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We Need Your Creative Eye!

January 8th, 2009 by Patrick Dominguez

[UPDATE: the poll results have been announced]

I’d like to get your help in choosing the best cover design for our upcoming book “The Art of Green Business”, in which innovative entrepreneurs will have powerful insights and inspiration on how to build a successful green business.
Your vote will help decide a crucial part of this book - the cover.

Thanks for voting and participating! We will announce the winning design soon.

poll options
poll options

Cover Design 1

 

Cover Design 2

 

Cover Design 3

 

If you have any thoughts you want to share about a design, please leave a comment below.

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Topics: Green Marketing

77 Responses to “We Need Your Creative Eye!”

  1. lydialyons Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    I like # 1 for sure.

  2. Victor Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    I like #2, it reminds me of the entrepreneurial spirit. And Ayn Rand….

  3. Shawn Case Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    Hi Patrick,

    I like the colors of the first one and the graphics are more interesting and communicate the idea of building a bit better. The second almost looks like some sort of self-help book to me, and the third is a bit more generic than the first in my opinion.

  4. Susan Beebe Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    Design #1 gets my vote… hands down - that’s best!

  5. Andy Wooster Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    I would certain go with the first. Not even a contest.

  6. Dahni-El Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    To be honest, while the three covers are interesting, the title of the book does not truly fit the design of the covers. My least favorite design is Cover 3. Cover 1 just barely edges Cover 2.

    Cover 2, while very vibrant, has the feel of an abstract text and comes off a little hokie to be a serious book about green business.

    Cover 1, the winner, seems some what more serious than cover 2, somewhat boring and does not clearly connote or symbolize common characteristics associated with the green business niche.

    I hope this helps. I mean nothing more than to give objective feedback. Best of luck to both of you!

  7. Patrick Dominguez Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Great comments, and a lot of comments in favor of #1.

    Any fans of #2 and #3 want to voice their support…?

  8. Rebecca Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Yes - #1 all the way - #2 is New Agey, #3 too dated.

  9. Oscar Huang Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    #1 is more attractive from its professionalism. Personally, I like the concept of #3, but the hand is a bit too much of the cover design, and it may fit better as a magazine cover than a book cover. #1 definitely merges Green and Building successfully.

  10. Cris Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    Clearly, #1 has my vote! When you get it published, be sure to write a review or blog about it on sustainlane.com to spread the word that it’s out!

  11. Tony B. Rich Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Cover Design 1 represents a real and genuine COMMITMENT to sustainable business. It incorporates the actual CREATIVE DESIGN. There is a whole lot of ‘greenwashing’ going on throughout corporate boardrooms right now, which has very little to do with sustainability and closed-loop accounting principles. We are in the middle of a ‘crisis of design’ . . . and it is up to us business leaders and creatives to design our way out of this environmental catastrophe we have created.

    Love what you’re doing! Design 1 emulates the ‘cradle to cradle’ mandate of the 21st Century.

    Tony B. Rich
    President & CEO
    IdeasOne Incorporated & Wellcorps International, LLC
    http://www.wellcorps.com
    http://www.ideasone.com

  12. Terri Zwierzynski Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    I like #1 best because of the way it shows the melding of business and the “green” concept.

    Just fyi, on the second design “a” is missing in the tagline: Experts Show You How To Build (a) Successful Green Business.

    Sounds like an interesting book! :)
    Terri Z

  13. Deborah Lake Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    I like #2, a lot. It shows the RESULTS of going green rather than the tedious processes. Marketers know that showing the benefits of a product is more effective than showing the features.

  14. Nikos Georgiadis Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    The first one is the winner. Very nice design and fusion of ideas. Best wishes

  15. Curt Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    I vote for #1. it’s handsome and business-like. That being said, I’ll also suggest that the colors & design of #2 will attract the most attention on a retail shelf or when scaled down to a thumbnail on an ecommerce site. I don’t like #3 at all, unless your book is targeted for non-business people.

  16. Nidhi Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    I prefer #1,

    No reaction to #2 and #3 reminds me of the claritin ad

    Hope it helps:)

  17. Sandra Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    I vote for #3. #1 looks like a magazine cover, #2 is an image I’ve seen before #3 catches my eye, contains a lot of green and makes a point all in one! I love #3

  18. Dawn Parker-Waites Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    My eye immediately gravitated towards Cover #1, it is compelling and aesthetically pleasing. While I normally like orange for a color like in Cover #2 the art work is just not as fresh and interesting. Cover #3 is simply boring.

    Good luck with your book! If you are interested, send me a copy when it is released and I will be happy to review it on our website.

  19. Christian Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    #1. No contest

  20. Stephanie Bourne Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    Patrick, how exciting! Congratulations.

    My vote is for Cover 1. I love it. It grabbed my attention and held it longer than the other two, and I was interested in the ruler and blueprint (greenprint?) detail– familiar figures that convey a sense of simplicity in building something, and that this book will give you the tools you need to get it done.

    Cover 2 looks ambiguous and sentimental - little hippy-dippy.

    Cover 3 has a lot going on — less clarity than Cover 1.

    Now when can I purchase a signed copy?

  21. Mike Sturdivant Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    I like #1. #2 feels too religious and #3 feels too much like a credit card commercial (”build your own card”).

  22. Gen Mensale Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    Cover 1 is the closest, atleast in visual appeal. It still doesn’t really portray anything about what’s inside of the book. But the fonts are right on, and should definitely be kept.

    Cover 2 (as someone else said) looks like the cover to a self-help book.

    Cover 3 looks like a print ad for a gas company trying to tell people they are going green.

  23. Eva-Marie Lind Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    I like the concept of #1, feeling that the birth and development of any business, and design, has an architectural basis … the colors (although green feels a necessity) do not jump out at me as I might like them to ~ #2 has that type of impact, however I am not fond of the cover … feeling it more a ’self-questing’ book than a tool to grow a successful business ~ #3 loses me … someone said ‘generic’? good reference ~

  24. Neycha Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

    #1 is a winner. i also find that where the concept of #3 was headed is interesting, but the execution if off for me..especially the top left.

    good luck!

    Cheers,
    neycha

  25. James S. Walker Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    Most certainly #1! #2 okay, but #3 is not doing it at all.

  26. Michael McDonald Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    #1, definitely. It’s use of photography and the elements communicate pragmatism, translating something that is often seen as touchy-feely idealism into something that is real and practical for a business.

    #1 also reminds me of Guy Kawasaki’s Art of the Start book. The other covers remind me of Adobe Illustrator design books, rather than business books.

  27. Henry Allen Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    All are plausible designs. My eye was drawn to #1 for the color and layout. Very nice.

    HOWEVER, with the ruler and drafting, it looks more like an architectural building manual than a business building manual. This may be confusing to people who will reach for the book to pick it up.

    I prefer #2 for this reason. It looks like the person is energized by the sun and connected to the earth, which I believe is at the core of being a green business. The birds are a great touch, to represent the animal kingdom as well.

    Might I suggest adding other human sillhouettes to the tops of some the other mountains? No person is an island, collaboration is key to being green, and I think to have only a single, obviously caucasian male figure as the centerpiece alienates women and others. Already too much of that in our culture. Time to start blurring the lines a bit. Or, if not, perhaps a more gender-neutral individual?

    #3 is ok, but it looks to me like an ad for business card or photography-realted software.

    My 2 cents.

    Henry Allen
    Founder, Executive Director
    The Brain Candy Project
    Holding parents so parents can hold their children.
    http://www.braincandyproject.org

  28. Elizabeth Rose Raphael Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    Dear Bill & Patrick,

    I think the first one is definitely the strongest. However, I would recommend reconsidering the subtitle so that it doesn’t repeat “Green Business” which is already in the main title. You might also consider other possible alignment of the subtitle text with the graphic. I like the way the color bar bumps up the visibility of the by-lines, I’d just make sure the “B” in “Bill” isn’t blurred at all in the fade (hard to see on Facebook).

    Totally innovative idea to put this to a vote. Just so you know, in publishing the title and book cover are often the hardest to decide upon and the last decisions made, so you are good company.

  29. ellen hong Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    I like them all but I picked #2 because the whole message was visible. Good luck!

  30. Jeff Wessman Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    Although I liked #1 the best of the three, it’s still not nailing it. The color and quality of the artwork look very professional and appealing, but it’s not quite capturing the concept of “green business” for me. One design idea… an office desk set up with phone, fax, computer, etc… set up in a lush green forest environment. Or is this a Pink Floyd album cover?
    In any case, thanks for putting this together (and including the community) and I wish you the greatest success with this book!

  31. PAUL TRUYTS Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    I LIKE # 1. IT JUST FEELS BETTER, JSUT A FEELING NOTHING ELSE.
    GOOD LUCK GUYS

  32. Kathy Powell Stover Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    The first one, hands down.

  33. Newt Watts Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    Number 1 is the best. To me it looks more business like. I also like the colors in #2 however.

  34. Max Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    The first one is my favorite! Clean and relevant.

  35. Tara Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    #1 by far…looks professionally designed. Layout is strong, colors are good.

    #2 and 3 aren’t as appealing graphically…not as big a fan.

    Congratulations again!!

  36. Patrick Dominguez Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    @Stephanie - we’ll let you know…
    @Jeff - we’ll pass the options we don’t use on to Pink Floyd
    @Nidhi - we’ll try to make it not look like a Claritin ad
    @Michael - I’m a big fan of The Art of The Start, thanks for the compliment

    Great thoughtful comments everyone !!

  37. Moon Loh Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    #1 is very professional design and look great!
    #2 make me feel fresh and feel like have a great start!
    I prefer #2 and it is my first sight choice. :)

  38. Alex Nayberg Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    #3 - is not a good design concept and it doesn’t reflect the idea, looks like a Power Point presentation cover - Bad choice

    #2 - I personally LOVE orange color Bill could be a witness to that but, a Green Business name and green idea just fades out on the orange background - great design for another book (how about orange business, just kidding)

    #1 - Good color combination, great design idea, which is simple and sophisticated at the same time, very clear on intention it designed to deliver. The background gives you a nice feel of natural merging business and environment. I would think #1 is a winner.

  39. Shilpa Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    # 1 is my choice…Design 1: My initial reaction was that this cover is the easiest on the eyes. The green color will help the viewer connect to the concept (green business), especially if they are more visual people. The fonts and colors are appealing and well balanced. And the business part is more drawn through the use of the ruler and blueprint display. The only suggestion I can think of is to use a lighter green (as used in design comp 2 - lime green) as the font for text string “Green Business…experts show you…” (of course you’ll have to try it on for size and see it to know for sure).

    Design 2: Is definitely energetic and eye catching. It feels alive, but it also seems like a self help book about one’s personal journey, and if that is what you are trying to convey than it really is nice and works for that goal.

    Design 3: Lovely green colors, refreshing feel, yet a bit busy. Busy enough to possibly make you miss the point. It could work if it was less busy?

  40. Kent Wilson Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:43 pm

    Based on my 25 years experience in creative direction, marketing and in-store point-of-purchase/packaging I think the type and layout of #1 is by far the best, BUT I’ll give you this free advice (no charge, I promise). Ifeel it would be FAR MORE effective WITHOUT the water droplet and ruler:
    • The water droplet and ruler get too preachy.
    • Lose those, and you’ll have a masterpiece.
    • Great creative leaves space in the viewer’s head to question.
    • Clearing the layout of those two elements will bring better focus to the title while allowing the leaf and the subtle graphics on it to be evocative versus pedantic. It will allow the eye a much needed place to rest.
    Your graphic designer may hate my suggestion, as it looks like that water droplet is much loved by someone. A compromise might be to just remove the ruler and not the droplet. REMEMBER it doesn’t have to make logical sense… it’s more important for the visceral 2-second impression to be effective that to ’spell everything out’ with the notion of ‘it won’t make sense without the ruler.

  41. Katy Hollbachert Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 5:51 pm

    Definitely am not big on #3, seems kinda hokey, don’t think it portrays a very professional vibe

    I actually like #2 the best. It’s unique, inspiring, not tired like the color green can be… do think it would be nice to have another person, though, to get across the idea of teamwork. And to make it seem more “businessy” and modern, perhaps the bottom could be a city skyline instead of mountains…

    I like #1 OK though think it’s more conservative and a bit generic

  42. SN Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    None of them are excellent, but if forced to choose from these three, one is by far the best of the bunch.

    What doesn’t work about it for me is the photography at the bottom right (the ruler in particular). It’s hard to discern any connection between those images and your message.

    The positive about that one is that at least the typography is clean and strong, and the colors work well.

  43. Randi Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    Choice #2 reminds me of a certain book that a certain group of people from a certain religion give you after you take a certain personality test…

  44. Naomi Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    Great thoughtful comments! I too prefer #1. The image projects both “green” and business in a pleasing and understandable way(and I love the juxtaposition of the green and orange!). I would also suggest reworking the subtitle - it sounds more like a synopsis than a title. Try to avoid repeating “green business” and give a bit of information as to what that is. Is it a book about starting a business like Green Business Innovators, or about being environmentally conscious in your own business (whatever its field). You need this to be absolutely clear. Maybe it’s just me…

  45. Betsy Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 7:44 pm

    I used to be a “suit” in advertising. My first hit is that the first cover is the most “businessy”, the second is the most “emotional” or “touchy feely” (perhaps too much so for the audience? Don’t know- you have to know your audience) and the last one is a bit “gimmicky”– almost looks like a magazine cover to me.
    Quick hits…just my two cents :)
    Best of luck, and please let us know the results!
    Thanks

  46. Mary Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    The 3rd choice seemed closest to me, but lose the quotes around the subtitle!

  47. Sage Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    I like 1 and 3, 2 looks like “The Fountainhead” and doesn’t convey “green”. 3 wins for the business card though.

  48. Expat Chef Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    One. Not sure about the ruler, is there a different icon for business that could be used?

  49. Alisa Rose seidlitz Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

    Hi Patrick,

    Your title is wonderful, and a truism !

    A question–who is your specific demographic that you’d like to teach and inspire ?

    #1 is very formal, very staid, very “old school” business mode, which belies the title.

    #2 artwork seems out of sync with the title, both in design and placement.

    The title font, and the curve on #3 are the most dynamic and creative.
    The spacing & sizes of the subtitle font give clarity ( i don’t watch t.v. much so I didn’t think of the drug commercial until reading others’ comments).
    The field area is a bit busy, but perhaps it could be smoothed out and toned down a bit. Also, it would be better feng shui if your names were a lot more visible–different color, larger type. Overall though, the curve, the openness and the colors invite the reader in.
    …so I’d say #3, EXCEPT…Do we want massive chunky buildings & all their related infrastructure in that lovely open space instead of the Tree ?!!

    Alisa Rose Seidlitz
    Principal & Chief Environmental Optimzer
    EcoHarmony Feng Shui
    Ambiance Eco Designs

  50. Andrew Haag Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 11:28 pm

    #1…it was my ‘blink’ pick and also upon thought it displays the message of ‘green’ and allows the logo for ‘Green Business Innovators’ to appear prominent and it also is easier to read the names of the authors more so than #3. #2 was out by me!

  51. Patrick Dominguez Says:
    January 8th, 2009 at 11:59 pm

    Here’s my thinking, for people who think that #2 doesn’t relate to green…

    In my mind, it represents the passion and vision of the green entrepreneur, a key audience for our book. (I think of pioneers in green business as being rather heroic!)

  52. Raan Bora Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 12:04 am

    Hi Patrick, I vote for #2

  53. Eckhart Beatty Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 12:17 am

    Patrick:

    Hi. It just “clicks,” i.e, #1. It conjures up the “switch to metric” rallying cry of 1973/74 when I was in school–an also co-incidentally the 1st Arab oil embargo.

    Now we perforce must take the measured frog’s leap (”beyond ~green itself”) to a new more truly 3rd or 4th- dimension metric or sorts.
    We are on the verge now (no question!) of making an art and a science of it and turning the world of business upside down–gracefully, at that–all in the next couple years. Yes, and by dint of sheer human will if nothing else.

    Best wishes,

    Eckhart

  54. Pierre Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 1:40 am

    #1 is attention grabbing, attractive, innovative and future-tech, straight to the point. A clear winner!
    #2 is somewhat repetitive to things I’ve already seen, self-help, Green Giant…
    #3 is somewhat like that of the video game world i.e. The SIMS or animated world

  55. aimee m. Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 3:49 am

    #1 my vote as well. it seems the most “business” and serious of the bunch.

    note a copyed tweak - you’ll want to up-cap “You” as well in the subhead. imho it might be worthwhile rethinking the subhead altogether, as it just echoes what you’ve got in the headline — something that furthers the idea, or better defines “green business”??

    best of luck. your timing couldn’t be better. obama’s cabinet needs YOU! :)

  56. Larry Carter Center Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 7:01 am

    how many experts and who? none of the covers answer the questions, but I voted for 3, one is also good, a bit too artsy fartsy but two seems all about new age not track records of business performers who should be the ‘experts” which are featured & the last question is why would a top business performer want to help her or his future or exhisting competitors? Peace, Larry 843-926-1750

  57. Steve Kyryk Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 7:22 am

    #1 - I like the tension created from the title and implication of using “art” against the also needed science/engineering referenced in the graphics plus the nod to finite resources with the water drop.

  58. Jeff Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 7:29 am

    1. is definitely the most serious and professional looking if you’re hoping to appeal to the business reader. It will stand out more because it is understated.

    3. Is okay, but it looks very much like other books on the subject (I was just looking at a table full of them at B&N)

    2. Is just lame (sorry)- the design could be for anything from sustainability to self-help.

  59. Tabitha Potts Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 8:02 am

    The first cover is the most aesthetically pleasing by far: better typography and better image. If you were to use number 2, you need to use a clearer more modern typeface for the subtitle. If you were to use number 3, you need to lose the ‘curly’ typography used for “The art of” and the busy graphic leading down from the top left corner down to the hand, which detracts from both images.

    This is just an opinion, but I hope it’s helpful: I work on a lot of websites! Good luck with the book, Tabitha

  60. Amy Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 8:20 am

    Sorry to be a curmudgeon, but none of these were inspirational to me. You’ve got three challenging concepts to integrate and sell: green, art, business. I’d be looking for an image, first, that is artful - none of these do that for me with the possible of exception of #2 (but I agree that it connotes Ayn Rand…not an image you want, I assume). If you don’t convey art, your title is off. I also agree that the ruler in #1 doesn’t belong at all - it would be interesting if you could convey business in a triple bottom line way rather than just about numbers. Thanks for asking for feedback - I think you got a lot of great suggestions!

  61. Jeremy D'Arcy Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 8:52 am

    Cover 1 definitely. Primarily because of the audience that you are targeting. This goes from the assumption of converting business owners to become more green. To me, this cover denotes a clear professionalism in regards to an organized approach to greener business. Sure, it’s more corporate. But for this audience, that’s what you need.

  62. Diana Anderson Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 9:35 am

    Cover 1 ia certainly the best of the three. I like the color scheme, the title size and placement, and that your subject is touched upon with the graphics. But I do feel that it could be significantly improved upon. My sujection is to add some element of the planet, more than just a drop of water, something that lights a spark in those who care about the earth. That is what “green” is all about. Maybe the building and earth blend together somehow…

  63. Steven R. Mason Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 10:17 am

    Hello Patrick
    Its good to get input, but you will ultimately have to choose the cover that you think will be best.
    None of the covers would compel me to buy the book.

    Being honest, there is so much green info and new books and publications, you are going to have to have a really cool cover and statement to get my attention to buy.

    Having a Green business information is readily available on the internet and a lot is free. So your book and book cover will have to be unique and different. The cover should answer the question, why do I want to buy this publication?

    Please accept these comments as wanting to be truthful and helpful from a green business person’s point of view. I do not like to always follow the pack.
    Great success with your publication. Pick out a real neck grabber.

    Sincerely,
    Steven R. Mson
    President
    Chemically Green
    “Green Solutions for Today”
    CG
    Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex… It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. Albert Einstein.

  64. Ekaterina Belcheva Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    #3 is ver controversial and not suitable because replaces a tree with a new building - makes me cringe! I think we have build enough on this planet!
    #1 is my favourite although I think #2 is ok - but similar image has been used for a lot of life coaching and personal development projects. But gives a sense of enlightnement and new opportunities.

    Best Kate

  65. darrin Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 1:03 pm

    i like number 1. better font & colors.

    the problem with number 3 is it looks like your planning on replacing the only tree with a building.

    #2 looks too generic and nothing says green more than someone standing on a dry barren brown landscape.

  66. Rebecca Stees Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    What about calling the book

    The ARt of
    Green Business
    Innovators

    I not fond of experts showings either….

    #1 looks more green — not as slick — and muted colors (hemp- soyish)
    covers.

    You need a truly original cover and you don’t have it yet. Check out http://bookcoverarchive.com/

  67. Gauri Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Honestly, I feel as though none of these covers really work. If a full redesign is not an option then of the three presented, 1 & 2 can work. However, I believe that a stonger sense of visual harmony can be achieved only if both of these are combined as both of these have faults which the other can help seal.

    1st) The close up shot of the water droplet and the not-so obvious leaf is powerful graphically and best fits the content of the book. Unfortunately the way the text is dispersed on 1 creates an imbalanced sense of visual clutter. It is not harmonious in its current state. The text is visually jarring.

    2nd) While vivid colors and minimal graphic clutter draws the eyes to this first, as people have mentioned, it does not fit the content of the book. It screams ‘personal help book’ with little reference to the concept of ‘green’. However, another thing that 2 has going for it is how its text is laid out (except for the tagline part below the title ‘Experts show you…’ which is too muted and risks becoming too lost. This can be fixed by making it bold since the size is already smaller. No italicizing!)

    Possible solutions:
    A) As mentioned by others, yes the colors are muted. The eyes would not necessarily travel to the book if sitting on the shelf amongst thousands of other books - those with a stonger, bolder presence (taking a printout of these 3 stuck onto a decoy book and placing it in that setting would be very eyeopening experience). Creating a stronger sense of contrast could help but there is a fine line between having a vivid, visually-compelling photography which does not compete with the text information on the book.

    B) Take the background imagery from Option 1 and combine it with the text layout (or something closer to it) from Option 2. Again, Option 2’s tagline phrase ‘Experts show you’ must be bolder!)
    This combination of the two would work well because Option 1’s top half has been blurred out - it would not compete with the text placement similar to that on Option 2.

    C) If a redesign may be permitted, unless a better, more vivid and visually compelling photograph can be found with a similar theme to Option 1, then consider a more solid bold vector approach which has more to do with green (ie: leaves, wood, soil, bamboo, water, etc.). This would stand out more as opposed to the current muted faint close up photograph of the water droplet on the leaf from Option 1.

    Hope this helps and wish the best of luck! Will be looking forward to the final book!

  68. Catherine Says:
    January 9th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    I prefer #1.
    I would also like to suggest a different subtitle. The current subtitle basically repeats the main title.
    Using some of your text from your site…
    something along the lines of:
    Expert advice on how to build a sustainable and successful business (the green way).

  69. Jolie Says:
    January 10th, 2009 at 10:41 am

    I voted for #1, although I also liked #3. I thought #1 was better at connoting the impression of a serious book of expert advice, whereas #3 could be seen as a bit gimmicky. #2 did not wow me — although I agree with the commenter above that it seemed a bit Ayn Rand. :)

  70. colleen nagle Says:
    January 10th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    Hi Patrick,

    I also say #1. I prefer the darker green in the title of the book, and the layout of the content.

    I do like the architecture metaphor that you have used, but in thinking on this, is their another tool besides the ruler that would further indicate that you are building in the green paradigm? This metaphor also beckons having it utilized throughout the book (chapter heading pages). Do your chapter intros leverage this metaphor also in
    its design?

  71. Chip (Fred) Wood Says:
    January 11th, 2009 at 9:24 pm

    HI Patrick,

    I guess I have to concur with what seems to be growing concensus. #1 is the most “business looking” of the three. #2 is a bit too heartfelt to give your a sense that it’s a business focus and the type doesn’t pop as well. The third is a close second because it showing a process happening which is very appealing.

    Can’t wait to read it,
    Chip

  72. Steve Wilkinghoff Says:
    January 12th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    Number 1 is definitely the most attractive and eye-catching.

    Run away (and fast) from Number 3. At a quick glance, it looks like and ad for a new type of canola seed :)

  73. Ewan Says:
    January 13th, 2009 at 4:29 am

    noumber one is the serious business one. it says green business is serious business, get to it

  74. Ewan Says:
    January 13th, 2009 at 4:31 am

    p.s. i chose it before reading all these comments. I would like to order a copy!

  75. RPaulH Says:
    January 13th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    #1 is the most professional and serious - it’s the most likely to sell.

    #3 not seroius enough. #2 is for a narrow niche.

  76. Patrick Dominguez Says:
    January 14th, 2009 at 12:09 am

    Thanks all for the detailed and thoughtful comments. Now that the winner has been decided (by your vote), we will consider your comments finalizing design #1

  77. Melissa Thomas Says:
    January 19th, 2009 at 11:45 am

    #1 gets my vote because it combines the business idea with green more than the others.

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