how to design a trashy YA horror thriller cover cause they all look like this

Illustrated depressed pale pretty girl with flowers coming out her skin AKA how to design a trashy young adult horror/thriller novel cover tutorial in 2021 because bestie these covers all look alike. Trashy as in my version of it is trash.
The how to design series is back and updated. Horror / ya horror covers these days have a trend of gorgeously illustrated art for covers and I noticed some similarities. House of hollow, sawkill girls, wilder girls, what big teeth, you must not miss, horrid, don't tell a soul... etc are just some of the recent covers I've seen have these trends.
So, I made a Pinterest board of the cover trends and voila here are the elements that you need.
I used Photoshop for this tutorial and I recommend using Pexels or Unsplash for images unlike me, just Googling PNGs of Billie Eilish and Emma Chamberlain but anyway.
This video is just for fun and not to be taken seriously not am I trying to make fun of the art in anyway. I'm just sarcastic about everything. I think the covers are super gorgeous and I could never draw such beauty.
It's better than man standing with their back to the cover into a shadow.... speaking of which here's another trashy cover tutorial that is JUST that: • how to design a trashy...
The complete "How to design a trashy novel cover" series: • how to design a trashy...
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - intro
00:22 - ya horror thriller cover trends
02:23 - find a pretty girl
03:13 - cover her in nature
04:30 - cut out her skin
04:45 - colour grade, vignette and make them pale
05:16 - titles and fonts
• • • • • • • • • • •
✶ MY LINKS ✶
BUSINESS ENQUIRIES
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TWITTER
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INSTAGRAM
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↪ / divya-g
(my account is set to private so to add me as a friend open up the page in a desktop setting if you are using a mobile device/tablet) ^ i also never use it
✶ VIDEO DETAILS ✶
CAMERA
↪ Canon 650D
VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE
↪ Premiere Pro CC
THUMBNAIL
↪ Photoshop CC

[@februerik]

why does every cover design in this series LOOK LEGIT

[@Mario_Angel_Medina]

She's a graphic designer so his process is probably very similar to how the book covers are designed for real

[@itsdivyag]

Pahaha thank you for the compliment tis the powers of Photoshop

[@Eve.003y]

I had something like this as a project in my art class and I got an A for it just because my art teacher didn’t know that the cover I designed looked like every YA cover right now. In his words „Wow that’s really original. I like it“ 💀

[@valhatan3907]

Goddammit ...

[@maddief.8956]

design hacks 101

[@lisakanzira6765]

DEAD

[@audrey9able]

He probably never saw the trends so they are innocent, bless the professor 🙏🤣

[@mitchierainbow7353]

Working smart😂

[@ThatBoomerDude56]

*FYI on why they're all the same:* People who teach aspiring authors and small publishers how to market their books insist that you *must* make your *cover design* fit in with the *average of the current "top 100" books* of the specific sub-genre.

[@itsdivyag]

makes sense for them saaaaleesss!! i wonder how trends manage to change over time? someone strays from the norm and it works?

[@ThatBoomerDude56]

@@itsdivyag Yeah. I guess people tweak some aspect and it works. Either that or a big name author does whatever the hell she wants and everybody follows. 😎

[@candy-ninja]

@@ThatBoomerDude56 Girlboss

[@marsmagari]

plot twist: harry potter is one of the anemia girls trapped under the stairs

[@itsdivyag]

JK Rowling is angrily typing...

[@aluxia529]

XD

[@agnessh0476]

this comment is so funny i literally laughed out loud and by laughed i mean cackled

[@torenielsen9993]

I'm so old I can remember when it was all skulls. Except for the tentacles. Anemia Girls looks super legit. Plot: Handsome but diabolical doctor transplants live ladybugs into girls' stomachs. Something something, scathing indictment of diet culture.

[@danny8284]

handsome but diabolical doctor and transfer ladybugs into my stomach 😍😳🥴

[@whiteraven562]

So, back in I think the 50s there was a "diet pill" that was literally just a tapeworm stored in a capsule. You let the tapeworm do its thing and when you'd dropped to your target weight, you took another pill to kill the worm.

[@ordinarydream3r]

wow i needed that hug at the end more than i thought huh 🤧

[@itsdivyag]

ILY true g

[@ZenitsuKunn]

ya

[@fxirycxkes4773]

HELLO ICON-

[@nanadelweiss9017]

Because of those "how to design a trashy book cover" videos I'm starting my first day of graphic design studies tomorrow so thank you for that!

[@sarahgautard83]

Waw good luck!!

[@nanadelweiss9017]

@@sarahgautard83 thanks! I can’t wait!

[@sarahgautard83]

@@nanadelweiss9017 Actually, I'm starting uni too tomorrow haha... but I'm studying political science :)

[@nanadelweiss9017]

@@sarahgautard83 woah 😮 good luck!

[@banane2279]

Good luck! I am starting October first with law. I was thinking about doing graphic design before that lmao

[@zuyazeru5777]

I would buy Anemia Girls just for the cover

[@crybaby_k12_portalz]

It has Billie Eilish on it

[@susannah1393]

I always thought these covers were inspired by the 'Vanitas' art style. It's a still life art style that focuses on the transience of life and includes lots of plants and insects and other symbols. Check it out and see what you think.

[@itsdivyag]

I LOVE THIS. yes i think you're totally right and it makes a lot of sense.

[@sandroselladore3506]

woah that looks really cool

[@sandroselladore3506]

that looks really cool

[@malastrom884]

honestly despite these covers kinda became cliché for the genre, I love many of them, just thumbs up for all the artists working on them

[@malastrom884]

also I mean the ones that are really more or less original, not just a random celebrity+flowers slapped on it

[@chickencake5134]

Love the covers,not the stories

[@sandroselladore3506]

my thoughts exactly

[@Toyon95]

The wilder girls one is from an artist. I love his work but I could never afford to buy his art prints >.< Wish I could tell you his name, but I'm terrible at remembering names so....

[@yeah-cb2xt]

@@Toyon95 aykut aydogdu! i think his style's super cool and pretty haha

[@unknown-hh7he]

finally, a book to represent the girls with iron deficiency that make it their personality, this is true diversity fam take notes

[@Cindyisadog]

me n the girls passing out when we stand up 🤪🤪🤪😩😩😩☺️☺️☺️

[@candy-ninja]

I know I love feeling dizzy all the time

[@sandroselladore3506]

fjsa;ldgh bella from twilight

[@ashleysebastian2164]

nothing like the vertigo when you move a lil too quick

[@yasmineguerin2852]

I have iron deficiency and this is so funny

[@eommaeottoke9966]

Plot twist: the genre of this book is satire.

[@libby1538]

I actually love this cover design trend so much, and wow this cover was stunning. I would buy it immediately

[@SieMiezekatze]

I used to loved it but I read fanfiction too much and is everywhere

[@pandaexpress7673]

gets repetitive really quickly

[@chalkandrubble5702]

same same same

[@aznSeddie]

The G stands for: Getting them diversity quotas fillled by _-hiding-_ putting spring onions on the cover even though there are probably no Asian characters and Asians are such kings of Horror that they get mediocre American remakes.

[@unknown-hh7he]

not even joking, you don't fuck around with japanese urban legends

[@ron4202]

@@unknown-hh7he Except to make them into sexy monster ladies lol

[@ahhh4117]

@@ron4202 Lady Demetrescu is Romanian actually!

[@ron4202]

@@ahhh4117 Oh, I wasn't talking about her lol. I was talking about the fact that there are a ton of animes and manga centered around urban legends where they are sexy women. Just, anime in general XD So much horniness in anime.

[@carmenalcarilla1385]

This is honestly a book I would buy, literally just for the pretty ass cover

[@itsdivyag]

The marketing works

[@tattooedheart67]

You would make those type of books that everyone buys just because the cover is pretty but have no idea what the plot is about

[@EclipticalSun]

i recently bought wilder girls, and although the story is average, the cover had me soo happy and it's difficult to explain but i love this trend sooo much,, like sure it's mainstream at this point but that only means more fabulous covers to look at and for me to find peace in

[@eommaeottoke9966]

The G stands for GOLD!! Might be overused but just facts 🤷‍♀️

[@fictionaldarling]

the way i would buy that book IMMEDIATELY, it looks incredible 😂

[@shahzaibmalik2267]

Div G: “Let’s hug because Asian families they don’t show comfort like this.” Me who belongs to a brown Asian family: idk wtf is comfort but let her in.

[@lina5699]

I didn't realize how many brown South Asian girls have anaemia. I totally get it because if I miss b12 or iron for two weeks I wither away like a plant. Also anaemia REPRESENT

[@gutscrunger]

wait is this a thing ???? i’m south asian and severely anaemic but it’s ok bc brown girls stay winning

[@lina5699]

@@gutscrunger we glow

[@Sami-zr3hy]

I thought it was just my family but apparently not

[@iamyourslothfriend]

"Obscured by plants" Annihilation fanfic?

[@februerik]

the g stands for girl we wanna see the whole fit PLEASE STAND UP 👏🏼👏🏼

[@Nicolealves25]

I'm anemic and I feel SEEN. Finally a book for me

[@itsdivyag]

iron deficiency gang

[@rebecca7856]

Don't worry, I'm eating fiber rn. Boss cover, as always. I just like to see you make stuff.

[@breanna1959]

Your channel is lovely for poking fun at YA while parodying it w/graphic design!!! Your commentary is hilarious & your skill is a whole cherry on top. Satisfies two niches of mine I love it sm

[@debzykvids]

You know it's a good video when Divya G uses Billie Eilish for her photoshopped cover example! 😂😍

[@eommaeottoke9966]

I'd read this book any day.

[@junokalita_]

Can we talk about Divya's absolutely amazing hair for a sec ?

[@annj.1416]

not gonna lie tho, your cover looks so perfect. especially this one, i wont hesitate to buy it if it looks that pretty hahahaha

[@itsdivyag]

Aaa tysm

[@maddychurchhouse4556]

Divya it's a crime that you're not getting paid for these because they are legit better than a lot of actual published covers . PS. Shout out to Tracey Beaker 😭 Where have you been since 2011 Queen 😭

[@nellieb6585]

I'd read the "The Widow Locked"trilogy and watch the subsequent four movies

[@KingdomOfLosers_]

You're literally the funniest and most savage KZbingurl I know, keep up the great work and videos, your content SLAPPPS and, I'm probably gonna regret this, my bowel movements are great!

[@isil2202]

Yeess the tutorials are backk

[@adidi_here]

Love the consistency g!

[@vanshikaandriyas9094]

"whats the monster in this horror? hay fever." LMAO IM BINGE WATCHING U GIRL

[@LadyJenevia]

✨Come for the photoshopping, stay for the monarchy slander.✨

[@celinaastbury4619]

I JUST STARTED BINGING THIS SERIES THANK YOU

[@tardisgirl1237]

I know they all look the same, but I have a weakness for any kind of book cover with an illustration on it. Anything other than stylized graphics, blown up photos or wallpaper backgrounds. ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT!

[@marianamauricio]

your covers always look so good omg

[@itsdivyag]

💖💖💖💖💖🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺 aaaa ty

[@sachamcmillan5632]

The hug at the end is the best thing ever don’t make me cry girl 🥲

[@liyach9535]

why are you so good at this

[@nataszam3044]

I needed that hug, hope you're doing alright and wish you all the best! I love the cover and watching it being made!

[@joannaszulc1496]

The queen is back

[@hayleymd5315]

Now the book cover based on the Anemia Girls movie adaptation

[@herbert8911]

girllll you're legit great at this stuff also this video made my day :)

[@samsaraatkis6098]

The G stands for Giving your audience a much-needed hug.

[@Maria-sf9ic]

Like - oh my, your book cover is amaizing but also reminded me of that one of Shawn Mendes album cover xD I didn't know he aspired to be girl from that horror/YA book, that changes a lot-

[@asiyazahoor00]

Gurl why does this looks sooo good tho

[@Sasha-mu5fk]

I love this series! Your graphic design skills,, unmatched

[@itsdivyag]

Thank you so much!

[@harioandluigi4569]

That hug actually makes me feel warm and happy

[@TheSweetbutterfly5]

Clicked as soon as i saw the notification. So excited for this!

[@eommaeottoke9966]

Same fam

[@siouxsbanshee]

this cover SLAPS

[@ediecate]

Oh my god i am obsessed with you. I love commentary on any art form videos but they are normally so boring and you bring so much personality, relatability and fun to what you do!!!! Keep making awesome videos!! (ps, your graphic design is incredible... like insanely awesome)

[@_ann-kathrin_]

This turned out so good 😳 I want to read it!

[@itsdivyag]

👌😩💖

[@spira-virgo5746]

Honestly most of the books are fantastic in this video. People should definitely try The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur. Seriously it’s amazing.

[@lina5699]

The G stands for GAH! I just realized the bear is staring at us

[@chalkandrubble5702]

The end result is GORGEOUS omg

[@user-gi3yr1gl7j]

this is incredible

[@faberquidam]

SUPER SMOOTH INTRO DIVYA

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

Why have I never noticed this….. now I can’t unsee it…

[@ANAN-rg2vf]

Omg the queen has posted 😌

[@jessiahmarielle]

WHY DOES IT SLAP SO HARD OMFG

[@Charloweee]

Its so cool! I would buy it, unironically 💀

[@safegourd]

i love ur energyy u deserve more subscribers !!

[@itsdivyag]

Thank you so much!!

[@kb3146]

This cover is gorgeous ; _ ;

[@light9205]

You're so talented at Photoshopping

[@Ms_DeLarge_Eliza]

She’s really good

[@sandroselladore3506]

im living for the analysis

[@itsdivyag]

Ty for watching haha

[@emielia.]

OMG I love your content 💜 you are so funny 😂 I should have listened to the KZbin algorithm when it recommended your videos to me months ago

[@muskaan3711]

The cover you made really slaps. And yes, sending hugs from a fellow South Asian 💛

[@nazplaysgenshin]

this gotta be a real book like legit- im gonna go write a book to fit in this cover really quick

[@manmoy4104]

I blame you and withcindy (and a few other people) for my sense of humour

[@liliaa1749]

girl, you are hilarious, I love your videos

[@bastian6355]

THAT'S GORGEUS

[@itsdivyag]

THANK YOU!!

[@fara16]

Your design videos… mwah

[@JasminKiechle]

Omg this is SO GOOD

[@yanling_4663]

I hope divya lands a book cover design job soon 🙏

[@itsdivyag]

manifest

[@DreamsOfFire]

Your videos are so entertaining, but I also feel like I learn a lot about typography and graphic design just by watching your process! 👀

[@KristenReviews]

This cover looks so good!!

[@itsdivyag]

Tysmmm

[@creative.coderie]

Illuminating, hilarious, and fun to watch.

[@nathangomatos7812]

Bro why is this so good 💀💀

[@medea4751]

incredible cover omg

[@thatisalll]

wahhh love the content & ur humour :DD liked n subbed

[@sabrina.lnd95]

Damn that cover looks amazing 😍😍 now we only need you to write the story for it 😂

[@RumoHasIt]

Not gonna lie, that hug made me subscribe lol

[@anandiisreading]

DIVYA!!!!!!!!! I WOULD BUY A BOOK IF IT HAD THAT COVER LIKE GIRL YOU BLOW ME AWAY EVERY TIME!!!

[@proseandcons7730]

Such an entertaining video! I adore you and thanks for putting a smile on my face :) loved ur book cover xo

[@aparnarajesh5691]

Now I'm worried abt people stealing your work and using it for an actual book cause ngl, it's so good 😭😭😭

[@wabbitwabbit98]

Damn that's some good photoshop skills though

[@snehapradhan5591]

I loveee your humor so MUCH!! 🤣✨

[@itsdivyag]

Thank you!!!

[@pauieeepau]

These book covers make me wanna buy those books though. I'm a sucker for the aesthetic. Your version looks believable lol.

[@khushbooprasad6519]

I've grown up reading books online with self designed covers. And with the way the book covers are designed nowadays, your covers look a thousand times more professional.

[@kittymeg1855]

lmaoooo spring onion/leeks are kind of a national emblem/symbol here in wales so it was rlly funny when u randomly added them

[@melikeyildirim7]

I just found your channel, and I'm not even 5 minutes into this video and I've already subscribed

[@user-dz1yw1np8q]

The fact that you turned "the locked window" into "The widow locked" made me absolutely die

[@mothumn]

no cause why do i kinda love it

[@pierrearonnaxstanaccount5576]

the g stands for good...day...I'm having now- okay, nvm, but I am excited for this, this is my favourite series and you never fail to grace us with the c o n t e n t, which is actually what the g stands for-

[@pierrearonnaxstanaccount5576]

can't edit the goddamn comment for some reason, but bowel movement was awful-

[@scummybabyelephant6094]

I had very good bowel movements. Thank you ma'am!

[@aishaashworth792]

Don’t normally comment because who’s interacting in the year 2021 lol but you’ve truly surpassed yourself with this one like HOW ARE YOU NOT ALREADY A BOOK COVER DESIGNER!!!