I got initial contact from Geoff Major from a random Linkedin post in 2019. We had a great chat and he said he wanted to write a book, never done so before, but thought he had a great idea for a story. I was intrigued. His idea was that he wanted to have a cover design to help him realise the dream. An incentive if you like to keep him on track and to have a visual of getting over the line. He had to fit this around a busy work and family life but it was something he really wanted to achieve. So after he shared some inspiration of the particular pop-culture he enjoyed and liked I set out armed with the brief synopsis to bring that cover to life.
Now the book market is a highly competitive area. There truly are some stunning and impressive covers out there. Just look at any shelf in a book store and your eyes will be busy flitting from shelf to shelf drawn in by what could be.
This was an interesting one to let my mind go on (which can be a dangerous thing) I first started with the DEADLINE title, as the main character was from a journalism and newspaper background I created the poison pen letter style for the main title. It had that grungy, inky feel and felt perfect. I then added various associated press textures, stains, aging and marks and lay this on a traditional journalists notepad with recycle paper and think blue lines. Due to the nature of the book I wanted these thin blue lines to help to tell the story and with the serial killer connection they turned into an electrocardiogram – ECG and acted as a life-force indicator gently petering out as another victim is claimed. All in all it was enjoyable to add this level of detail, something the author really appreciated.
Geoff went on to finish that book and to get it published. It's had some great feedback and reviews and established himself as an author. What an achievement! He has since completed another book and has two more in the workings which I have also been involved in. I'll share these when I am safe to do so and they are completed. It was an honour to have been a small part of his journey.
Justin Robert Price
creative / concepts / design / thinking.
