Why a 3D Cover Takes Longer, and How the Process Works

A 3D cover takes longer than the other styles, and the reason is structural: it is assembled in bigger stages, each of which has to be approved before the next one can start.

The stages

1. Collecting information. We run through a set of questions to assemble a single picture: photos of the artist, clothing, background and the rest.
2. Writing the brief. Everything discussed gets written down as a specification with all the details in it.
3. Sketch. The first sketch goes to the artist for approval.
4. Sculpt. Once the sketch is agreed, the character is sculpted from the photos and the clothing references.
5. Detailing. After the second approval the character is taken to a much more detailed state.
6. Colour, environment and render. Colour goes on, then the environment is built, the frame and camera are set, and the piece is rendered.

Make your changes early

Once the detailing stage is passed, changes become technically difficult and may not be possible without additional cost. Everything structural should be raised at the sketch and sculpt stages, while the work is still cheap to move.

What actually speeds it up

• Order early. The sooner the cover is booked, the sooner it can be started.
• Stay reachable. Continuous contact between artist and designer is the single biggest factor in how fast approvals happen.
• Bring a clear idea. Providing all the information about what you want to see removes whole rounds of back and forth.