Tales of Elhaanai
Commissioned book cover proposal for the second volume of the book series “Tales of Elhaanai” written by Nicole Patrice Thomas.
Concept:
The illustration shows the protagonists (Eliane and Alric) standing on a rocky slope, overlooking a large snow-covered mountain; while a gigantic bird resembling a phoenix flies with its wings spread above them. Both characters have a serious and determined expression, they are holding hands and between them radiates an intense light of various colors that symbolizes their union in the face of adversity.
Dimensions: 30,4 x 45,7 cm
Date: December 8, 2020
“After overcoming great challenges, brothers Eliane and Alric prepare for the next battle”
Preliminary sketches of Elaine and Alric for the cover (based on the description provided by the author).
Preliminary design of the phoenix (called Firauni by the Author). The creature's color was later changed during the painting process of the final artwork.
Cover design sketches. Composition and aesthetics based on the cover designs of current young adult antiquity novels (2020).
Illustration process - Phase 1: Background construction and character placement using photo collage followed by pencil drawing and digital outlining.
Illustration process - Phase 2: Application/correction of base color, addition of shadows and highlights on characters.
Illustration process - Phase 3: Background coloring through filters, layer effects and special brushes.
Illustration process - Phase 4: Integration of characters and background by using lighting and atmospheric effects.
Final artwork with text as an example of a book cover.
Unfortunately this piece was not chosen as the official cover and the publisher decided to use a design more suited to the medium.