Cover?

Hey guys - I'm working more on the content for my book (introduction, WHY I'm doing this project, why it's important, glossary, etc.) and it occurred to me that I haven't given much thought yet to the cover itself, which is pretty important given the fact that it's the first thing people will see!

So we already know that I'm dealing with brainstorming ideas for a title, but the image for the cover itself has yet to take form. I thought it would be really interesting to feature myself on the front, since I've made the decision to not include myself in the body of the book. Here is an image that I've been in love with for a while. I've found myself staring at it a few times a week for the past year:

This is an image of my friend Hailey Ginn (Havok Suicide), who amazingly enough is one of the more voluptuous, fuller sized Suicide Girl models. I KNOW she doesn't seem "plus-sized," but in the world of modeling, even alternative modeling, being a size 8 or higher puts you in the ranks of the pluz-sized (ridic, I know). Unfortunately, she lives in California now, otherwise I would ask her to model for me!! =[ This image has haunted me (in a good way!) for a very long time, and I was thinking it might be cool to do a variation of this type of pose for my cover.

However, I would prefer to be standing in the pose, arms suggesting that I'm embracing myself, my back facing the camera so as to highlight my (increasingly-closer-to-being-done!!) backpiece, and have the entire background fade out into black, to really showcase the modification on my back.

This image, too, has been in my mind for a while, sort of growing, and I've felt recently that I've actually seen (not just created in my mind) this image before somewhere. While looking back through the books that I purchased this past summer to compile my proposal/research paper (seems like sooo long ago, doesn't it??), I re-discovered this book:

And I kind of realized that I subconsciously combined the cover of both this book and the photo of Hailey (above), to create my own sort of ideal for a cover.

What do you guys think? If I do decide to use that image on the cover, I might need some Photoshop guidance from you lovely designers, as far as making the background solid black, etc... that probably seems like a silly thing to need help with; my apologies for being a complete Photoshop noob!!

I also thought it would be nice to include the quote, "We live in a world where everything is disposable, this is permanent/forever." And playing with either "This is Permanent," or "This is Forever," or simply "PERMANENT," or "FOREVER," as a title.

Thoughts, suggestions, comments??

IDENTITY LOGOS

Here are some of my paintings

New Resume Design

Playing around with a new Resume Design. Whatcha think?

Okay so finally got some of stuff uploaded. I have been working with creating these posters. Basically they tell you how you should feel when you see these objects, just like color makes up feel/do when we see it. It was just something I was thinking about and playing with? What do you guys think is this something interesting to continue with or is it just not working? Need your opinions....

Getting a little clearer on form.

Taking a queue from josh (thanks!), I'm trying to focus on content as well and I've been drafting ideas for more activities that could be done or even just thought about.
This process has lead me to a little clearer definition of how the book will function.

I have this book on semiotics for designers called, This Means This, This Means That, that is set up in a really easy to use way which I think will be a good place to start. It consists of a page with a question about a picture or illustration, followed by a response on the back of the page. I think this is a good place to start.
Another book I have been reading, that deals with the information I'm interested in, has group activities at the end of each chapter intended to use to reflect on the chapter and is pretty inspiring-
I'll bring these books to class one day soon (hopefully) and see what you guys think!

I've also been trying to think about tone. I think it needs to establish a certain seriousness so that the ideas are actually contemplated by the reader, but I think it should be more humorous or playful than some of the things like it that I have.
While thinking about this it hit me that if I want to use photographs I am going to have to take them myself or pay for them. I've also been really considering illustrations. I feel like a mix of them could work as well, but maybe more difficult.

I'll post some more detailed stuff about the content I've come up with on my separate blog too.
What do you guys think?

Ad Ideas

This is a poster I have been working on with words of encouragment for people who are dealing with ANY kind of insecurity.  Let me know if there are better things to hear or whatever would make you feel better.

On this one I changed a little of the wording around.  I still feel like it needs a little help.  I wanted to talk about it in class today but... ICE... let me know what you think still needs help.

I was also thinking about making a poster for specifically men and then women.  This is one i started for women.  For women body insecurities are more apparent so I tried to think of things that I would want to hear while dealing with those insecurities.  Girls, let me know what else you think would be great.

Also, I have NO IDEA what to put on one for guys so Josh and Ryan, please let me know what would make sence for guys.. even ask around too please!