Contemporary Latin American Short Stories Book Cover Rough

I don't believe that the emotion you are trying to convey comes across. Seems like you tried to put too many elements into this cover.
The borders are distracting, the black type and image are visually dead, seems like you just typed and weren't concerned with kerning, there is a poor use of white space, also it looks like you made a rounded cornered square and then just stretched it, leaving odd corners.
Is this a school or professional project?

I would suggest starting over. And work some covers out in sketch form first before you go to the computer.

Hope it helps.

David

I like the borders around the main image, they add a nice texture. Though I think maybe it is too much with the texture in both the continent and the background. I like how you offset the title and image, it creates a dynamic composition. I agree that the kerning could use some work and the rounded corners don't seem quite right. Overall I think it's a good direction you're going.

Thanks for the feedback so far. Very helpful.
This piece is actually left over from a project I did in school a little while back. I've received a strong reaction so I left it as a portfolio piece. I recently had a portfolio review, and I am in the process of re-developing, and enhancing some work.

I am trying to creative a lively and rustic or weathered texture. Previously the work had no embellishments, but I also don't want to over do it. For those interested you can view the original piece that I am presently trying to "develop" here. http://www.erickjurado.com/Pages/latinamericancoverpage.html

Again thanks. This was my first time posting, and I think this is a tremendous and useful resource. Looking forward to posting some more work later on!

I think you're trying to cram too much into one little area! I think one of the most important lessons a designer must learn, is when to stop. I think all of the elements you have are pretty ok -- but together? they're toooo much.

drop shadows, borders, 2 patterns, rounded corners, on and on and on.

Take away 1/2 the elements and i'd think you had something. The main one being the pattern on the blue. I think it's too distracting. I'd also change that font. It looks like a "free font" and italics are just bleh.

Keep reposting as you work!