Meet Joe Black

[Ichy007]

Firstly, please feel free to be as brutal as you like - all input welcome.

I'm out of ideas for this one and require some kind of inspiration. There are plenty of tiny details that can be tinkered with as always but it needs more than that. I'm generally happy with images used but I just haven't got this cover right yet. There are too many images of Claire and Brad for starters, it needs more variety but I think it needs far more than that, a big change, a complete rethink perhaps? Starting again can feel too much when you think you have the basis of a good idea, can't it?

Also, I love the lower photo of Claire Forlani looking into the camera - on the back page - but it's dreadful image quality so needs to go, I just can't find a decent version. In fact, none of the images are that great really but there is such a dearth of quality stuff available for this title. I have some alternatives but they all suffer the same issue. The studio covers are pretty hideous so a custom design is needed I think.

Try not to waste much time criticising the specification format - please comment on it by all means but, I'd welcome feedback, but - as explained in previous posts, my aim is to eventually personalise my whole collection with this base format, even if it doesn't necessarily always suit an individual cover. Like it or hate it - it's not likely to change, I like it in general and I am fairly happy with it here. And what you can't see is my all titles next to each other in that basic format, which I really like; all being directly comparable. (the space at the bottom is for credits - or maybe the spec block will be moved down instead).

Looking forward to some harsh input here so give it to me, (including and especially from non-designers) don't be shy, don't hold back...

Ichy

[RRJR84]

you need higher resolution pics, these are way to low res in the preview

[Ichy007]

Yes, thanks, you are quite right, but I did say that in my 'essay'! Saying that, the images are nowhere near as bad as in the preview. The even lower resolution seen here is due to the conversion I need to do to get it on here. I know what resolution I need; I have plenty of covers already on site, but that's a start at least. Come on people - more! (and it might not hurt you to read what I've written before you comment)! :arms:

NB: For clarification see this cover http://www.hirescovers.net/gallery/display....php?pid=109956 to see what how the final resolution will appear. For example, compare the Irish certificates on this one to the preview above and you'll see what I mean - required resolution isn't an issue. I've tried to re-insert a full resolution image for this WIP thread but it's the site's reduction that's causing the issue not my upload. (reasons unknown)

[venome]

There's a little too much imagery for my taste. Why not use the pic with claire looking into the camera at the top with the synopsis on the right and run some stills across the middle - leaving the bottom half for credits/specs and so on. Sometimes the simplest ideas work best.. see below..

[attachment=29224:MeetJoeBlackBackDK.jpg]

[JollyRoger]

And while keeping the color tones, make sure the primary front and back images aren't basically the same.

[Ichy007]

Great, this is good, it's in line with what I was thinking but where I had become lost, I now have a better idea which direction to head. Thanks for the advise so far.

Venome - Your point about too much imagery is a good one, cheers, but for me your example goes a little too far. I'm aiming for a bit less text clutter so I will try for something intermediate but unfortunately I must lose the picture of Forlani because the picture quality is so poor.

Jolly R' - I was concerned about the similarity but loved the colour tone mix of the front and back images so got distracted I think. I'll need to manipulate the front image again to blend it with the alternatives I have and am still struggling with that so I'll give you a nod when I've come up with something.

Cheers for now.
Ichy

[JollyRoger]

Just took a look at the resolution of the cover you linked to in the gallery.

First I think you need to work on the black levels, so that the front and back imagery have the same depth. Also the upper left image on the back is of poorer resolution than the rest of the images. I'd change that one.

Secondly - try typing the credit blocks yourself to get that crisp text, unstead of what looks to be cut out from a scanned cover.

Just a few hints - use it or lose it.

[ctaulbee]

Your front image choice has a nice dramatic look although it is low res, still it could benefit from a little work to bring the primary focus to her face by darkening the outer parts of the image and lightening her face and eyes to make them pop as the focal point.

A quick example to give you an idea of what I mean:

[Bunny Dojo]

Some images:
http://www.posterdb.de/detailmovie.php?filmID=298 -- "Bilder" = Pictures
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Meet-Joe-Bla...67/#Screenshots -- 1920x1080 Screen Captures

[Ichy007]

Ctaulbee, Yes, I like what you're saying and funny enough I tried something broadly similar last night so it's reassuring I'm probably going in the right direction. But at the moment what I'm trying is probably improving the stand alone image but I don't think I'm improving the cover yet. I'll keep playing.

Bunny, you're a star. Sadly the image I really want isn't there but no doubt, this will be a help.

Thanks both
Ichy