Cover practice update: The Box of Delights

This little project which I started here has progressed quite well. I've spent several happy hours working away on it while finally watching Slow Horses.

I would say I'm at a point now where I can't obviously see what ought to change to improve things, which doesn't mean it's done (and certainly doesn't signify it's unimprovable) but that I can't do anything tomove it along right now. It needs to be put away for a bit so that I can come back with fresher eyes at some point and spot all the things I'm blind to right now.

I had the idea that the ribbon device should be galrlanded with festive foliage - pine, holly and mistletoe - and I was very pleased with how this went on two counts. Firstly that it did indeed lend the rich and sumptuous quality to the composition, suitable to the book's vibe, that I'd hoped for. And secondly just that I bothered to draw the foliage and that it came out looking quite good. I can be a bit lazy about drawing that kind of thing, grabbing it from stock when I can, always slightly unconvinced of my ability to do it.

Perhaps because I'm in a job as a book designer where my drawing is (almost) always done to be overwritten by that of an illustrator, but it's very pleasing to look at something you've drawn - to a very presentable standard - entirely from scratch.

Update:

I've had another look and added in an extra colour. I think it's working, but once again I'll have to put it away and come back to it to see how I feel. I've finished Slow Horses but left in a mood for spy media starring Gary Oldman I've been rewatching Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and occassionally muttering, "How's Ann, George?" to amuse myself. I bet John Masefield could have written a good spy book.