CONCEPT/ART DIRECTION/DESIGN – 2023
To Kill the Chosen One Book Cover Design
Releasing 2023
“To Kill the Chosen One” is a novel by LA-based Nikai Johnson, releasing 2023. The story follows our protagonist, Koe, who seeks revenge for the upbringing served to him by the hand of the royals.
Johnson approached me in late 2022 seeking a designer for the upcoming title, and we had a blast working together to determine what imagery would work for the story’s tone and the mix of science fiction and fantasy. Through discussions, we determined a minimalist and symbolic approach to imagery would help draw in fantasy readers, and use of stark contrast would enforce the darkness of the story’s themes.
MOCKUP IMAGES BELOW
How do you stand out amongst other fiction novels both online and in-stores?
PROBLEM TO SOLVE
Create a minimalistic cover to contrast the typical fully illustrated fiction covers, without compromising the opportunity to tell a bit of the story visually.
SOLUTION
In order to create a cover that conveyed the story effectively but without revealing too much, Nikai Johnson, the author, and I discussed important symbols that are present within the plot. The story features a protagonist wearing a white scarf, an antagonist with clairvoyance, and the life-or-death stakes accompanying their feud.
The scarf was depicted literally while clairvoyance was represented with a pair of eyes, knives, and guns demonstrating the stakes. To drive home the theme of betrayal and sadness, a black dahlia crowns the title, the tendrils of the white scarf lashing out from beneath it.
Guns & Snow: As the story takes place in a futuristic society, the guns featured on the cover are intentionally modern and of a science-fiction nature. Additionally, our setting is in an area that sees a lot of snow.
Back Cover: Much of the story hinges on a single castle that provides the protagonist with the grief that fuels his vengeful spirit.