This month, Deborah Bradseth at Tugboat Design reimagines the cover of Jeep Tour by Gail Ward Olmstead, who was so pleased with the result that she immediately hired Bradseth to redesign another book. Bradseth’s new cover art and design notes are below.

Design Note #1: Using colors within the main image for the text is a great way to tie everything together.

Design Note #2: Adding a stroke around the text to help it stand out is a method that should be avoided except for certain scenarios. Instead, find a contrasting color or lighten/darken the area behind the text to help it stand out.

Design Note #3: Coloring can have a huge impact on the design as it helps convey the tone of the story. The yellow/pink sky in the new design keeps the tone light and hopeful.

Design Note #4: The original design looked more like a travel guide, whereas the new design has similar imagery, yet conveys the appropriate genre.

To submit your book for a free cover redesign, email us.