I’ve been thinking about doing a tutorial series on both fantasy art and book cover art, as I know that these times are tough for everyone. Authors without a lot of design knowledge and skills would be ill-advised to do their own covers, of course, but art to accompany freebies, shorts, promo material, etc., is something that anyone with an eye for balance can do.
As you probably know, book cover artists are relying increasingly on Daz Studio renders to supplement and enhance models for book covers. Quite often you’ll replace the head with a photo model head (which is a VERY useful skill to have), but the 3D model should give you a seamless body in any position, any clothing style, that you need.
Right now and for another few days Daz is offering basically a “free” membership to their Platinum Plus membership, so it’s a great time to pick up some models for a few dollars each. Here’s a list of some models that I personally use a lot, get them now for 66-78% off. The software itself, and the base models, are free.
https://www.daz3d.com/aakash-hd-for-kala-8
https://www.daz3d.com/mirlande-hd-for-genesis-8-female
https://www.daz3d.com/kira-hd-for-genesis-8-female
https://www.daz3d.com/zsazsa-hd-for-genesis-8-female
https://www.daz3d.com/millarose-for-genesis-8-female
You’ll need poses as well, unless you’re good at posing…or very patient. :D Here are a couple that give you poses and weapons:
https://www.daz3d.com/z-deadly-weapon-gun-and-poses-for-genesis-8-female-and-victoria-8
And one without weapons: https://www.daz3d.com/z-strike-a-pose-poses-for-genesis-8-female-and-victoria-8
Again, check to make these are still heavily discounted, if they aren’t you’ve missed it.
Look in the PC+ section for hair and clothing – just make sure that they’re all for Genesis 8, currently the newest model as they aren’t all mix and match.
A final thing that you’ll need is lighting, and this is the package that I use a lot simply because they give you images of what each lighting setup looks like. It isn’t on sale at the moment, but I’m adding it because it’s my personal favourite. https://www.daz3d.com/ptf-neon-splash-lighting-suite
Have fun! :)
YOU ARE A GODDESS!! Which is why I won’t be doing any of the stuff you mentioned in this post except to hire you as a cover artist. LOL I neither have the patience nor the talent compared to you, my dear.
I can’t wait to write my fantasy series. I SOOOOOO want you to do my covers.
Love checking in on your work. I mostly lurk, but I adore your designs and taste.
Hugz,
Arial