As I began to create the paperback version of my anthology of android stories, Automatic, I decided to reboot the cover. What does this mean? Well, it means I wanted to putz around in Photoshop and needed an excuse. I also wanted to establish a visual language to use throughout the book.

What’s a visual language? Glad you asked.

A visual language is a set of graphics (including alphabetic glyphs, typefaces) used to convey meaning. I’m using visual language in the graphic design context; to tie elements of a design together, creating one cohesive design product.

My previous book cover was nice, but I felt there weren’t many good graphic elements to base a visual language on. With the new cover, I aimed to do this. Here’s what I did:

1. Color. The first I established a foundation through hues of blue. I probably won’t use color for any internal pages of the paperback, but it will be used in graphics created for online promos.
2. Typeface. I downloaded an awesome typeface, Argon, which has a liberal license to use in products for resell. It’s unique and adds dynamic visuals. I used it for the title and my name on the cover. The other typeface used is Eurostile Extended, which is a great sci-fi typeface used in movies such as Alien and 2001.
3. Did you notice the little circle and line on the cover? I hope it reminded you of circuit board schematics or wiring diagrams. It’s a subtle reminder of technology, computers, androids. It’s also a great visual element that will be carried throughout the paperback.
4. Glowy “tech” circles and stuff. I created these with various Photoshop brushes, and I can pull any of them as design elements to be used throughout the paperback.

Once I complete the paperback I hope it will rock as much as I think the new cover rocks. Check out the wraparound cover. It turned out o.k.