional BTW) and maybe more relate-able for the general population with all the great symbols in the background. I like both, but feel like the second one has success written all over it.
B is more attention grabbing.
Yes! Thank you! More please! :^D
What Kristin said, pretty much. But they’re both pretty boss!
I vote for B…..because it looks like you’re drawing forth the words more than choice A does….
There are elements I like in both A and B. I like B the best, but am wondering if you could shrink the title bubble just a bit and increase the subtitle bubble so that the print is a little larger?
B!
B! It’s bold… Like you! (Go you!)
a
B is eye catching.
I like A
2 really great options! I think I like A a tad more.
A is more YOU, which I love!!!!
A
Humble graphic artist opinion: Definitely B! I love it! A However, the tagline needs to be more concise and laid out in 2, maybe 3 lines. An option is to change the shape of the talk bubble. At this point it doesn’t “read well” (the line breaks are clunky) and people won’t take the time to try to figure it out. I even know what you do for a living and I am kind-of confused by the tagline. Also, are you married to the orange? Turquoise blue might be nice. Take it with a grain of salt if you would like! 😉
B
I like A more than B. But I do like B’s font.
Good luck! can’t wait to read it 🙂
B
Looks like a more professional/ polished design
B.
It’s better. Duh.
B because is is cleaner and looks professional.
Tough choice! They’re both great!
I’m leaning toward B. However, if I’m correct that the book will largely be targeted at professionals, I’d tone down the doodles of things like socks, martini glasses, pizza, etc., and have more doodles that the audience can relate to. Are they wanting to draw forth for fun, or to get greater engagement, participation, clarity, agreement, inspiration….? Maybe use more doodles that they can see themselves using so they know the book will be relevant for them.
If you do go with A, I’d change the inconsistent use of title case in the smaller bubble (Host, Artist, Facilitator).
You can’t lose either way!
#B
🙂
A!
“B” transports the message clearer.
Good luck!
Go for B !
I like B. But I agree with someone above, change the font in the description to something less mechanical and more “drawn”. Like the focus on the title and name.
´A ´as a basis and then building more energy into it – one bubble only, bigger light bulb, etc. ´ B ´to me is much too usual and the small icons remind me of apps – not “real “hand drawn stuff though i know they are.
B – but I like the tagline bubble/font size of A better
A (although i think both are great options)
B
I prefer A.
Make the title bolder (as in B) and the speech bubble smaller.
If your audience is people new to graphic facilitation then
the pen and lightbulb image really answers the question
“what is this about”.
I want to see the main graphic from option A with the background of option B.
B
B
100% B. Way more interesting and visually appealing. I wouldn’t give second glance to A, but B, I would pick up to find out more.
Hi Jeannel;
I’m going for “B”, the one on the right. I kinda did the font / big letters and how the title is evenly centered, moreso than the other choice. I’m curious about the color orange, I know restaurants use it to make you hungry but orange can be a super annoying (and difficult to paint with) color. Can it go just a little more toward the “red” side of the spectrum? I’m sure you have your reasons. Best of luck and thanks for letting us vote.
A
B is the one I would buy. I like the bold approach – no fooling around. I also like the background with the graduated colour and doodles.
I agree with Nichole…but use the font for the author on A as well 🙂
A definitely looks “cleaner” and has a more “modern” look. B looks more cluttered with too many things competing for my attention.
I go with “B” because I like the backgroun with many pintures. Congratulations Jeannel!
I’ll go with B.
B looks more pro to me
2nd one. First one not bold enough nor professional enough.
Definitely B. It is more representative of your book. The simple hand drawn icons in the background showcases what the books is about without overwhelming the design.
I prefer A because B seems to busy to me, when you are trying to convey a new way to get a point across, I don’t think that bombarding the viewer with so many images is the way to go. If you do go with B- I would cut down/ space out the images.
I like “B”, however, I would prefer another title, “Draw Fearlessly” with subtitle from “A”, which has
bigger fonts. I think that will draw people in to review the book.
I think B is too busy, A grabs my interest more….
B as it gives a glimpse of the potential inside the book for non visual thinkers.
B, with perhaps slightly larger font for sub-title. The large DRAW FORTH makes the title clear. and is more professional looking.
I like A as the background is not too busy.
B
I prefer A because thought simple but meaningful. The bulb represents idea from synergy. The hand written name of the author adds flavour to the book which essentially stresses on graphics.
B
A. Cleaner and I like the large, central picture (bulb) as the main eye focus. Others are too text heavy and have too many little things competing for attention. Simple is better.
B
I like “A” because it is clean and clear, I find the other designs a bit distracting
Without a shadow of a doubt, A. It’s ‘loose’, informal, non-threatening.
(B is too rigid. Smacks of discipline, perfectionism. Too neat, too imposing.)
Hi Jeannel,
I think version D is my favorite. It’s quite clean and not to many symbols on it. I thought: These symbols I can scribble as well – Easy! I like the releaxed blue colour, its not so aggressive. But I would write the key phrase “VISUAL CONVERSATION” like in Version A in all in upper case.
Can’t wait to see your book!
Cheers,
Marcel
Evaluate the cover choice by setting up this brief for yourself:
1. Who is my target reader?
2. What am I offering them?
3. What proof do I have that I can fulfill the offer?
4. What would I like the takeout to be? (Takeout is two discreet things… An emotional resonance, and, an action imperative.)
Whatever you do, do NOT choose based on a popularity poll.
If you use B, consider reducing the tag line to something that for what you learn in Roy’s brief.
I believe that cover of the book that explains drawing should show the drawing so just looking on the cover I will have an idea of its value. So my choice is B! 🙂
In terms of takeout, cover A generates this response: ‘I’m a middle manager. I could use a little help communicating better. This book looks like something I can do. I wonder if I can draw like this too? Hmmmm.’
Cover B evokes this takeout: ‘Meh. I can’t draw. This isn’t for me. Moving on.’
The other variations you posted are all minor iterations of cover B.
The only notable one is the one with the handdrawn 3d lettering. And that suffers from the same thing all of the B covers do: too formal, too difficult, moving on.
Incidentally, the header font on your first cover B batch is VERY 1970s Bob Gill. That is a seriously overused, tired font. I wouldn’t go near it.
Two things I would change in cover A:
1. Give the blurb about 10 to 15 percent more breathing room (either expand the balloon, or shrink the text).
2. Fix up the hand-lettering of the author’s name. It’s letting the team down.
A. And congrats! I want you book when it’s released.
@TraceyLevasseur I love the B!
I vote for “A”. It is simple and bold; and it communicates your message clearly.
I think A is good but replace the background with B’s .
Roy said everything that I couldn’t articulate on my gut reaction.
Ith thith a therieth? What happened to DRAW FIRTHT, DRAW THECOND, and DRAW THIRD?
You should see my boyfriend’s cover design idea: two people at a whiteboard. One’s drawing the number “4”. The other’s smacking his head. (Okay, maybe that was me smacking my head!) He’s so cute!
And at this rate, I may be drawing a pint!
A!
I like two options for two different reasons:
1. I like option B but with your signature from option A instead of the block lettered name. Option B looks like a proper book, if you will, and the single color makes it easy to find and ID on a shelf. One thing I don’t dig about option B is the background little images because they look more like stock computer graphic images, not hand drawn, and really, hand drawn is what you’re all about, yes? Maybe you could look at using the more hand drawn images from option D in option B and see how that looks?
2. I also like option D, but again with your signature from option A because the sig/author’s name on A is more like signing a drawing and, well, we’re talking about drawing so, yanno, DUH! I like option D because it has the vibe of a hand made cartoon book, which is sort of what the end results will likely look like in a graphic facilitation session, so that made aesthetic sense to my eye. But I’m not sure if that’s the overall cover vibe you’re going for. I also liked the more hand drawn images floating around the title on this one. More like what one would actually draw. The images in option B looked more like stock computer images.
Option C! It got my attention the quickest and had me reading what the book would be about!
I like the A version best – to me it represents more of you.
Hi, first time visitor to your site looking for resources for visual note taking and for meeting whiteboarding. I am in Product Mgmt, and this would be great. I cannot draw at all, but just need to learn how to make some good doodles for communication.
I would probably never consider book A – I would guess it was from the 90s based on the cover, so would just pass it right up. There is nothing on the cover itself that tells me its about drawing communication. I wouldn’t even know that “visual communication” MEANS drawing. Which I guess visual communication professionals already know, but not me. Its also the least professional looking – it reminds me of those old self-published books on “desktop publishing”, or “making newsletters for fun or profit!”
B, C, or D I would definitely pick up. The doodles on the cover connect my brain to the fact that there is drawing involved and so I am going to learn something about making images in this book. I have no preference for any one of those three covers – to my brain they look similar enough. I kinda like blue better, but I have no reason for that, other than I like blue personally.
I may not be the target audience for the book, it may be for people who are already in the field, if thats the case, my comments might not be valid, but there they are!
Thank you all SO MUCH for these great comments and insights! I can’t begin to tell you how helpful they are!
I’ve gone through all of them, made my notes, and have shared feedback with my designer. Stay tuned for round two–hopefully the “cover finals!”–in the next few days!
Woot! :^D Thank you so much again!
Jeannel
It seems almost no one has noticed C and D. Did people scroll down on your site or just went for the options in your email. I would definitely go for D.
I’m drawn to A and feel your groove on that cover. Also, there is something about orange.. B reminds me of a cover already on my shelf.
Well done!!!!!! Frankly, any would be awesome!
Leanne
I vote for A
V2
B is the most effective. Bit I like the “idea” from A.
Hi – I’m friends with Karen Van Dyke and we were talking about your covers this morning. I have to be honest, none of them are making me want to stop and flip through the book. The title of your book is a call to action and none of the covers reflect that. The covers look more like a comic book cover and one may think that I would be drawing for comics. Also your tag line is too long. Having lurked on your blog for a bit you stand for overcoming your fears and draw; you don’t have to be an artist. So instead of a “how to”, I would double down on your call to action. So I would suggest something like “overcome your drawing fears and have visual conversations” or “you don’t have to be an artist to have a visual conversations” or “visual conversations without being an artist” We all know its a “how to” book. My two cents. I will likely be coming into the office with Karen on Thursday, if you are there I’d be happy to brainstorm with you.
Hi Jeannel,
I think B is the most compelling, but perhaps if the main title on C were in black instead of orange, the same would be true for C. I like the blue background, but I think as they are B has the most force and eye-catch to it. Wishing you a successful book birth!
Hi Jeannel, all options looks really good but I’ll go with B. It’s bold yet calm, and for an aspiring Visual Artist I can start practice with the little images on the cover before i even start out with the book thus my interest in the book will increase.
I hope my comment is helpful.
Ayeesha