DEADLESS | Cover for Issue #1

Whatsup everyone, this is the cover I illustrated for issue #1 of DEADLESS, from the masterful mind of Mr. Matt O'Keefe.

For me personally the goal of this cover wasn't just to illustrate a particular scene in the story but to convey a strong sense of contrast.  In one of the more apparent ways I wanted to push the contrast of light and dark with regard to rendering the forms; utilizing the brightness of the bristol board with the darkness of the india ink (Dr. Martins Bombay Black if you're curious).  Then there's the main character, Joseph Montgomery.  Born in the 18th century but still alive because of a deal made with a demon named Azil.  He continues to live yet continues to age.  An "old" man in every sense of the word.  Paired against a character of great significance, a young baby girl.

Joseph, who's life is never in danger of ending looking down upon one whose life is very much just that.  The peace one may feel from their religion versus the fear released by a violent attack.  Even the comfort of a small crib lined in soft cotton against the rough texture a splintering wooden floor.

These are a few ideas that were going through my head while designing the cover that I was hoping to communicate. There's a couple more but, well, I'll step down from the podium and see if they'll speak for themselves.

Hope you enjoy and I'll talk with you soon!

- D

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