Overview
The final cover in the trilogy features a different scene from the previous two. Zero, the author, wanted an action shot of the main character chasing a specific rabbit with red eyes and a red feather on its head.
This illustration presented unique challenges. I’m still gaining confidence with environment painting, so I took time to think about how best to execute this scene. Additionally, drawing the rabbit was outside my usual skill set, as I rarely work with animals. This project forced me to step out of my comfort zone, which was both challenging and rewarding.
Involvement
- Illustration
- Design
- Marketing Materials
Process and Techniques
To begin, I created several thumbnails and explored different forest environments for inspiration. I couldn’t find any single reference image that captured the look I envisioned, so I pieced together elements from multiple sources—tree shapes, lighting, colors, and more.
For the rabbit, I experimented with various shading styles, finding that harsher cell shading with minimal blending best suited the scene. The main character is highlighted with the brightest light, ensuring he stands out, while the darkest shadows at the bottom create a strong foundation for text placement. A soft fog effect adds atmosphere and separates the background from the middle ground.
Composition and Final Touches2
I aimed to guide the viewer’s eyes from the character, down the path, to the rabbit and the text, creating a visual flow. Although the frame has a colorful feel, the limited color palette—mostly mid-tone olive hues—helps the character and rabbit remain the focal points.
I ultimately chose a “frame within a frame” composition using the trees, which some viewers enjoy and others don’t. The beauty of this design is its versatility; you could crop out most of the trees while still maintaining the designated space for text with the correct aspect ratio.
For finishing touches, I used the text style from the first cover, recolored it to harmonize with the illustration, and adjusted its placement and size to fit seamlessly within the composition.
I really enjoyed working with Lunarix, the workflow was smooth and I was given lots of updates throughout the commission. If I was to get more artwork done, I would definitely commission her again.
Zero Things, Author on Webnovel
