Process of Book Cover #2 and illustrated logo

I have returned from my last weeks of vacation! I travelled off to Hawaii (O'ahu, no time for the other islands) and Saint John, New Brunswick. Well now that classes started... I have sketches to show from working with my client on her second book cover design, Settle for Nothing Less! I am not sure if I am allowed to release the summary, but I can tell you that it is continuing from the last book (that I also helped design) as a series! It included the strange emblem I made called Happy Boy.

She also requested a logo for me to make for her publishing company, Unilock Books (independent). I am already surprised at how much I manage to get finished, especially in the given time before the deadline this month. A lot of mishaps took place during the start, but I managed to catch up with what was needed to be completed. Note that using the Mail program on the Mac frequently is not always reliable 100%! Always double check the options before pressing "Send"!

This is what I am posting for tonight: early sketches (both logo and cover), rendering (bigger sketches), and color sketches (book cover only). The logo is still being worked on, and I may need some Graphic Design opinion on how the company name is rendered...Message me if you are willing to give some advice (professional please, NO trolls)! More on the way hopefully before I begin my internship!

THE EARLY STAGE

Drawn on a tiny sketchbook (3" x 5"), but not pursued in the desired direction 

Facing Happy Boy from behind

Facing Happy Boy in front of the house 

*THE CHOSEN SKETCH* Facing Happy Boy/Skies from the side view of the front porch

MIDWAY

Logo rendered as requested, but chain was too long. Right one was chosen

Rendered final sketch (requested to take out Happy Boy)

CLOSE TO THE FINAL 

Color sketch 1

Color sketch 2

Color sketch 3

Finalized color sketch (with some Photoshop editing)

Final logo image (Unilock Books is still in progress)

In ending this entry, I say never again will I EVER use water soluble colored pencils EVER again for  color sketches (especially for tight schedules)! It has been quite painful trying to get the desired colors and to deal with frustrations of watercolor paint/pencils!  I have not reach that stage of awesome to do it :/

I think I found my next image that I would love to work on...A NAUTILUS! :D If only there is more time...