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Forest Canopy View

Step 1

The Brief

What You Are Designing:

Overview

You are designing a full wrap book cover for a published novel.

This includes:

  • Front cover

  • Spine

  • Back cover

 

Your design should be presented as a complete, print-ready concept. All styles are welcome. You may approach this as illustration, graphic design, painterly work, or a more conceptual composition.

There is no single “correct” style. What matters is that your design feels intentional, cohesive, and aligned with the tone of the story - so please take the time to familiarise yourself with the aspects of the story. 

Step 1.1

Uncover Genre and Setting

Before you begin your design, I want to invite you into the world I’ve built. This isn't just about a pretty picture; it’s about capturing a feeling that lingers after the book is closed. Take your time with these details to understand the tone. 

Book genre: 

Dark Romantasy

Dark romantasy is not just fantasy with romance in it. It is stories where love grows inside danger, and choosing each other has consequences. It comes with dark themes and often triggers warnings. 

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It is a story where:

  • The world is violent, unstable, and unfair

  • Power comes at a cost, often through suffering or sacrifice

  • Characters are forced into impossible choices

  • Often times the story focus on self healing and acceptance where the romance is a part/catalyas to that and not cute love ​

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Book Setting

The story takes place in Castle Craggen.

A half-ruined fortress built on a hill, overlooking a mountainous kingdom, Drukha.

A cold, harsh land of stone, wind, and survival.

  • The architecture is heavy and defensive

  • The landscape is steep, jagged, and unforgiving

  • The air feels cold, often wet with mist or low cloud

Nothing is soft here. Nothing is decorative.

This is a place built to endure, not to impress.

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Environmental Tone

  • Grey skies

  • Low visibility

  • Cold light

  • Wet stone​

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What This Means Visually

  • Dark stone textures over clean surfaces

  • Worn edges, cracks, damage

  • Height and exposure rather than enclosed comfort

  • A sense of isolation from the wider world

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What To Avoid

  • Bright, sunny landscapes

  • Clean or pristine castles

  • Fairytale or romanticised medieval settings

  • Warm, inviting environments

Some images used on this site and social media have been generated for mood and character reference purposes.

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