30 Covers, 30 Days: Day 24 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606 Tim Kim To all who celebrate today, happy Thanksgiving! Today's cover was designed in 24 hours by Henry Steadman, a force to be reckoned with. He was able to do several variations on the cover: <img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv6cdm4MEh1r0x68m.jpg"><strong> Papyrus </strong>by <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/en/participants/miss-k" rel="nofollow">Miss K</a> Siobhan Connelly, freelance graphic designer, loathes the typeface Papyrus. And yet, the Museum of Ancient History and Antiquities has specially requested it for a brochure promoting their new display on Ancient Nineveh.  Before Siobhan can even get the pictures she needs to fill in the empty spaces on the brochure, strange things begin happening at the museum. As she tries to piece together where this string of bad luck is coming from, she meets Seamus Delaney, a young man with a story about an ancient curse. Before long she is caught up in a web of intrigue and mystery. What really happened in Ancient Nineveh? Why is there a fish motif running through the new display? How much does Seamus know? And just exactly what typeface does one pair with Papyrus? <strong><a href="http://www.henrysteadman.com/" rel="nofollow">Henry Steadman</a></strong> has worked in publishing design for 25 years after having mistakenly wandered in looking for a purpose. After serving an apprenticeship in the art departments of various large UK publishing houses, he has been freelance for the past 10 years. He is now hoping that good behaviour and a genuine display of remorse will lead successfully in an appeal for early release. <em>A sampling of larger images below:</em> <img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv6chmvIGw1r0x68m.jpg"><img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv6cisaXq81r0x68m.jpg"><img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv6cjv62mD1r0x68m.jpg"> Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:02:48 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_830717 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_830717 heimarmenee :O Holy Ackerman! Those are INTENSE. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:05:13 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_830739 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_830739 javennall Love the synopsis and LOVE the covers. I think my favourite is the first of the larger ones. Amazing. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:18:21 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_830833 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_830833 Auld Soul The covers are all awesome! I especially like the first small one as I think it's the only one with the fish motif, something that must be important since it's mentioned in the synopsis. (I wish all had been enlarged so that I could check them out more closely.) I'd definitely buy the book based on its synopsis. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:26:51 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_830892 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_830892 jobydog I like the blue one on the bottom left. Though all are awesome! Sounds like a great book. I would buy it! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:47:15 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831034 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831034 imaginepageant I immediately recognized the Papyrus font on the covers and thought it was clever of the designer to use it. Then I read the synopsis and realized the font was actually part of the plot, haha. Anyway, these all look like they'd fit right in on the mystery/thriller shelves. I like the first one and the middle one on the second row the best. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:02:16 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831130 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831130 SavannahJaxx Omg, awesomeness! Nice work on getting these done. Think my fave is number eight. Definitely sounds like a novel I would read. Looking forwards to seeing it on the shelves ;) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:35:00 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831466 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831466 Lilia Sparks DEFINITELY my FAVORITE(s). I would TOTALLY pick up a book with one of these covers. These are flipping amazing!! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:49:23 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831580 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831580 Only.A.Memory The bottom two in the blocked picture thing are my favorites. :) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:52:42 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832132 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832132 Lady_Indis_Dress Nice work here. My favorite is the one with the blue ankh symbol. Top right. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:02:45 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832212 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832212 KimGM Wow! I love them all...each one is amazing! :D Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:06:57 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832688 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832688 Erecura Love all of them! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:43:42 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_833017 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_833017 arrawyn OMG! Wow! i'm so amazed that the artist was able to come up with so many awesome covers! They are all amazing in their own way but I love the blue cover bottom left corner the most - simple and striking! Also the story sounds freaking AMAZING! I have always loved Ancient Egypt and this sounds like a fantastic mystery/thriller - plus love the fact the MC hates the font papyrus! that's hilarious! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:50:48 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_833092 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_833092 walker13 That one was my favorite too. I love the simplicity. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:04:40 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_833225 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_833225 Bicicletta I love the covers, but why are an ankh and Egyptian images featured so prominently? Nineveh was an Assyrian city, located in the Middle East. They worshipped Ishtar, not the gods of Egypt. Not a complaint, just a question. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:28:04 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_833433 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_833433 Anahlynn Finally! Covers that look like they could actually go in a bookstore(no offense intended for all of the other covers made so far). I love the first big one and the first smaller one. :) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:43:05 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_834511 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_834511 PhantomDream I would totally pick this book up if I saw any of these covers. They all look amazing! The designer did an awesome job! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:52:00 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_834578 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_834578 Lorata Ancient history, intrigue, and font jokes? Sounds good to me! Also, that first cover is beautiful. Wow! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:49:39 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835016 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835016 shifterous I HATE THE PAPYRUS FONT, TOO! I would root for this heroine til the ends of time! And really great covers! I think it's phenomenal that so many variations were done in just one day. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:50:06 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835022 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835022 Chestergirl28 I was reading through the covers, and I saw that the titles was Papyrus, and it was written in the Papyrus font! And then, I read the synopsis and found out that the font is part of the story! Very clever- all the overs seem to fit the plot perfectly. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:04:27 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835164 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835164 Misty Mills As to the question of 'And just exactly what typeface does one pair with Papyrus?' the answer is NOTHING. Because it should not be used. Ever. It's just below Comic Sans on my hit list of fonts that need to die painful deaths. :) But I'd read this just to see if she ever gets back at the client who makes her use a font she hates. Because all you can do is smile and nod and say 'No problem!' when they suggest something you don't want to use and have to. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:11:36 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835805 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_835805 Hadiyah Jacqueline These covers are beautiful and the story is amazing. Great job! Lucky Kate. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:07:31 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_836362 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_836362 ashybear These are amazing. I would definitely pick something like that up in a bookstore. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:56:02 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_836842 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_836842 quilled These are BEAUTIFUL! Fantastic job! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:36:49 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_838008 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_838008 Alias Cyborg I personally like the one that's top center, with the ankh cleverly worked into the background. I would deffinetely read this book. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:21:43 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_838243 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_838243 americanaussie The best, most awesome so far. Love the synopsis. :) Well done! Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:47:38 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_838974 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_838974 WileJ I suddenly want this book. Amazing covers and I think I would actually read and enjoy the book once I was able to pull my gaze from the beautiful cover. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:50:32 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_840715 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_840715 Reprieve26 WOW! I love ALL of the cover options. Henry Steadman did a great job! Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:38:10 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_841618 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_841618 allinmyhead Wow. Very impressed. Totally professional presentation. Well done. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:24:46 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_843795 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_843795 Lorata Ahhh I went through a phase in my university days of using Comic Sans for essays and Papyrus for powerpoint. I'M SO ASHAMED. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:24:58 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_844437 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=1#forum_thread_comment_844437 ZeroDraftingGenius I realize that the designers are volunteering their time and all that ... but I feel this artist just dashed off a bunch of ideas instead of taking time to think it through. I'd much rather see one strong cover idea that truly reflects the author's concept than eight designs that place the story in the wrong setting. As Bicicletta noted earlier, Nineva was an Assyrian city, not Egyptian, and the ankh would be inappropriate imagery/symbology. Of these eight, the only cover that truly works with the story, IMO, is the one with the silhouetted city/ruins against the blue sky and shimmering lake. That one focuses on the idea of a "city," doesn't incorporate inappropriate symbols (that I can see, anyway, in the thumbnail), and implies a plot much larger than being trapped in a museum. It would definitely capture my attention while shopping and, in combination with the synopsis, would convince me that this is a book worth reading. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:47:20 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_847684 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_847684 Seaquille Wow! Not just one great cover, but several! My favourites are the first two, in the top row, and the very last one, bottom row. Good work, designer! Only complaint - should have used the typeface Papyrus in the covers; the 2nd design is the best design, for that reason, imo. Author: What a fun idea for a novel. I would love to find this in a bookstore and take it home with me. Sat, 26 Nov 2011 08:33:04 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_851680 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_851680 Miss K Good NIGHT! I'm completely blown away... first by EIGHT amazing covers ... and then by all your wonderful comments! I've often wondered if anyone would want to read what I was writing. As a graphic designer myself (not of Mr. Steadman's caliber, though) I'm really excited about what he's done. Sure, not everything fits my novel exactly, but they're thumbnails. And in thumbnails sometimes you use place-holders for something that you don't have yet. So I can see beyond even the amazingness that they are now to what they could be if I gave him more info. I think my favorite is the first big one... I love the girl running through the museum! OK... this completely made my weekend... week... month.... :-) Thanks to Mr. Steadman definitely! And thanks to all of you for your encouragement! Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:19:02 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_860194 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_860194 The-Jedi-Ninja Oh lordy! I hate Papyrus so much. But these covers are AWESOME! The story sounds really interesting, I'd love to read it. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:28:02 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_860563 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_860563 Illyrias_Acolyte I have to say, I'm actually very intrigued by this story. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:02:42 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_938184 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/30-covers-30-days/threads/42606?page=2#forum_thread_comment_938184