Illustrator Mock Up
After I had chosen my design to create in Illustrator I then had to go about setting up the document, I used the same measurements that I learned while researching the jewel case dimensions, this way it was just quicker and easier to make sure the artwork "fit" in the measured area. Refer to the slideshow below to see how I went about creating my mock up, from start to finish.
Final Design
I am very happy with the way this cover turned out, I really like the overall androgynous feel of it and the cartoon style, if there is one thing I wish I could've done better it would have to be the text effect, it took a long time to get the way I wanted it, I think I really need to practice applying effects and gradients, following some tutorials. The eyes are nice but I still think I could've added more depth to them. I could've also added a bit more shading on the face as in smaller sizes it doesn't really show up. I think the strengths of my cover are it's boldness and use of bright colours, also the eye contact as this creates a connection with the viewer, and the bright colours attract the viewers gaze. I do like the text effect on this cover however, so I definitely think I will be using it again. Another issue with the text is because the letters are geometrically shaped, and because of the text effect I have applied, it is difficult to read and isn't very legible at a smaller size. Another strength is also how smooth the gradient appears on paper, I thought that because Illustrator is a vector program the gradients might appear broken or choppy, however this is not the case. I am pleased with my work here and feel as though I have learned to use the Illustrator skills competantly and will hopefully be using Illustrator more in the future.
For reference, here is the link to the tutorial I used for the text effect:
For reference, here is the link to the tutorial I used for the text effect:
Back Cover
I really liked the way this layout turned out! I feel that it is consistent and makes sense, I really enjoyed making this layout because it was relatively easy to create apart from adding the copyright text, and adjusting the spine text. It also printed out really well so I can say I am really satisfied with it. If I had to give flaws on the layout, it would be that the spine text is difficult to read, and that we had to make the copyright text really small so that it would fit on the page without covering the facial shape, apart from that I think this layout is really professional and interesting!
Photoshop Outcome
After I had decided which design I was going with I then had to go about creating it. I had a lot of issues towards the end and had to re-do both of my designs as there were issues with the resolution and the document setup, but once I had re-done them I was happy with the results.
Resolution Issues
However I had made a big mistake with my outcomes as for some reason the ressolution was set really low around 75ppi. I had to re-create my front and back layouts numerous times, because either the size or resolution wasn't correct, even though I knew what measurements to use and what ppi to use, I constantly had issues with the way it turned out in photoshop, and how it looked when printed, it either looked good on screen and printed badly with a lot of pixelation, or looked huge on screen but printed at the right jewel case size. After about three or four attempts at remaking them, I finally managed to get both of them correct and of a high quality. Here are the completed, high quality layouts:
The Front Cover:
The Front Cover:
And the back cover: