Behind The Cover Art-Catt Ford

How often have you seen this comment by readers? “I was drawn to the book because of the beautiful cover.” Or sometimes, you see this. “The story was great, but I almost didn’t pick it up because of the ugly cover!"

Writers labor over a manuscript for weeks, months, and sometimes, years. Once it’s accepted by a publisher, their “baby” goes through several processes before it finally hits the shelves. One of the most stressful of these steps is choosing a book cover. First, you have to decide which artist will be able to bring your vision to life. Do you want it drawn or would you rather have a photo? Do you have a preference for colors? Should there be nudity, or should we take a more subtle approach? What type of background did you envision? What do your main characters look like? Did you wish to convey passionate love or not? The questions are endless, and most writers provide more information than necessary. It takes a skilled artist to sift through the jumble of words and pull out the key elements of the story to create the perfect cover to showcase our work.

Join me in acknowledging the men and women who provide their expertise to make our cover art the best it can be. Other than the initial round of applause when a book releases, they don’t get enough kudos, and I'd love to help change that. Each month I’m going to showcase a new cover artist to give them the online time they deserve. It’ll also serve as an opportunity for you, the reader, writer, publisher, and aspiring artist, to pick their brain. Feel free to comment and ask questions. At the end of each month, one winner will be drawn from the list of visitors to win a $25.00 gift certificate from Dreamspinner Press.

I'm very excited to feature Catt Ford as this month's cover artist.

Can you tell us a little bit about Catt Ford that isn’t on your official bio?

I’ve been an art director for many years. I used to run and swing dance, until heel spurs and stress fractures interrupted. I am shy and retiring. I have a quiet voice and most people comment that it makes them feel calmer when I come into a room. This amuses me as I am apparently successfully concealing the turmoil within. I love drag queens and gay men in general.

Aside from being a well-known cover artist, you’re also a writer. Which career came first?


Thank you for saying I’m well-known. I didn’t know that. They came simultaneously. When I first submitted a book, I asked if I could do my own cover and Elizabeth graciously agreed. Then Mara, the art director, being swamped, asked if I could help her out by doing a few more and I was launched.

     
 

How do find time to do both ?

With great difficulty. LOL. Photoshop and writing use different parts of the brain and sometimes when you’re in one groove, it’s difficult to switch over. But there are stories that demand to be written and cover deadlines to meet.


Which side of you is more dominant?


It’s a constant struggle.


I was drawn to your work when I saw the cover for A Strong Hand. Tell us how that beautiful cover came to be.


That was sheer dumb luck. I found the photo on a stock site. It’s just beautiful and all I had to do was not spoil it.

Do you have a degree in graphic or fine arts?


I have a BSA in Visual Arts.


What is the most interesting thing you’ve done in the name of research?


Probably go to a live event of the PBR. TV flattens things out and you don’t realize how huge and powerful the bulls are until you see them live. Or how tiny and vulnerable the cowboys look up on top of them. It was very exciting to be in the arena and I was so thankful no one got hurt. I hate that part. I would love to travel but my parents’ health problems make it difficult to get away.


Are there any artists out there who have inspired or influenced you in any way?


Definitely Paul Richmond and Anne Cain.

   
 

Which of your covers is your favorite and why?

I love A Strong Hand because it’s enticing and not obvious. Turkey in the Snow is a cover I did for Amy Lane. It was supposed to be a photo cover but all the turkeys looked like vultures. I decided to illustrate it because I thought the story needed something more tender and poignant and the flow of watercolor was perfect for it. Captive by Scarlet Blackwell because it’s subtle. Requiem for a Dream by Lori Hawkins because it’s so noir. Solid Core of Alpha for Amy Lane because it’s weird. The Lonely War for Alan Chin because it’s surreal. The Last Concubine because it was nearly impossible to find photos but came out so beautiful. The Untold Want because of the expressions on the models and the simplicity. Bullheaded because it’s funny. There are many more.

Does any genre appeal to you or are you strictly m/m?


It depends on the visual. One of my first jobs, other than babysitting, was at my local library, as a book page, shelving and retrieving books. I got very tired of the het romance novel covers and many current covers haven’t really moved on from the old bodice rippers. However, so many covers have moved into a more conceptual arena that I’d never just say I don’t care for the entirety of any genre. Even textbooks are getting much more interesting than they used to be.

Do you prefer drawn or Photoshop covers?


I love both, although I am informed by a reliable source that photo covers sell better. The challenge is different with both. When an artist does a drawn or painted cover, the only restrictions are their imagination. When I’m doing a photoshop cover, I don’t have access to a photographer and models whom I can art direct into the pose I want. It’s a totally different challenge to look through hundreds of stock photos and craft them into something that will work. With an illustrated cover, you go into it forward, while with a stock photo cover, you kind of work backward with what you can find. It means you have to keep an open mind and be alert to possibilities because you may not find what you envisioned. I LOVE the cover Paul Richmond did for my story Bully for You. That’s one that we could never have been able to execute with stock photos.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?


Writing

I’ve noticed a lot of your recent work is in the interesting world of bull riders. Care to expand on that?


I am an actual card-carrying herdie. LOL. I am a registered fan of the PBR, the Professional Bull Riders Association, and I watch it both on TV and online. It all started when I was recovering from fractures in both feet and couldn’t dance. I happened to see a PBR event on TV one day and got fascinated in just how those guys managed to stay on top of a bull. Bulls are large and strong; bull riders tend to be short and skinny. It’s kind of like learning choreography; the more I watched the more I realized it’s just like dancing, a question of balance, movement and counter moves. Then I started becoming a fan of specific riders and then I noticed the bullfighters and I was hooked. I even have favorite bulls now!

Book covers, like fashion, are trendy. What have you noticed out there lately?

I have noticed far more conceptual covers in all genres out there recently. Instead of illustrating a specific scene from a story, or giving literal depictions of the characters, artists are conveying the mood and emotion of a book in other ways. A prime example of this is the cover Anne Cain did for CZ Snow, A Visible Friend. It conveys emotion, lets the reader know immediately the subject and mood of the story and is very eye-catching. It’s an exquisite cover.

              Do you have any advice for artists who are thinking of getting into this field?


Take the author’s request into careful consideration. They know their own book best and it’s wonderful when you can make them happy. But also try other approaches. Sometimes you can’t find the right stock to execute what the author asked for and you have to give them what they didn’t know they wanted. Even if you don’t agree with their request, try to make it as beautiful as possible.

                                    Where do you see yourself five years from now?


In front of my computer writing. Or doing covers


Contact information:

http://catt-ford.livejournal.com/

catlover2x@gmail.com



The lucky commenter for last months cover artist post is Penumbra.  Please leave your contact info on this post so I can forward the Dreamspinner gift voucher.  Thanks for stopping by! 

Behind The Cover Art

     How often have you seen this comment by readers?

 “I was drawn to the book because of the beautiful cover.” Or sometimes, you see this. “The story was great, but I almost didn’t pick it up because of the ugly cover!”

Writers labor over a manuscript for weeks, months, and sometimes, years. Once it’s accepted by a publisher, their “baby” goes through several processes before it finally hits the shelves. One of the most stressful of these steps is choosing a book cover. First, you have to decide which artist will be able to bring your vision to life. Do you want it drawn or Photoshopped? Do you have a preference for colors? Should there be nudity, or should we take a more subtle approach? What type of background did you envision? What do your main characters look like? Did you wish to convey passionate love or not? The questions are endless, and most writers provide more information than necessary. It takes a skilled artist to sift through the jumble of words and pull out the key elements of the story to create the perfect cover to showcase our work.

Join me in acknowledging the men and women who provide their expertise to make our cover art the best it can be. Other than the initial round of applause when a book releases, they don’t get enough kudos, and I'd love to help change that. Each month I’m going to showcase a new cover artist to give them the online time they deserve. It’ll also serve as an opportunity for you, the reader, writer, publisher, and aspiring artist, to pick their brain. Feel free to comment and ask questions. At the end of each month, one winner will be drawn from the list of visitors to win a $25.00 gift certificate from Dreamspinner Press.

It's my pleasure to present Allie Cooper as this months featured cover artist.

You’re a relative newcomer in the cover art scene so a bit of a mystery to most of us.  Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Ever since I was a kid I liked to draw. I remember drawing pictures for my friends in school and I always thought that one day I would write children’s books and illustrate them. It wasn’t until I was out of college (the first time) that I thought about doing graphic design work. So that’s what I’m going to school for now. I’ve been married for 9 years and I have two young dogs that and a full time office job that keep me on my toes.

How did you get into this field?

A longtime friend has been editing/proofing and heard about authors needing covers for their books and asked if it would be something I would have an interest in doing and, of course, I said yes.  So he’s put me in touch with the clients I’ve worked with so far.

Do you have a degree in graphic or fine arts?

Not yet. I’m still working on it. I go to school part-time so it will be a couple more years, but I love learning something new every day that I can use to create.

Are there any cover artists out there who have inspired or influenced your work in any way?

I’m not familiar with many other cover artists. I am incredibly new to this field, so I’m still trying to get a feel for the whole thing.

Does any genre appeal to you or are you strictly m/m?

I’m interested in any genre. Like I said before, I always thought I would illustrate children’s books, so I’m happy to work on book covers for any genre as long as I am able to let the creative juices flow.

Do you prefer drawn or photo shopped covers?

I have literally been working with Photoshop for 17 years, so I am incredibly comfortable with the program and with graphic design of any kind. However, I am also a visual artist, so that appeals to me, as well. I think there are merits for both. Photoshop is easier to throw something together quickly, whereas hand crafted covers can be very specific to an idea.

Most of us wear several hats.What are some of yours?

Wife, dog-mom, aunt, artist, student, teacher, writer, cook and friend.

People often ask me where I draw the inspiration for my stories and my standard answer is “everywhere.” Where does your inspiration come from?  Is it the book blurb, the writer’s specs, or none of the above?

Generally I take inspiration both from the book’s subject and from the writer’s ideas for what they want. My goal is to create a beautiful cover that the writer loves and thinks fits their book perfectly.

Would you like to do this full time if you had the option?

I would love it. Eventually I will work on my graphic design full time, whether it be book covers, logo work, websites or something else. I’m happiest when I’m creating.

Book covers, like fashion, are trendy.  What have you noticed out there lately?

The good, the bad and the ugly. I’ve seen spectacular book covers that draw the eye, that are understated and subtle and get the idea of the book across beautifully. But unfortunately, I’ve also noticed that some seem to have been put together by someone who does not have an eye for design. I’ve noticed that typography and fonts seem to be taking precedence over illustrations and images, too. Typography is so important and I love to see book covers that can be read on a thumbnail or from far away.

Would you like to see something different?  If so, what?

I think that minimalistic styles are underrated and should be used more often. It often doesn’t take much more than a great title to peak the reader’s interest. Accompanied by a simple image or illustration, the title in a fantastic type would look spectacular.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Designing full time, creating works of art that writers are proud to have attached to their books.

Here are some of the preliminary designs that were offered to the author before the final was picked.

You can contact Allie here:
Allie Cooper
www.alliecooper.net
allie@alliecooper.net

Behind The Cover Art

How often have you seen this comment by readers? “I was drawn to the book because of the beautiful cover.” Or sometimes, you see this. “The story was great, but I almost didn’t pick it up because of the ugly cover!”

Writers labor over a manuscript for weeks, months, and sometimes, years. Once it’s accepted by a publisher, their “baby” goes through several processes before it finally hits the shelves. One of the most stressful of these steps is choosing a book cover. First, you have to decide which artist will be able to bring your vision to life. Do you want it drawn or Photoshopped? Do you have a preference for colors? Should there be nudity, or should we take a more subtle approach? What type of background did you envision? What do your main characters look like? Did you wish to convey passionate love or not? The questions are endless, and most writers provide more information than necessary. It takes a skilled artist to sift through the jumble of words and pull out the key elements of the story to create the perfect cover to showcase our work.

Join me in acknowledging the men and women who provide their expertise to make our cover art the best it can be. Other than the initial round of applause when a book releases, they don’t get enough kudos, and I'd love to help change that. Each month I’m going to showcase a new cover artist to give them the online time they deserve. It’ll also serve as an opportunity for you, the reader, writer, publisher, and aspiring artist, to pick their brain. Feel free to comment and ask questions. At the end of each month, one winner will be drawn from the list of visitors to win a $25.00 gift certificate from Dreamspinner Press.

It's my pleasure to present Charlie Chochet as this months featured cover artist.

     Many readers are familiar with Charlie Cochet, multi-published author, but not too many realize you’re also a cover artist. Tell us how that evolved.  

I only recently (as of last year) started doing eBook cover art. I was an artist before I became a full-time writer, but I’ve always loved to do both, still do. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much free time for personal art, but I’m never able to go too long without drawing or creating something. When I wrote Roses in the Devil’s Garden, a free novella for the M/M Romance Group’s Love Is Always Write event, I realized I would need to provide my own cover art. I was so excited, yet nervous. Although I’d designed plenty of graphics for other things, I’d never designed an eBook cover before. The feedback I received for it was wonderful and I had so much fun creating it. I knew it wouldn’t be my last.   

   

     With regards to your own writing, have you ever been inspired to write after you’ve played around with an image or do you write the story first, and then dream up the cover?

I tend to write the story first and then design a cover to fit the feel and tone of it, though I’ve come across plenty of images I thought would not only make an amazing cover, but a pretty interesting story. At the moment I have too many plot bunnies vying for my attention, so any plot bunnies that spring up from images have to wait their turn.  

     Are your covers illustrated or photo shopped? 

At the moment, they’re all Photoshop, though a few of them have illustrated bits in them, like the canine shadows in the cover for An Intrepid Trip to Love. Depending on what the cover needs, there may be a mix of both.  

     Is there any truth to the rumor that illustrated covers don’t attract the same attention as the ones that are photo shopped?

I think it comes down to the individual’s taste. Personally, I love both, but then I’ve always loved illustration. There are some cover artists who do illustrative work and they just blow me away. As an artist, I know how much work goes into a single piece, how many hours, how exhausting it is. The amount of detail you can see in some of these covers is absolutely gorgeous. I have certain styles I’m more attracted to than others and an illustrated cover will always grab my attention. For me, I think it’s more of whether the illustration fits the type of book it is and if it’s professional. With illustrated covers, you have more freedom, because however you imagine the character, you can create him/her, whereas stock photography is more limited.

    If you had to choose, would you rather paint or write?  Why?

Well, I sort of did choose, and I chose to write. As happy as art made me, it didn’t make me feel the way writing does. I could never find the right direction to take with my art, and writing kept calling to me. Even with all the deadlines and pressure, I still love writing more and more every day. If I couldn’t even dabble in one, I would still choose writing. I’m still creating art, just in a different format.  

    How do you juggle both careers?

Schedules! I try to schedule everything and try my best to stick to that schedule. That way my productivity is at its highest. I’m one of those weird people who need deadlines and organization. I make time for writing, and for any designing I need to do. I try to squeeze as much out my day as possible. And coffee. Lots of coffee.

  

    Do you freelance or are you committed to one publisher?

Right now, since I’m just starting out, I freelance. If an offer came along from the right publisher, I would be happy to commit. We’ll see what happens.

    Are there steps you’d recommend before a writer decides on a cover artist?

I would recommend they look through plenty of covers to find a style they like and then check out the artists. Every artist has a style, even if it’s subtle, so find one whose style fits you. Most publishers will have the cover artist’s name alongside the book’s info, sometimes it’s inside the book with the artist’s contact information. Many cover artists have websites with all their information. Know what sort of cover you have in mind. You don’t have to have it all worked out, but have some kind of idea, whether it’s just a pose, a mood, or a color scheme.  

     How do you feel about revisions?  In other words, have you ever turned down a job because you couldn’t agree with a writers’ vision? 

I’m open to a certain number of revisions, but I tend to do mockups first and show them to the author before continuing, to make sure they’re happy with the models, the colors, the images used, the fonts, layout, and so on. That’s where a lot of the tweaking happens. As of yet, I haven’t had to turn down any jobs and the folks I’ve worked with have been lovely.

    Does any genre appeal to you or are you strictly m/m?

At the moment, I’m strictly m/m because it’s what I write, what I’m immersed in, what I love, and because taking on other genres just isn’t feasible at the moment due to time restraints.

    Would you like to share any recent awards that made your day.

At the moment I’ve mostly received awards and acknowledgments for my writing. I’m still too new at being a cover artist and still have a lot to learn. What makes me happiest though is creating something for someone and knowing they’re happy with it. That for me is the best feeling. I’m always so nervous when I create something because I really want to do the best I can and make the person I’m creating for love what they’re getting.

    How would a self-published author commission a cover?

If folks want to chat about eBook covers they can contact me via my website: http://charliecochet.com/contact or email me: Charlie@charliecochet.com

    Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Great question! I wish I could say I had it all planned out, but I don’t. Life is too unpredictable, so I do the best I can. I keep learning and growing, and most importantly, keep creating.

I just want to say thank you so much for having me, and thank you to the folks who’ve stopped by. It’s been a real treat!

Where to find Charlie:

Website: http://charliecochet.com

Blog: http://charliecochet.com/blog

Facebook: http://facebook.com/charliecochet

Twitter: http://twitter.com/charliecochet

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/CharlieCochet

Hi all!  The winner of the limited edition print by Paul Richmond is Urb.  Please contact me at mickie.ashling @ gmail dot com so I can forward your info to Paul.

My next featured cover artist is Charlie Cochet,  Watch for the post around the middle of May and a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate.

Finally, if you would like another stab at getting a free copy of Fire Horse, the gracious Eden Winters is hosting me on her blog. Here's the link: http://www.edenwinters.com/2013/04/new-release-announcement-fire-horse-by.html  

Winner!

The lucky winner of last month's cover artist post is Jianni Carlo.  Please email me at
mickie.ashling@gmail.com to claim your prize.  The $25.00 Dreamspinner Press gift certificate will be added to your bookshelf.  If you don't have an account, you need to create one. Thanks for participating in Lex Valentine's post!

Behind The Cover Art

How often have you seen this comment by readers? “I was drawn to the book because of the beautiful cover.” Or sometimes, you see this. “The story was great, but I almost didn’t pick it up because of the ugly cover!”

Writers labor over a manuscript for weeks, months, and sometimes, years. Once it’s accepted by a publisher, their “baby” goes through several processes before it finally hits the shelves. One of the most stressful of these steps is choosing a book cover. First, you have to decide which artist will be able to bring your vision to life. Do you want it drawn or Photoshopped? Do you have a preference for colors? Should there be nudity, or should we take a more subtle approach? What type of background did you envision? What do your main characters look like? Did you wish to convey passionate love or not? The questions are endless, and most writers provide more information than necessary. It takes a skilled artist to sift through the jumble of words and pull out the key elements of the story to create the perfect cover to showcase our work.

Join me in acknowledging the men and women who provide their expertise to make our cover art the best it can be. Other than the initial round of applause when a book releases, they don’t get enough kudos, and I'm hoping to change that. Each month I’m going to showcase a new cover artist to give them the online time they deserve. It’ll also serve as an opportunity for you, the reader, writer, publisher, and aspiring artist, to pick their brain. Feel free to comment and ask questions. At the end of each month, one winner will be drawn from the list of visitors to win a $25.00 gift certificate from Dreamspinner Press or another special prize.


It's my pleasure to present Paul Richmond as this months featured cover artist.

1.  How did you get started in the cover art business?

In 2009, my friend Jane Seville asked if I would be interested in illustrating the cover for her upcoming novel, Zero at the Bone. At that time, I was just starting to exhibit some of my LGBT-themed paintings, and I was eager to branch out into illustration because that was my major in school. I had a blast doing her cover and was thrilled when Dreamspinner Press invited me to do more. Now here we are today, over 200 covers later…

2.  When I finished writing my historical, Mayon, you came to mind for the cover.  I wanted something different and unique to my story, but I was worried that I’d have little input because you would be drawing and not photo shopping.  Now, I know that’s not true, but I’d like you to share your method with our readers so anyone contemplating a drawn cover can rest assured that there is wiggle room.

Wiggle room is actually one of the biggest advantages of drawn covers. And I’m an expert wiggler! Since I am making it from scratch rather than relying on what I can find on stock photo sites, it allows for a more customized look. This works really well for certain themes and genres, especially historical and fantasy novels. I always do a sketch first based on the author’s spec and then run it by them for input before I start rendering it. That way I can be sure to get it just right.

]

3.  Are your covers painted on canvas and then transferred to the computer through techno magic?  How does it work?  

Yep, techno magic! LOL! Actually, I have a variety of techniques I use. Some are traditional like paint on canvas, and others are entirely digital. I’m always much more interested in the story being told than what technique I’m using to tell it, so I will mix it up or combine things as needed until I get the right look. Throw in a little “abcracadabra, presto-chango” and that’s how a Paul Richmond cover is born!

4.   Without naming names, have you ever thrown up your hands, and screamed FORGETABOUTIT in the privacy of your studio?  How do you deal with a diva author who demands what you can’t or don’t want to deliver?  Just curious...

 

As much as I worship Cher and Madonna, I’m also grateful that Dreamspinner promotes a very collaborative environment with little room for diva tantrums.  I’ve worked with a number of publishers over the years, and I have never encountered one that values author input as much as Dreamspinner does. So many publishers don’t even consult with authors at all, whereas we bend over backwards to try and make sure we are representing each author’s novel in the best possible light. Covers do help sell novels, so it benefits everyone ultimately. And it is a back and forth process because we have certain insights about what will sell a book, and that may differ from what the author initially envisioned. But to answer your question, even the most challenging experiences I’ve had with authors aren’t nearly as bad as the best of days when I worked as a corporate drone in a gray cloth-lined cubicle for a mainstream publisher. So you won’t ever hear me complaining!

5.  Is there any truth to the rumor that drawn covers don’t attract the buyers as well as the photo-shopped ones?  If so, why?

Sometimes photo-based covers do sell better, but it really comes down to what will best represent the novel. I do both kinds of covers myself, and there are times when I have suggested switching from one to the other based on the subject matter.

6.  Many of us know Paul Richmond, artist extraordinaire, and current Associate Art Director at Dreamspinner Press, but not too many know Paul, the staunch advocate of LGBT rights.  Tell us about the current charity/project that’s near and dear to your heart.  Feel free to add links if  reader would like to learn more. 

My partner, Dennis, and I have recently gotten involved with an organization called Marriage Evolved. We will be one of 25 couples going to Washington DC with them in June to get married on the steps of the US Supreme Court. It’s part of a grassroots movement to raise awareness about the importance of marriage equality here in our home state of Ohio as well as on a national level. When we return to Columbus, we will be participating in a variety of events throughout Pride weekend including the parade and a special cake-cutting ceremony with one of our favorite drag queens! Who could ask for a more memorable wedding?  If you’d like to learn more about it and contribute to the cause, visit http://cbusoflove.com. You can also read our wedding bio there. 

7.   Would you like to share any recent awards that made your day.

 

I’m always honored to have any of my covers recognized in the Rainbow Awards, especially with so many incredible artists working in this genre now. It also makes my day to see how many of our other fabulous Dreamspinner artists are represented there too. I know how hard they all work throughout the year, so it’s wonderful to see their talents appreciated. I am so inspired by the amazing group of people I get to work with on a daily basis! Rainbow Awards time is also fun for me because I get to see the little undie-flashing mascot I painted for Elisa pop up all over the place.

8.  Do you continue to paint and sell your art in studios or have you given that up to devote your time to Dreamspinner Press? 

I definitely still paint. I did take some time off after my latest show in July because I wanted to focus on my new role as the Associate Art Director for Dreamspinner, and also because Dennis and I just bought a house. But I have a million ideas stored up and will be back in front of the easel in no time!

9.  If you’re still painting, who carries most of your work?  Where are they located?

I’m represented by the Lyman-Eyer Gallery in Provincetown: 

 http://www.lymaneyerart.com/

     10.  Can you freelance?  How would a self-published author commission a cover?

I certainly could freelance, but my work keeps me so busy that I’m not taking on any additional cover commissions at this time. If you’d like me to do your cover, my advice is submit your novel to Dreamspinner. 

11. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Hopefully doing what I’m doing right now! I love the variety of projects that come my way through Dreamspinner. They are a company with so much integrity and I’m a very lucky boy to be a part of it. I’m also growing quite accustomed to the luxury of working at home. Casual Friday used to mean wearing jeans, now it can mean no-pants day! I hope to continue growing as an artist, trying new creative adventures, and enjoying the married life with the man of my dreams. Oh, and maybe I’d like to try my hand at writing one of these novels that I spend so much time illustrating.

Website: www.paulrichmondstudio.com

Email: paul@dreamspinnerpress.com

 

Many thanks to Paul for taking the time to share his artwork and his process.  He has generously donated a limited-edition giclee print of the cover art he did for "Woke Up In A Strange Place". The lucky winner will be announced in thirty days.

 Here's a link with all the details about the print: http://paulrichmond.bigcartel.com/product/woke-up-in-a-strange-place-print


If you are a cover artist and would like to be featured on this blog, please email me at mickie.ashling@gmail.com

Behind The Cover Art

How often have you seen this comment by readers? “I was drawn to the book because of the beautiful cover.” Or sometimes, you see this. “The story was great, but I almost didn’t pick it up because of the ugly cover!”

Writers labor over a manuscript for weeks, months, and sometimes, years. Once it’s accepted by a publisher, their “baby” goes through several processes before it finally hits the shelves. One of the most stressful of these steps is choosing a book cover. First, you have to decide which artist will be able to bring your vision to life. Do you want it drawn or Photoshopped? Do you have a preference for colors? Should there be nudity, or should we take a more subtle approach? What type of background did you envision? What do your main characters look like? Did you wish to convey passionate love or not? The questions are endless, and most writers provide more information than necessary. It takes a skilled artist to sift through the jumble of words and pull out the key elements of the story to create the perfect cover to showcase our work.

Join me in acknowledging the men and women who provide their expertise to make our cover art the best it can be. Other than the initial round of applause when a book releases, they don’t get enough kudos, and I'm hoping to change that. Each month I’m going to showcase a new cover artist to give them the online time they deserve. It’ll also serve as an opportunity for you, the reader, writer, publisher, and aspiring artist, to pick their brain. Feel free to comment and ask questions. At the end of each month, one winner will be drawn from the list of visitors to win a $25.00 gift certificate from Dreamspinner Press.

It's my pleasure to present Lex Valentine as my next featured cover artist.


Can you tell us something about Lex Valentine that I wouldn’t find in an official bio?

I can’t draw at all. My father was a wonderful artist with pen and ink and he did the most delicate, beautiful watercolor paintings…but the only thing I can draw that looks reasonably correct is a bunch of balloons.

How did you get started in the business?

I’ve been making myself web graphics like banners and buttons since the 90’s. I don’t really remember how I got started doing that, but when I started writing online, I started making graphics for that website and for the little freebie ebooks from it. When I sold my first book to Jupiter Gardens Press (Pink Petal Books) I ended up making the cover for it. I don’t remember if Mary asked me if I could or if I offered, but that was the official start of my cover art career.
 
Do you feel that a degree in graphic arts is essential to this sort of work?

No. If that were the case I wouldn’t be doing it since my degree is in Biological Anthropology!

Most artists, be they writers, singers, or painters are at a loss to explain where their ideas come from.  They either flow or they don’t, and when the well dries up, it’s terrifying.  How do you cope with a blank canvas when you’re on a dead line? 

The only time I’ve ever had writer’s block was after my parents died. With cover art, that never happens because what the authors tell me about their book is what inspires the cover. The better they are at describing their characters and the tone and setting of their book the better I can conjure up a cover.

Are you influenced by trends? Fifty Shades of Grey started a rash of covers that all looked similar.  How do you say no when an author wants something trendy and you want something unique?

I try to give authors what they want even if it’s not that pleasing to me. I want them to be happy with their cover. I know what it’s like to be an author and have a cover I don’t like. So it’s not really about my art, it’s about what the author wants.


Is there wiggle room if the writer doesn’t like the first draft?   Do you get offended if an author asks for a change?

Whether it’s for a publisher or for a self-publish endeavor, I always give authors some room for change. I have to limit that obviously otherwise with some authors I would be changing their cover 50 times which is cost prohibitive. I don’t get offended with most small changes. What does bother me is when an author asks for ABC, I give them ABC and then they change what they want and ask for XYZ. 

Do you have an alter ego?  If so, what other hats do you wear?

I do have alter egos. I am a published author and my EDJ is in IT and Accounting. I used to have a tax preparer’s license too but I’ve let that lapse. As Winterheart Design I do cover art, graphics, book trailers and websites.


Which side of you is more dominant?

These days, the creative side of me is more dominant, the side that writes and does cover art.


Have you ever received any requests as a cover artist that you’ve found particularly challenging?

All the time! But honestly, interpreting each cover art form is a challenge. Some authors say too much. Others not enough. And then there are those who insist on certain elements, a particular look…that can all be challenging. The most challenging thing is when authors have visualized their character as a specific person, usually a celebrity of some sort. It’s really hard to find a stock image model who will live up to that author’s vision of their character when they’re so vested in the celebrity as the face of the character.


Are you committed to a specific publisher or do your free lance?

I work primarily for MLR Press and its imprints (Passion in Print, Featherweight), Jupiter Gardens Press, and MuseItUp Publishing as well as freelance.


Do you have a “wish list” for writers, i.e. how can we make your job easier?

Not really. I mostly just wish authors understood that there are limitations to everything we do with regard to cover art. We don’t read minds nor can we see the visions in authors’ heads. If they don’t describe the character or the setting in a way that we can “see” it, they aren’t going to get what they’re visualizing. Also, the scenes they want depicted are subject to the images we can find to create them. Sometimes we’re really limited especially with anything historical, sci fi or fantasy. And knowing that, they need to be somewhat flexible. The more inflexible they are regarding their cover, the less they are going to like the end result.


Are there any special awards that you’d like to share?

I’ve been nominated for EPIC’s Ariana Award in cover art numerous times but I actually won in 2011. It was an amazing feeling to open the box and pull out the award!


Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Hopefully, living in the back of beyond in the mountains with my DH and my cats, no EDJ, just doing Winterheart Design stuff and writing.

How does one get in touch with you?

Anyone interested in cover art, graphics or websites can fill out the contact form on Winterheart Design’s website.

Winterheart Design – http://winterheart.com
Lex Valentine – http://lexvalentine.com
Facebook – http://facebook.com/cemeterywinter
Twitter – http://twitter.com/lexvalentine