Still at the library conference, but what would a week be like if I didn’t post something Vodnik-related? By this point, you’re all addicted to those updates, aren’t you? Probably getting the DT just waiting for a new one.
Well wait no longer.
I need some advice from you, actually. Since the book came out–strike that. Since the cover was announced, a response I keep getting from people is “Where can I get the T-Shirt the kid’s wearing on the cover?”
That’s actually a good question, and it’s trickier to answer than I’d like. See, the Reaper Dude graphic from the book wasn’t done in house–it was licensed from another artist. For me to be able to make a t-shirt version of the reaper dude, I’d have to pay for additional licensing fees, and that would set me back to the tune of hundreds of dollars, at least. The thing is, I’m not in the t-shirt selling business. I can’t afford to pay that kind of money for something that’s essentially a fun way to market the book. And a killer t-shirt (no pun intended).
But I’m not one to just sit back and give up. You want that t-shirt, and I want that t-shirt, honestly. If we can’t have that exact t-shirt, could we have something that’s just as good–or even better? I contacted the illustrious Shawn Boyles (who illustrated by alpaca fantasy novel back in the day and is currently doing some illustrations of some of the creatures of Vodnik for Tu’s website. (They’re awesome, but the way. Once they’re finished, I’ll have to see if there are other ways to share those with people, too.)) Shawn was kind enough to sketch up a few versions of his own take on Reaper Dude, and he also gave me permission to use them for a t-shirt. I love his style, and I think one of these could make an awesome shirt. But there are so many to choose from!
That’s where you come in.
Could you please help me decide which one of these to t-shirt-ivize?
Please–discuss. Tell me what you think and why. Would one of these be as cool as the shirt Tomas is wearing on the cover of the book? Which one? (These aren’t the final versions that would go on the T-shirt, by the way. I’d do a slick, finished version.)
One other item–I’d like to have something about the book on the t-shirt, too. Because as awesome as they are, if I don’t have at least something on it that mentions the book, they’d probably be a bit too subtle when it comes to marketing efforts. (Right?) But I don’t want to change the front of the shirt–if the Reaper Dude is already different, I’d rather not change it any more than I have to. So I’m thinking of something on the back, or something on the sleeve. Maybe a cool quote from the book, maybe a QR code that takes you to the website or Facebook page. Any thoughts on that?
Please share!
My vote is Reaper Dude #1, modified to be looking face forward.
On the back: “VODNIK, brother to SAINT NICK.”
Actually, on the back: “VODNIK” in the title font. Underneath it: Some kind of tagline that highlights the humor of the book.
I like #1 facing the way he is, #5 would look killer on a black t-shirt though
I’m not much of a t-shirt wearer, so I’m probably not the target audience…but #1 looks awesome. A nice mix of scary and funny.
I like #1 & #5.
Hmm… I like #2. But then I’m an old guy, so perhaps I’m expecting the reaper to look bigger. And I’m not exactly your target demographic.
I’d say absolutely number one. The “witchiness” of the pointed cowl is pretty essential IMO. The overall figure has good balance and weight, while some of the others seem lopsided. The last one with more detail is cool, but it lacks the simplicity of number one that gives it “punchiness”. Am I using “iness” too often?
#5 ALL THE WAY!!! #4 is pretty cool as well. I would wear them, done in black, on a pink fitted shirt! 🙂
Not a fan of pink? Reset grey on black would be good too 😉
Thanks for the suggestions, all. I’m looking at #1 on a grey or black shirt. Thinking about glow in the dark options . . . 🙂