Esteemed readers and fellow journeyers on this exploration of The Neurobiology of Connection. We are in the process of designing the hardcover case for the forthcoming book, and I would like to bring your individual/ collective visual discernment to two iterations of the front cover for feedback.
I prefer option #1 but with the tagline from option #2. I like seeing the whole image rather than just a piece of it. I wonder what it would look like to amplify the color of the middle portion of the image - to highlight the triangle(s) and hexagon, and then soften the rest of the image so it's visible but perhaps would reduce the busy-ness of the whole image? Or perhaps there is a different portion of the image that you prefer to be illuminated and then dilute/soften the rest? An idea to play with ;)
I prefer the tag line in 2 (An Ancestral & Autonomic Approach to Enduring Wellbeing), and prefer the layout in 2 as well, partly because it's NOT as "neatly" arranged. I find 1's layout a bit boring.
Number 2 tagline for sure. Re-design, I was thinking about it and I think half of the "graph" like on number 2, but neat as on Number 1 and with part of the human squeleton/w nervous system as on the Poster. So you get intrigued and the part human/nervous system would somehow makes me feel it's practical. My 2 scents.
I like one better than two. For me the circle represents many different perspectives and not just one perspective. I don't like the subtitle on one because "turning on" and "drivers" are words that fit a mechanical paradigm and the body-mind is a complex adaptive (biological) system. If you want the "how to" in there, it could be: How to rekindle (enduring) wellbeing. I am not sure about the word "enduring," because it suggests control but we never have fully control over our environment (think pandemic) and that does influence whether or not our wellbeing is enduring. The subtitle of two does not do it for me. It creates the impression that there is a particular angle - the ancestral angle. Your book is undoubtedly broader and includes that angle. Also to have the word autonomic in the same sentence makes the sentence overly complicated. Do you want to attract particularly academics? If not, I recommend that you scrap the word "Transdisciplinary" in the blurp at the top of the cover. The recommendation can then be understood by everyone.
I hope this helps and I look forward to reading it!
Your mandala is so arresting, I go for 1. Both are perfect. No. 2 might be more arresting because it is so tantalizing, so it may be more effective at capturing actual buyers...
For me, version 1 is too busy. I also prefer the color distribution of the second version. Both have visual appeal but the second version clinches it for me..
I love #2....it feels warm and inviting....the art work is beautiful...also feel some sense of turn off with #1 "how to"....also love the tag line "ancestral.....approach to enduring well being"
#2 is more dynamic and invites attention. The subtitle is less “ fix-it” than the first and also more intriguing. The title gets a little lost tho. I love the flame right on one of the water icons - bringing the Fire and Water together as classical Asian medicine does as a mark of maturity ( so I’m reading a lot into this).
Same as Marin - I like #1 , I have a thing for circles so it tracks for me. Feels more balanced. But with the tagline from #2. I'd like to see a version of #1 with the tagline from #2 and the black/green font from #2 title and font for tagline as well.
At first glance I preferred the familiarity, and frankly the safety and predictability, of the full circle - but as I sat with both images, the 2nd one seemed more striking, somehow more intriguing and alluring, like a crystal with many facets, something to be explored and examined from different perspectives.
I prefer option #1 but with the tagline from option #2. I like seeing the whole image rather than just a piece of it. I wonder what it would look like to amplify the color of the middle portion of the image - to highlight the triangle(s) and hexagon, and then soften the rest of the image so it's visible but perhaps would reduce the busy-ness of the whole image? Or perhaps there is a different portion of the image that you prefer to be illuminated and then dilute/soften the rest? An idea to play with ;)
Thank you for this. Appreciate it Marin.
I prefer the tag line in 2 (An Ancestral & Autonomic Approach to Enduring Wellbeing), and prefer the layout in 2 as well, partly because it's NOT as "neatly" arranged. I find 1's layout a bit boring.
love it, thanks.
Number 2 tagline for sure. Re-design, I was thinking about it and I think half of the "graph" like on number 2, but neat as on Number 1 and with part of the human squeleton/w nervous system as on the Poster. So you get intrigued and the part human/nervous system would somehow makes me feel it's practical. My 2 scents.
I am more drawn to 2. But also like the symmetry of 1.
#2: firstly the tagline feels more resonant to my entire being (not centering my intellect).
Secondly the background setup with the wheel feels more enticing, it’s like it calling me to open the book to learn more about what this wheel is.
I like one better than two. For me the circle represents many different perspectives and not just one perspective. I don't like the subtitle on one because "turning on" and "drivers" are words that fit a mechanical paradigm and the body-mind is a complex adaptive (biological) system. If you want the "how to" in there, it could be: How to rekindle (enduring) wellbeing. I am not sure about the word "enduring," because it suggests control but we never have fully control over our environment (think pandemic) and that does influence whether or not our wellbeing is enduring. The subtitle of two does not do it for me. It creates the impression that there is a particular angle - the ancestral angle. Your book is undoubtedly broader and includes that angle. Also to have the word autonomic in the same sentence makes the sentence overly complicated. Do you want to attract particularly academics? If not, I recommend that you scrap the word "Transdisciplinary" in the blurp at the top of the cover. The recommendation can then be understood by everyone.
I hope this helps and I look forward to reading it!
Wow. Thank you Boudewijn!
Your mandala is so arresting, I go for 1. Both are perfect. No. 2 might be more arresting because it is so tantalizing, so it may be more effective at capturing actual buyers...
Appreciate it, Peter.
For me, version 1 is too busy. I also prefer the color distribution of the second version. Both have visual appeal but the second version clinches it for me..
Thank you Samar!
I love #2....it feels warm and inviting....the art work is beautiful...also feel some sense of turn off with #1 "how to"....also love the tag line "ancestral.....approach to enduring well being"
Thanks Joan!
#2 Is clearer, less info, invites reader to turn the page to see more, and is more pleasing to the eye.
thank you.
#2 is more dynamic and invites attention. The subtitle is less “ fix-it” than the first and also more intriguing. The title gets a little lost tho. I love the flame right on one of the water icons - bringing the Fire and Water together as classical Asian medicine does as a mark of maturity ( so I’m reading a lot into this).
Love it. thanks for the nuanced feedback.
2 I find it easier on the eye and more appealing. I think 2 will draw more people in to look at book on shelves or online
Same as Marin - I like #1 , I have a thing for circles so it tracks for me. Feels more balanced. But with the tagline from #2. I'd like to see a version of #1 with the tagline from #2 and the black/green font from #2 title and font for tagline as well.
At first glance I preferred the familiarity, and frankly the safety and predictability, of the full circle - but as I sat with both images, the 2nd one seemed more striking, somehow more intriguing and alluring, like a crystal with many facets, something to be explored and examined from different perspectives.
Very interesting. Thank you.
Number 1 looks more balanced, less cluttered.
thank you.