Ta-dah!

Here you now see the first three books in the JGDS (Junior Geography Detective Squad) 50 States Mystery Trivia Series.

Although book two is not yet at the printers (though will be soon after just a bit more tweaking), I designed the cover for book three based on the clues given (of course) and the title.

The challenge was in making the cover true to the individual book while at the same time complimenting the series. As any one who works closely with artists knows, art work evolves much like a writer's writing does. It changes slightly over time, with each new project. New things influence their work in new and different ways. I constantly had to refer to the first two book cover designs and remember 'how did I do that effect'...lol.

Sometimes making a series "match" can be tough because of this evolutionary tendency. For example, when designing the cover for book two, State of Quarries, the font I initially chose for "Quarries" was much bolder and stood out a great deal more. It looked great until I put in beside The State of Wilderness cover. I though 'crap'..lol. Now I had to re-think my font choice. I am glad I caught it before going to press! Luckily, I found a more artistic font that did not over-power the first cover.

To me the font is just as important as the cover illustration -- it's part of the art and therefore needs to be artistic. So when looking for the right font to match both books when designing State of Reservations, I knew the challenge to find a font that relates to both the title and book plus wouldn't stand out any more than the other two books in the series would be a trick.

At first I was going to to use a Cherokee syllabary font. It would not have been readable if I used it the way the Cherokee do (since their symbols look like our alphabet in many ways as far as shape goes but doesn't correspond with English in any way really), so I was planning on using their symbols but in a way to make it "look" like a stylized English alphabet.

But problems soon rose to the surface... naturally... lol... and I had to look into another font. First, I could not get in touch with anybody to get permission to use the font. Second, I almost made the same mistake as I did with book two -- the font wouldn't have matched anyway -- too "plain", though still cool. Lastly, the font sites I utilize the most had NOTHING I felt was suitable... not the right kind of "Indian" or too stylized or not artistic enough, plus, if I presented an official language in the 'wrong' way, I would have been sure to hear negative feedback from those that can actually read 'Cherokee'...lol.

In answer to your next question...Yes, I am aware I show obsessive compulsive tendencies...lol, but so does the publisher (Vivian at 4RV Publishing), so it works to my advantage when it comes to what I do. It may take me longer to complete a project-- but you can be assured I will do everything humanly possible to present a perfect book.

I finally settled with feathers arranged to represent letters for the cover of book three. I would love to hear opinions!

Don't forget book one, State of Wilderness, needs votes on The New Covey Awards for Most Eye-Catching Cover:

http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/2009/01/entry-02-state-o...

If you find time, stop by and take part in the vote!

Aidana WillowRaven
http://willowraven.weebly.com
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

Want me to design your next cover or kiddie book? Check out the rest of the website for more info.