I think I have a base cover design, just havent thrown the text on it yet. Beats the hell out of my first design (which I will post), too purple and busy. Let me know what you think of the new one, please and thank you. Original cover concept: New Second Design:
Might be a bit late to the table here, but I'm not too sure about the new design. To me, it looks like two disconnected, and seemingly unrelated images. I can imagine the three skulls on their own, with text above and below, making a fairly tidy image.
I can see that. Just don't want it to feel like a Horror cover as much. Though It still will have more going on than just a 'classified file' look to it. Still have plenty of time to change it, so nothing is set in stone.
Although I have 0 experience with the matter, I do agree with @mad_hatter. They do look like disconnected images, and although they convey the desired genre (IMO), I think they'd be better if they appeared more connected
I like the original better. Of course I know nothing of the story and it might not work to suit your needs. But in terms of art itself, I prefer the first image. (Not sure this helps.)
I am glad you like it, I just think it is a little too busy and doesn't really say Sci-Fi in the same way. Also it would be difficult to see what is going on in a thumbnail on amazon.
Can I be brutally honest?... No, let me rephrase that. Are you as sensitive concerning your artwork as writers are concerning their writing? So that I know if I can be brutally honest. So, seriously, is it about Sci-Fi pirates? I look at that third image and think "pirates". But it still needs a lot of work. (I agree that your first image reads "horror", yet it's still my favourite. Too bad is doesn't work. I really like it. Try and save it for another story.) EDIT: Since it's a sequel, it would be useful to see the first book's artwork.
@Rosacrvx You can see the first book cover. I just don't want to have the same look to the second. Though I think I have the second, but I am curio to hear what your take on it as well. This is the Newest Cover for the sequel.
Just some quick thoughts. It's better! A lot better! The second cover goes in line with the first with the skull theme. That's good because it will be recognisable by the reader. The second cover still could use more work. The skulls could be the same size (or at least the one on the sequel cover should be bigger than it is now) so it looks like a variation of the same artwork idea. But I see a common thread there, and that's good. (The first cover also makes me think of pirates. And it makes me think of Iron Maiden's monster, what was his name, Ed? Eddie?)