THE ARTIST'S JOURNEY - LESSON TEN: MY FIRST COVER PROCESS, SIX EASY STEPS

The very first comic book cover I professionally drew was for 'Battlestar Galactica: Six', issue #4, dated April, 2015. So what now follows is my explanation about how I broke down the process of creating it. But before I do that, I would like to share with you the message the editor sent to me in regards to its specifications and his general request. Please Note: This message was a highly private discussion that was considered very TOP SECRET at the time! 007 Style! Here's how it goes: 

Hi Rod,

We'd like you to draw the covers for the 'Battlestar Galactica: Six' series, for issues #3, #4, and #5. But can you please do the cover for #4 first? Here is the solicit copy for the issue.

Battlestar Galactica: Six #4 -- Number Six, like the other humanoid Cylons, has been designed to be human in every way. If that's the case, then how can she be sure what she really is on the inside? In order to know the truth for certain, she'll have to take a leap of faith. But will she fly high or crash and burn?

So when can you provide cover layouts for me to look at?

Many thanks, The Editor.

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I was obviously really excited about this opportunity and wanted to work on it straight away! So what now follows is the six-step process I used in order to create it.

1) I wanted to give the editor six choices for a cover design, so I made thumbnails of each for him to choose from. I also came up with the idea of dividing the character of Six into two parts, part metal, part real! After all, is she Human or is she Cylon? Which was her basic dilemma in this episode, minus her silver wings and nerves of steel (Comment below if you know what’s this in reference to). 

2) Once the editor approves and chooses the cover idea it’s time for you to start drawing it, keeping in mind that you have to leave a space in the appropriate areas for the title and credits. It's also a good idea to number the layouts for easy identification. In this case, the editor chose #2.

3) Now it’s time to sketch the idea in

the real size. I like to use a blue or red

brush when sketching (just a personal

taste of mine).

4) At this stage of the creation
process I like to change the opacity
of this layer & create a new layer
called pencils to tighten things up.

5) After that is done, try to turn off

your sketch layer & change the opacity

of the pencils, before creating a

new layer called inks & start inking.

6) Now that you have completed the

character you’ll have to create a new

layer & draw the background

behind them.

When finished, save your cover in 400dpi, CMYK, TIFF format, and send it over for approval. Once it’s approved it will be sent to the colorist and the logo of the issue will be inserted. Congratulations!! You now have your first comic book cover!!!

NEXT: How To Create a Great Portfolio.

This article was brought to you by Brazilian born, Rod Rodollfo from Alpha Brain Art Studio. Please feel free to download the Master Page Template used by Rod on many Published Comic Books by clicking here! And while you're at it, don't forget to follow him on his website, twitter, and facebook pages.