O/T sorta - Need some creative graphic input!

My proposed book cover is back from the publishers. They gave me 15 different versions. I picked this one and changed the colors. What do you guys think? REALLY need some input!!!

 

Overall,I like it.
However,I think the title becomes obscured by the background on the right.
There isn't enough contrast between the lettering and the background.

 

Real quickly;
This isn't perfect,but I think it's easier to read.

 

I see what you mean. How about this one? I wasn't too fond this but it does fix the problem. Starting to freak out as this my first photography book!

 

Thanks there Unkl! Cool!
Maybe we should try that...a little wash on the upper background.

 

Does it need to have the black border across the top?
If that was the same as the background,you could make the letters taller.

 

Crop out the foliage above the car...pull the blak down lower, closer to the top...change the red lettering to white with a red shadow...pull the "Lost Heros of Forgotten Highways" up below the title (into the blak area)...leaving your name the only thing on the bottom of the book (This IS all-important, Shane!!!)...if the whole book is blak and white...why are you adding color to the cover???

Just my nickle's worth...

BTW, congrats on the first book thing!!!
R-

 

The photo is great, the typography looks like an afterthought. It's weak.

They say don't judge a book by it's cover? Don't believe 'em. Put the effort (or hire a pro) to get it right and you will see a return on your investment. Do a half-assed job and you're pissing your money away.

Not trying to bust your balls, just trying to steer you in the right direction. It is a good photo.

 

No ball bustin' taken! This is what I want to hear! In the end it's folks like us and other car guys who will pick it up so it might as well be the best it can!
Thanks Roger. There is about 20 color shots in the book. I'll check on the name thing. I make take it right off and put it on the inside cover.
Right on guys! Thanks ALOT!!!

 

No, don't remove your name from the front cover...add it to the inside if you want, but definitely leave it on the front!!!
R-

 

Is the cover being printed full colour (4 colour process)? or 2 or 3 colours? makes a difference to the way it's laid-out. Also, I would recommend that you should sepia or duotone the photo to give it some depth. A straight 1/2 tone just doesn't have any life.

Relate the type to the subject matter. Find fonts and styles that existed when that car rolled off the assembly line.

Are you paying the printer for a cover design/layout? or are they just throwing it in? If you're paying them, fire them. If you're not, well, you get what you pay for.

You can have the best damn book on the planet, but if the cover doesn't attract anyone to it, it's a wasted effort. I shit you not.

 

Yeah, I agree, that is pretty weak. There is a very fine line between simple/understated and weak. My first question is: Does that photo need to be the cover, or is there one that has the same essense, but will work better with the typography?

A b/w halftone on the cover is no good. There are lots of tricks to making black and white photos have lots of depth in printing. You could do a black and silver duotone. You can do a black and grey duotone. 4 color sepia tones. Duotones or Tritones. Most really nice book with lots of b/w photos use some kind of duotone or other process printing.

 

Now there's an offer I can't refuse! I'll email you some details to you over the holidays. Gotta few web site related questions for you too.

 

I agree with Django, it's weak.

It's amazing what passes for graphic art.

 

[ QUOTE ]
I agree with Django, it's weak.

It's amazing what passes for graphic art.

[/ QUOTE ]
And that's what we're going try and fix. Thanks for the input.

 

I'm going to have to agree with Big A on all points. The image speaks for itself. The borders are arbitrary, but the type is what is going to make or break this cover. Using interesting typography is your best option, above all.

But I'm sure Ryan will know this already.

 

I tried something with the image hope you don't mind. -stick

 

I really like the Bumpstick interpretation.
Dig it!

 

Shit Bumpstick, don't give him all the tricks! And that font is only good for movie posters.

Big progress in my opinion. The first few covers I would have set back down on the discount rack.

 

[ QUOTE ]
I tried something with the image hope you don't mind. -stick

[/ QUOTE ]
HOLY CRAP!
That ROCKS!!!! Should start a poll for this!

 

As much as I like that picture,
Do you have one that is taken from the front of a car, that is just as good?
Something that will "look you in the eye" while you scan the racks for a good book.

 

Sorry 'bout that! Just saw it and flipped! And I don't mind in the least! I encourage everybody to give it a try if they like. No secrets...I've been on PS 7.0 for the last year and a half. Just so MUCH better when somebody else can take a fresh view of your own work. I'm my own worst critic.
Reminds me of a movie poster for sure:
"The Color Rust"
As for other shots...sooo many to choose from! Fargo_guy (Evan) saw a small sample. Feel free to visit my photo pages and pick your choice for a cover shot! This is so great!!! The talent here is awesome.
Even thought about my own car for the cover but the photo is not so great here.

 

I agree, Bumpstick nailed it.

 

I think that bump stick has the idea with the image and fade at the top. A litle tweaking with the type and you have a great start!

 

I couldn't help myself. I love your color shots. I could help you if you want, but you'd have to tell me where all the cars are. -stick

Road Apple, it was just a lil' slow this afternoon. Trajan rules!!

 

Nice layouts Bumpstick.

 

No kidding...I got hit the hay but can't stop checking in!
BStick- I'll show where every single one is if ya want, hope you have lots of time and gas! 6 years of shooting this series from all over North America!

 

while bumpstick has clearly shown you "a better way"... i guess it might be worth mentioning that the eye, and in particular, the eye of middle-to-old aged men, has difficulty seperating red from black backgrounds, making text like that in your first image difficult to make out...

and given that, on balance, your target market is entirely likely to be middle-to-old aged men, that's probably worth taking into account!

nice work BS... hmmm, "bumpstick" doesn't abbreviate well, does it?