For school, we've been asked to design the cover to a box, for cereal, or a pc game, or such. I started on the cover for the Episode III DVD. Of course, this is just fake, and isn't meant to be anything other than just a homework assignment. Anywho, this is what I have since yesterday.

so you'll only see the very edge of vaders helmet on the front cover?

WIDESCREEN!

At least put half of the helmet into the front cover... but still, nice'o'nice.

For some reason, the helmet looks strange. The mask is more narrow than I'm used to seeing. But it definitly needs to be widescreen, and more should be on the front cover (other than 1/5 of vader's helmet).

Consider it done.

Think of the front and back independantly. The front cover will be the vague side of vaders helmet when it's folded over, at least put half on the front. Take a look at how other companies and films have used their DVD covers, they're good for ideas. I considered loads when I was designing my band's cd cover.

I completely agree.... the front of the cover has absolutley nothing of interest on the front right now.

Oh, I know. I'm just starting. This is just showing my progress so far, not the completed project. I'm not sure exactly if I'm even going to use Vader or not. i thought it would be a good thing to have on the back for the text to go over, but I'm I haven't decided yet. I may try and insert a scene from the trailer or something, kinda like the back of the Episode II DVD.

However, I do appreciate all the comments. It is nice to recieve feedback. Thanks.

Today's progress

eeh i dont like the last one. just flip the vader image horizontally and it would be awesome.

The Bootleg Episode III Box art from that guy on e-bay looked professional.

If you are going to use the last design (which I don't recommend, the Vader one was very good) at least make the lines less defined, give it a blur, a fading transition from the solid black on the front to the crimson red on the back - sharp-cut lines are not attractive, nor are they very professional - that's liek the difference between MS Paint and Photoshop! :p

I'm not saying I can do any better, but I can say what I find to be visually and aesthetically (sp?) pleasing. Although Vader is oyur best bet atm, If you really want to go all out for this project and get oodles of E.C., go for a collage. For example, look at the Ep 1 and II DVD art:




Notice how the how cover is eye-catching, rish with detail. Although there is a focus (Anakin), attention to detail is also shared among the other characters and scenery - there is no "absolute" center of focus, there is a good distribution of variety and action all over.

Now I'm not suggesting you should make a "clone" (no pun intended) of the other two boxes, but at the same time, look at them for ideas. Most "epic" moveis with a large ensemble cast use this method of art, and I've always foudn it highly effective. Just look at Indiana Jones!

However, if you want to be different, you could make a less flashy but more dark and foreboding cover, for example, look at the Godfather:


Notice the symbolism, the timeless yet simple figure that says so much without the need for explosions and dramatic portraits - show most people over the age of 50 this cover, and they'll instantly associate it with a classic movie. Sometimes less is more. If you're wondering what symbol you could use, it could be a variation on Vader's helmet, his cape, or it could even be the Imperial Symbol. All sorts of things you could do.

I could think of more ideas, but here are few things you might like to consider. I'm no expert, but this is just what occurred to me.

Wow...lookin' good so far!

Thanks, it's nice to see that someone understands it is a WORK IN PROGRESS!!!!!!!!!!!! No, I'm not really mad or anything. I actually really appreciate the feedback, as it lets me know what I need to do to make it the best I can.

Thanks for the ideas. Yeah, I'm going to attempt to make a collage. I'm still in the process of gathering images though. I also the blending out the harsh edges is a good idea too. Right now, it looks like that cause it is vector art, (I'm doing this in Illustrator) and I haven't messed with much of anything other than the layout yet.

Don't listen to them... I like the cover mostly on the back.. Just put something on the front right to balance it a touch. But don't move the helmet! It's original and it rocks.

heh, I didn't say move the helmet, I just said more needs to be on the front other than 1/5 of vader's helmet