I've decided to go with self publishing and now I need a cover for my book. I didn't like the designs the company had to offer, so does anyone know of any sites where I can create my own design.
Designing a Cover
- Thread starter cjcassada
- Start date
I got my covers done at http://streetlightgraphics.com
Inexpensive, quick and I thought they turned out pretty good. (And just so you know I'm not affiliated with them in any way. In fact, it was on this site that I first found a link to them).
But I don't know squat about doing it yourself.
Inexpensive, quick and I thought they turned out pretty good. (And just so you know I'm not affiliated with them in any way. In fact, it was on this site that I first found a link to them).
But I don't know squat about doing it yourself.
Resources.
Photoplus, or at least one of the versions is completely free. The website is professional and trustworthy, you can pay for a cheap upgrade, but the Free version can do pretty much anything photoshop can do and (IMO) is easier to use.
There's also GIMP, I have this too, but I already had Photoplus SE and it doesn't really offer anything more besides being more difficult to use......In other words I got it over a year ago and still can't use it.
The below sites (I have used and trust) offer free fonts, but you'll have to check the copyright on each font (unless the site states otherwise):
http://www.dafont.com/
http://www.fontspace.com/diogene/champignon
If you have trouble installing them, I can help assuming that your system works somewhat like Windows XP or Vista.
Free Stock Images:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (you'll have to check each copyright individually depending On you browse)
http://karenswhimsy.com/public-domain-images/ (Illustrations not photos)
http://www.public-domain-image.com/. Mostly Photos all are free to use for whatever purpose you want, high Quality and the one I use most.
http://stockart.deviantart.com/. Variable in quality and you'll have to look at each copyright, but a vast collection.
Flickr has a nice collection, you can do that for free.
Shutterstock and iStock have nice photos at fairly low prices, or you could always ask someone here or at the NaNoWriMo artisan forum to do it for you.
Sorry if I babbled.
Photoplus, or at least one of the versions is completely free. The website is professional and trustworthy, you can pay for a cheap upgrade, but the Free version can do pretty much anything photoshop can do and (IMO) is easier to use.
There's also GIMP, I have this too, but I already had Photoplus SE and it doesn't really offer anything more besides being more difficult to use......In other words I got it over a year ago and still can't use it.
The below sites (I have used and trust) offer free fonts, but you'll have to check the copyright on each font (unless the site states otherwise):
http://www.dafont.com/
http://www.fontspace.com/diogene/champignon
If you have trouble installing them, I can help assuming that your system works somewhat like Windows XP or Vista.
Free Stock Images:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (you'll have to check each copyright individually depending On you browse)
http://karenswhimsy.com/public-domain-images/ (Illustrations not photos)
http://www.public-domain-image.com/. Mostly Photos all are free to use for whatever purpose you want, high Quality and the one I use most.
http://stockart.deviantart.com/. Variable in quality and you'll have to look at each copyright, but a vast collection.
Flickr has a nice collection, you can do that for free.
Shutterstock and iStock have nice photos at fairly low prices, or you could always ask someone here or at the NaNoWriMo artisan forum to do it for you.
Sorry if I babbled.
I'd advise using istockphoto. It's usually pretty cheap to get images you want, and then it's up to your own editing skills.
I'd like to point out, though, you can commission a professional to do your cover art for you, often for a very cheap price. My own design company, for example, (url in signature below) does cover art for only $35. If you'd like, check out some of the samples and see if you'd like my help, and if not, I wish you the best of luck still in designing your cover!
I'd like to point out, though, you can commission a professional to do your cover art for you, often for a very cheap price. My own design company, for example, (url in signature below) does cover art for only $35. If you'd like, check out some of the samples and see if you'd like my help, and if not, I wish you the best of luck still in designing your cover!