This is the cover of Derin6's, a Turkish progressive rock band, first album "' lk " ( means " first " ). All done in PS and a little bit in Painter. I used different apple photoshots to create the desireable one. All images and textures including smoke, fire effect and texture on the apple, I did without reference. The logo design of the band which is lofted on the apple's surface and the typography of the band's name are not my creations. I just reform them to fit in my cover design. The challenge for me was to manage the focal area properly. I used different blur levels on the front and back leaves and on the apple to give a naturel sense of depth. I believe I managed that for a certain level. I hope it will be better in the future.