Unveiling the Art
by annaguirre on Oct.01, 2009, under Ann Aguirre and Ilona Andrews
Today you’re in for a special treat. About a month ago, I got my new cover for Hell Fire, but I saved it so I can unveil it here. 
This is the cover art for book two in my Corine Solomon series. I like the moodiness of it; they’ve stopped the car at twilight, near a spooky woods (I know the exact scene this represents–it’s near the start of the book), and Corine is understandably creeped out. Once you read it, you will so go, OMG, this is from the cover!
But if you compare it to other urban fantasy titles, you’ll find this is quite different. They went for a more realistic style; they also avoided using tatts or leather, which is cover art shorthand for urban fantasy these days. I’m a little concerned by that choice. While I appreciate they want to create a distinctive brand for me, I’m not sure how new readers are going to find me. People who know of me and know what I write will buy my books regardless. It’s the random browsers I want to reach. And they’re looking for women with tramp stamps, tattoos and leather pants. Never mind that doesn’t really represent the series–it doesn’t in other cases too. But maybe this makes me stand out from the crowd? I’m hoping that’s the case.
I really love Karen Chance’s covers. Patricia Briggs has gorgeous ones too. I think the message of my covers is: this is a different kind of urban fantasy. And that’s certainly true. I have no werewolves, vampires or fairies. I do have shades, wraiths, warlocks, sorcerers, witches, genetically gifted humans, demons, fallen angels, and nephilim. And I have characters, like Chance, whose background cannot be explained by any of the above. (Yes, I totally know what his deal is. But you’ll have to keep reading the series to find out.)
So would you guess this was urban fantasy, based on the art? Would it make you pick it up? Comment on the new cover, art trends in urban fantasy, and/or what you’d like to see for my Shady Lady cover (I have my own ideas since I know what happens in the book). And I’ll pre-order Hell Fire for one lucky random commenter.
Related posts:
- Cover Unveiling Ann, thank you for unveiling your cover here! It looks sharp, and I like it, even if it does look like it could be an image for Fast & the Furious 4. The supernatural is downplayed more than I’d expect. Maybe instead of tattooing the girl, the artist could add...
- Futuristic UF? People who don’t usually read SF have told me they read and enjoy my Jax series. They’ve also said they consider Jax to be a sub-genre they’d dub Futuristic Urban Fantasy, rather than romantic science fiction, like it says on the contract. That’s because Jax’s voice is much more in...
- Hasta luego y gracias por el pescado! (That’s Spanish for So long and thanks for all the fish!) I pay homage to the awesome Douglas Adams. It tickles me to see my books next to his on the shelves and makes me sad that he won’t be writing more. I did hear that his widow has asked...
- Worldbuilding To dance from Ann’s topic on Steampunk: I get a lot of worldbuilding questions. Some of them are a little bit trippy. I once got an email explaining to me that the author of the email was writing an urban fantasy and could I please point out to him which...
59 Comments for this entry
1 Trackback or Pingback for this entry
-
Tweets that mention Unveiling the Art - Babel Clash -- Topsy.com
October 1st, 2009 on 11:50 am[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kelly Krysten . Kelly Krysten said: RT @ann_aguirre: Behold, my Hell Fire cover art & a contest: http://bit.ly/eghWg [...]
October 1st, 2009 on 11:55 am
The cover looks amazing! Honestly, it looks more like a contemporary book for me based on the cover. A women who raises hell.
October 1st, 2009 on 11:59 am
Based purely on the cover art, I don’t think I would automatically assume UF…but maybe with Brigg’s blurb it will make people think that.
I LOVE the cover though! I like the colors and that there are not tatts plastered all over Corine. Can’t wait for it!
October 1st, 2009 on 12:00 pm
It does look somewhat contemporary but I love it! The spooky woods and the use of vivid color would definitely make me pick it up and read the back, and then I would be hooked
October 1st, 2009 on 12:00 pm
Katie - maybe I will attract that audience and turn them on to urban fantasy? *g*
Mandi, yes, I am hoping the Briggs blurb, plus shelving, will do the trick. I also am happy it’s different and they are creating a unique brand for me.
October 1st, 2009 on 12:03 pm
While I would definitely pick the book up just based purely on the cover (I love the colors!) it doesn’t scream UF to me but more like Contemporary Romance?
Which, of course, I love too so win either way!
October 1st, 2009 on 12:03 pm
I would definitely pick up this book even if I weren’t a UF fan.
I also had to pimp it out in a post:
http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/2009/10/ann-aguirres-cover-for-hell-fire.html
October 1st, 2009 on 12:08 pm
Gorgeous cover! I love it. It fits your voice and Corine’s. And I still think it looks like urban fantasy. I associate the haze and the swirly things with magic. Plus the focus is just as much on the night sky and the dark trees as on Corine. Works for me.
I do, however, have a problem with the release date. April. APRIL!!!! That’s six months and one week away. Do you know how cruel it is to tease your readers like that?
I waaaant.
October 1st, 2009 on 12:16 pm
It’s a beautiful cover, Ann, and I think it definitely works with this series. Frankly, I like the fact she’s not covered in tatts and piercings (those normal trappings of UF covers). The positioning of her (the obvious concern on her face)the swirling and blurring… all definitely evoke a something-weird-is-going-on-here feel. It doesn’t scream UF, but it does cry out to be picked up and looked into. I think it’ll do great.
October 1st, 2009 on 12:16 pm
I really love the cover. I just wondered if it struck people as urban fantasy. The art department thinks like Jen, that the haze and the swirls are magic, and that consumers will pick up on that. I was worried it was too subtle for the average person.
Here’s the blurb:
I’m still a redhead. Before we left Texas, I touched up the roots with Garnier Nutrisse 64-R, and then I had some tawny apricot highlights put in. I guessed that meant I intended to keep this color for a while. Symbolic—I’d made a commitment, at least to my hair.
As a handler, Corine Solomon can touch any object and know its history. It’s too bad she can’t seem to forget her own. With her ex-boyfriend Chance in tow—lending his particularly supernatural brand of luck—Corine journeys back home to Kilmer, Georgia, in order to discover the truth behind her mother’s death and the origins of her “gift.”
But while trying to uncover the secrets in her past, Corine and Chance find that something is rotten in the state of Georgia. Just a few miles away, no one seems to know Kilmer exists. And inside the town borders there are signs of a dark curse affecting the town and all its residents—and it can only be satisfied with death…
October 1st, 2009 on 12:16 pm
I’m draw to it because it ‘doesn’t’ look like every other cover out there! It’s nice to see the unexpected or unusual. There’s nothing like having a patron describe the cover, umm a chick with tats and skimpy clothes. Yeah, that tells me what book you’re looking for considering most books have ‘that’ chick gracing their covers. Now if they say chick leaning against a red car I’ll know exactly which book they are describing.
October 1st, 2009 on 12:28 pm
Hmm. Chance. Nomnomnom.
October 1st, 2009 on 12:31 pm
Well I actually like the cover(s) for this series, it is refreshing to see an urban fiction book that doesnt rely on a tattooed leather clad woman to see copies. Not that I have anything against tattoos, love them. I really dont think that there should be a set norm for cover art in any genre because soon enough all the covers will look the same and nothing will actually stand out.
I like the direction that the Corine series art is going. It’s showing her for who she is, not some fluff to catch a pervs attention… which is what the art should do (be true to the characters).
By looking at the cover yes it isnt totally clear that this is a romance, thriller or urban fantasy… but the recommendation from Patricia Briggs settles that.
I really hope that you stick with the current artist and modern feel to the cover art. It sets this series apart and if anything I think it would allow for people who aren’t really into urban fantasy (or fantasy in general) to make the cross over because the cover itself isn’t intimidating. I like it when the covers show the main character how they really are and not a sexed up version.
Personally I would like to see the next installment follow in the same tradition as it’s predecessors. But that is just me personally. Cant wait to read the new book!
October 1st, 2009 on 1:23 pm
Well she does show her belly and that is sure a trend in UF.
I like it, it’s different, well except for that tiny part then
October 1st, 2009 on 1:34 pm
Love the cover, Ann!
October 1st, 2009 on 1:35 pm
Gorgeous cover! I would automatically think it’s a Urban Fantasy with only the cover though. But i would check it out if i saw this book cover in a bookstore or even on the internet. Yes i’m that shallow, the cover does influence some of my readings *roll eyes*
October 1st, 2009 on 2:57 pm
I love the cover, I don’tthink its UF 100% but the dark look of the cover would push me more past contemporary. Looks very nice and if I didn’t already know what an awesome author you are I would still buy the book because I like that way the cover looks. Awesome blurbs always help but the cover is what pulls you in.
October 1st, 2009 on 3:03 pm
I don’t think the cover screams UF, although it is a really nice cover. If I wasn’t already waiting for th release and I saw it on the shelf I’d pick it up and the blurb would reel me in. The Patricia Briggs quote is an added enticement.
October 1st, 2009 on 3:45 pm
I love the colors they chose for the covers. There aren’t enough green covers in urban fantasy. And I personally don’t need the cover model to have leather and tattoos for me to think urban fantasy.
And I don’t think you should have too much trouble with the random readers. You’ve got a blurb by Patricia Briggs, so I’m sure that will lead some of the random people browsing to think urban fantasy.
October 1st, 2009 on 4:26 pm
Well, the cover alone doesn’t shout urban fantasy to me, but any books by you end up in my shopping cart anyway, especially loving this series, Ann.
October 1st, 2009 on 4:31 pm
The cover doesn’t make me instantly think UF but would make me stop and pick it up. The comment from Patricia Briggs would clinch the deal
I’m with the others though in that I like that this is a little different and hope you get to keep the theme going
October 1st, 2009 on 4:42 pm
You guys are really relieving me! I should’ve trusted in art / marketing knowledge and vision instead of worrying. (I’m a worrier.) But it really sounds to me like you guys are tired of the same old, same old, and are pleased with the unique style Corine has going on.
October 1st, 2009 on 4:56 pm
To me, whether this art says Urban Fantasy or not depends a little on where it’s shelved. If I stumbled upon it in the Sci Fi section, I would definitely think it was urban fantasy because of the car and the fact she is in contemporary dress. And it would catch my attention more because it looks different from the other urban fantasy novels.
Also she may not have a tramp stamp or other tattoo, but the low-slung jeans and bare midriff still seem to evoke that element of the traditional urban fantasy cover. So you get the best of both worlds, I’d say!
October 1st, 2009 on 5:25 pm
Hey Ann, I think your cover is a standout. You’re right, to me it doesn’t scream UF but what it does, it create your brand for Corrine. I loved your first cover and this one is wonderful as well. Seriously, I think it will fly off the shevles…..
Jules
October 1st, 2009 on 5:27 pm
Ahh, now I get to see this one. I think I like Skin Tight better, my friend. Nope, this doesn’t scream urban fantasy at me. I’d actually think more women’s fiction, but grittier than that, if that makes sense. Definitely genre-crossing.
And I can’t say if it would make me pick it up — at least to read the blurb on back, it would definitely do that — but, at the risk of sounding like a kiss-up (which I don’t mean to do), I’d buy it for the author’s name on the cover.
October 1st, 2009 on 6:09 pm
I wouldn’t say “urban Fantasy” based on cover, which is beautiful. Looks more like a mystery type novel. I’d pick it up and give it a read, based upon the cover
October 1st, 2009 on 7:23 pm
For Shady Lady, I want to see more paranormal / UF elements. I’d like for it to be dark and shadowed, night-time, with an urban background: chain link fence, broken pavement. There should be a chalk pentagram and candles. And for the first time, Corine should be holding a weapon: a knife with a bone handle and a serpent on it. (That all has plot significance). Oh, and a wavy blade. I am beside myself with excitement to see how they’ll execute that, given the style. I hope they like the concept.
October 1st, 2009 on 7:32 pm
I like the new cover, Ann, and I also think it brands your urban fantasy as different, better than the totally tats and piercings and leather pants crowd. That has become a kind of cliche, and I think it is better that you move in a different direction with your character.
I had no idea that you wrote books under another name, like Eva Gray, and I am now going to have to find some of your back list at the library!
Congrats on the two great new covers–I think they will really sell your works.
October 1st, 2009 on 7:34 pm
There is no backlist yet, DeAnn. The first Ava Gray book comes out November 3.
October 1st, 2009 on 9:03 pm
Beautiful cover. I love illustration. The cover does look more like a contemporary murder mystery novel. I would buy this because I know the name. If I didn’t already know the name I am not sure I would peg it as urban fantasy.
October 1st, 2009 on 9:59 pm
Love the cover! Can’t wait to read the book!!!
October 1st, 2009 on 10:36 pm
I like it Ann. It’s softer than your earlier covers, but still very edgy and suspenseful. The sweep of her hair makes me think she’s whipping her head around. It’s sexy too. Red cars and a chick who’s about to take care of herself.
Best.
October 2nd, 2009 on 3:57 am
It has a ghostly feel to it, somehow, so I might guess that it was a ghost story or had some sort of different genre than plain fiction going on.
But I certainly would pick it up and read it, it looks exactly like my kind of book!
October 2nd, 2009 on 5:17 am
Hey, I found Grimspace while looking for typical urban fantasy covers. Grimspace didn’t have the normal cover I look for, but I still found it, picked it up and read the blurb on the back-then I bought it. I’ve been buying your books ever since. I think a lot of browsers will come across your Hell Fire book, especially if they start at the “A’s” I usually start browsing at the beginning of the section and loose steam before I get to the later alphabet, so it’s probably good your name starts with A.
Except for the colors and the outfit, this cover reminds me of the “gothic” romance novels of my youth, with out the nightgowns. But the expression on her face, the stance - that’s what makes me think of the older style gothics. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book, except that by now I know your name, so I’m on the look out for anything with Ann Aguirre on the cover.
Whenever I recommend books though I mention your name!
October 2nd, 2009 on 5:36 am
The cover says more Urban Suspense than Urban Fantasy. Do not know if I would pick it up if I did not already know what you wrote. I like Patricia Brigg’s book covers as well and picked them up based on the cover but did not buy one of her books until recently.
October 2nd, 2009 on 6:45 am
I think it conveys that this is a very different heroine then you would find in other books. Corrine has a very strong sense of self and doesn’t try to be something she is not. I like the fact that she isn’t portrayed in black leather with a butt view and such. I would definitely not worry if I were you. It is going to sell like crazy!
October 2nd, 2009 on 8:25 am
Oh, good! Thanks so much, guys. This is a big help.
Also, since I didn’t put a time frame on the contest, I’ll do that here and now. This will run until next Friday when I wrap up my time here. I’ll announce the winner in comments on my last blogging day.
October 2nd, 2009 on 9:52 am
It’s a lovely cover. The play of light on the cover puts it in the fantasy category more than “plain” contemporary, so I might guess it has fantasy elements if I saw it without knowing your name already.
Perhaps your covers, among others, will help publisher’s to break out of the UF leather/tattoo branding and branch out with other kind of cover art.
October 2nd, 2009 on 10:20 am
Very pretty cover. I wouldn’t think the book was an urban fantasy based on the cover. It looks like a contemporary cover to me. I would pick up the book to see what it is about.
October 2nd, 2009 on 10:52 am
I think you can still tell its urban fantasy (the bare midriff is a UF staple). Loving the colors here. The only issue is for me is the swirly light makes it look like.. the car is moving? Which doesn’t make sense.
October 2nd, 2009 on 11:11 am
Hello Ann, congrats on getting this second addition to the series out on the shelves soon. If it’s anything like the first I know I will enjoy it.
As for the cover, I think most fantasy readers will be browsing the section of borders, B & N or where ever they buy books. If they stumble across it in the open and the cover art catches them, the publisher’s logo will tell them what the book is. The cover is striking and it is catching. Makes you want to pick it up and search for the details like read the sign in the background. I think it will do just fine. If it doesn’t catch people the first time around, I’m guessing they will read some reviews then make a decision on purchase. That’s the way I work anyway.
October 2nd, 2009 on 12:47 pm
I like Blue Diablo cover better, I haven’t bought the book yet, even though it really sounds great! It is on my to-buy list anyhow =)
good luck with next release!
October 2nd, 2009 on 1:15 pm
I really like this cover I think the realism makes for a nice change from the almost generic covers used for urban fantasy at the moment.
Oh, and you shouldn’t be concerned about fans finding your books, the name Ann Aguirre is big enough on the cover to catch any die-hard fans eyes
October 2nd, 2009 on 2:42 pm
I can see both pros and cons. True, you are establishing a unique look for this series, but there is a ‘look’ that seems to identify urban fantasy to those who love the genre, and this is slightly different. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Of course appearances can only go so far; it’s what’s inside that matters.
I posted this on my blog:
http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com/2009/10/cover-art-giveaway-hell-fire-by-ann.html
October 2nd, 2009 on 3:27 pm
It does look more like a Contemporary cover!
October 2nd, 2009 on 5:36 pm
“So would you guess this was urban fantasy, based on the art?” I honestly don’t know. The set-up with the character (and her general lack of tats and leather) seems almost to signal woman’s fiction or something, but the color scheme is just a little too dark for that. I really love the model by the way. She’s pretty, she’s got a little belly like a real woman, and she does resemble the character. (One of my biggest pet peeves is when the cover character bears absolutely no resemblance to the character in the book. Hair color especially. How hard is it to get hair color right? Honestly!)
“Would it make you pick it up?” Probably not if I weren’t already familiar with your writing. The so obviously artificial lighting and somewhat amateurish photo-shopping of elements together kind of turns me off.
“Comment on…what you’d like to see for my Shady Lady cover” Well, I am a TOTAL Corine/Chance shipper so I would like a Corine/Chance clinch cover personally. Heaving bosoms, ruffly designer shirt. The works. ;P
October 3rd, 2009 on 2:32 pm
I really like the cover. If I wasn’t already a fan I would actually pick this one up over one of those ‘tatt and leather clad women’.
October 4th, 2009 on 10:56 am
Beautiful cover, I like the colors! It looks like a contemporary…
October 4th, 2009 on 4:42 pm
Sweet!!! I like the sort of ethereal look of it. I’m into it! I know what you mean about wanting people to be able to identify it for the genre, but what the heck, this might go in your favor. And you have that sweet Briggs quote there, which says excellent UF loud and clear. Oooh, can’t wait for this one! Oh, I’m not entering here, though. I want to grab it from my bookstore in person and demand they keep a bunch in there.
October 4th, 2009 on 6:11 pm
I don’t think this cover would automatically identify the book as urban fantasy, but frankly I think the half naked tattooed females portrayed on most UF covers have been over done. Most of the time the cover has nothing to do with the content of the book. While I love Patricia Brigg’s books I think its strange the main character is covered in tattoos on the cover while the book only mentions her having one small tattoo of a paw print.
I think it’s great that you are doing something different and that you cover is actually taken from a scene in your book. Though for some reason the cover remind me a little of a Nancy Drew book (is that random?)
I can’t wait to read and I’d love to get an early copy!
October 5th, 2009 on 10:06 am
I love the cover, it is hot and does make me want to peek at the pages. But, KB has a point, it does look contemporary. New trend for UF? Anything that gets the reader to give it a try!!!
Dottie