Great work, Clash! Always liked the art in your games and I think this is a nice approach. Personally, I prefer the first one (white and green). It could also be blue or purple (both in the light tone range, just like the green), since these colors best represent StarCluster (based on what was previously released).

I do not like the red one, because it feels more like Blood Games (especially with the black background) and conveys a violence that clashes ( ) with the fluidity and "spacyness" of the game.

Also, in the interest of fluidity, you should do something about these "pen tablet artefacts" I highlight in your cover. The broke the organic feel of the cover because they feel artificial (which they are, since you used a tablet, right?). And also, I would advise the remove the ":". Again, in the interest of minimalism and fluidity.


Finally, I must say that your vehicle sheet is great! Best sheet you've created! Will all the layout get an upgrade compared to your previous release? Don't mean to be blunt, but your games could use a more aesthetically pleasing layout.

Anyway, this it very nice!

Hi guys!

Taking in all the criticism. The red on black does remind me too much of Blood Games, so that's out. Good point Scaredy Squirrel! The violent feel of the swoosh and the blood-like color are pluses. This is a StarCluster game, but it's also an In Harm's Way game, so it is military in nature. Blood and violence are appropriate. White for purity of purpose, red for sacrifice. That works on many, many levels.

I toned the red back to my first impulse - I bumped up the saturation a notch or two after I was satisfied. apparently it was too much. Also, I've worked over the tablet artifacts to smooth things over. Dropped the colon too! As for the inside layout, it's not changing. It does what I want.

Result:


-clash

I'm a big fan of minimalism and in avoiding strict realism in these sorts of things -- most RPG covers just look like comic books to me, and not in a good way. So I think that the direction this is heading is very cool. I do think it needs some kind of clearer symbolic connection to the content, though. For example, using the black background, perhaps adding a pale gray-on-transparent star field (above the black but behind the swoosh and text) would sell the concept.

This is certainly heading in a brave direction (for the RPG world) that I like a lot.

Quote from: flyingmice;359377The web version is smaller and less detailed than the print version, which is painted at 300 dpi. There isn't any real difference in the pictures but the color, Casey.

Right, but my monitor or local lighting might be different from your setup and I was looking at that pic last night with tired eyes. All of which might make the same jpeg look different to me.

The latest version looks better, a softer red yet still bright and the detail and overall cover stands out.

The interior layout was fine for me so cool re: no change.

Quote from: flyingmice;359444Hi guys!

Taking in all the criticism. The red on black does remind me too much of Blood Games, so that's out. Good point Scaredy Squirrel! The violent feel of the swoosh and the blood-like color are pluses. This is a StarCluster game, but it's also an In Harm's Way game, so it is military in nature. Blood and violence are appropriate. White for purity of purpose, red for sacrifice. That works on many, many levels.

I toned the red back to my first impulse - I bumped up the saturation a notch or two after I was satisfied. apparently it was too much. Also, I've worked over the tablet artifacts to smooth things over. Dropped the colon too! As for the inside layout, it's not changing. It does what I want.

Result:


-clash

Clash, how about trying it with the Starcluster title in black ?

Regards,
David R

Quote from: David R;359528Clash, how about trying it with the Starcluster title in black ?

Regards,
David R

I think the StarCluster becomes too heavy:



-clash

Quote from: flyingmice;359530I think the StarCluster becomes too heavy:

Yeah, I agree.

Regards,
David R

Quote from: Casey777;359481Right, but my monitor or local lighting might be different from your setup and I was looking at that pic last night with tired eyes. All of which might make the same jpeg look different to me.

The latest version looks better, a softer red yet still bright and the detail and overall cover stands out.

The interior layout was fine for me so cool re: no change.

Awesome! I do think the red was too bright, but i also know I am more partial to muted, subtle colors, so i went past my normal limit. I am much happier with the current version.

-clash

Quote from: Halfjack;359467I'm a big fan of minimalism and in avoiding strict realism in these sorts of things -- most RPG covers just look like comic books to me, and not in a good way. So I think that the direction this is heading is very cool. I do think it needs some kind of clearer symbolic connection to the content, though. For example, using the black background, perhaps adding a pale gray-on-transparent star field (above the black but behind the swoosh and text) would sell the concept.

This is certainly heading in a brave direction (for the RPG world) that I like a lot.

Thanks Brad! Whatever else, I think it will stand out.

-clash

Clash, I'm fiddling with your basic design and finding that something diagrammatic in the background in pale gray (or low opacity) has a nice effect. Obviously not this diagram but maybe something more closely related to your game or its topic.

I still think that you need something in the background to tie it into space Clash.   The cover art is great.  I love concept of it but I'm just afraid that it is not going to reach out to people.  It You need something muted behind.  You can barely see it perhaps but it would be enough to get the concept that it is a space RPG.  Even if it is not a grid pattern, a star cluster (which would be perhaps cool), even a ship.  Try that out and see if it strikes you.  Otherwise just keep your original design and we'll try and spread the word (which we always do) on what it is about.

Bonni

Quote from: Halfjack;359544Clash, I'm fiddling with your basic design and finding that something diagrammatic in the background in pale gray (or low opacity) has a nice effect. Obviously not this diagram but maybe something more closely related to your game or its topic.

I like the looks of that!  Maybe put a constellation in the background? Like the stylized connect the dots kind?

Quote from: Halfjack;359544Clash, I'm fiddling with your basic design and finding that something diagrammatic in the background in pale gray (or low opacity) has a nice effect. Obviously not this diagram but maybe something more closely related to your game or its topic.

How's this, Brad and Bonni?



-clash

Hi Brad, Bonni, and Pete! How's this look?



-clash

I'd say a bit too busy on my end. Might only put one "system" part in a corner.