Artist Interview with Jenna Kinyon

1. How did you become an artist? Was it a hobby, or something you couldn’t stop yourself from being?

Some of my earliest memories are of sitting at the kitchen table with my father drawing dinosaurs in crayon. Art has always just been a part of my life. It's been at times a hobby, a career, and a lifestyle.

2. What kind of medium do you usually (and/or prefer) to use?

I prefer charcoal above all else. It's a very tactile way to draw and I greatly enjoy digging my hands into the heart of it and working out the composition.

As for the medium I use most often, it's a combination of watercolor paint and colored pencil. The watercolor underlays the pencil allowing for accuracy and detail in my biological illustrations.

3. Being that (e)book cover design is pretty much one of the more rare fields in the art world, how did you find yourself designing the covers for (e)books? 

Outside of the control of large publishing companies it seems that it's both difficult for artists and authors to connect. My first introduction to cover design and illustration came when I was contacted by a client who had seen my work locally and privately commissioned me.

4. Can you describe the process of designing an (e)book cover from the idea stage to the final product?

Generally a contract is first made. It lays out the groundwork of trust for a working relationship. Such things like pricing,deadlines, printing rights, copyright ownership, termination of the project fee are laid out and discussed and then signed. This just ensures that everyone knows their rights and what they're getting. I am then sent a summary of the book, or even the book itself to read, along with the publisher's or author's ideas and concepts if they have any. Sometimes I get the privilege to discuss the book directly with it's author instead of second-hand from a publisher. When discussing with the author you really get to know the book, and you lay out what's important to show. Good book covers consist of a mix of graphic design and illustration. A nice picture for the cover does nothing if the layout and design of the cover is so poor that the text of the title cannot be read, or a nice font and title does nothing to attract the eye and garner sales without an interesting cover. The cover of the book needs to be striking to get sales as the cover is the book's advertisement in bookstores. After discussing with either the publisher or author I make a series of thumbnail sketches to hash out ideas for compositions and layouts. Generally thirty or more thumbnails before I pick the best three to legitimately sketch out. Those sketches get sent to the client who will pick their favorite, tell me what they like, what they don't like, and ask for changes. After the revisions I create the final illustration and jacket design.

5. How much interaction do you have with an author?  How much say does the author have on the weight of your design?

That depends. In some cases the author is very involved in the project, sometimes commissioning me personally. Other times I never hear from the author at all and work with them only through their publisher. The author's opinions are important to me. No one knows the intricacies of the book and it's characters better than the author. Getting to work or discuss the book with them is a treat and I think it improves the process. The important thing is that the client is more than happy with the resulting design.

6. Where do your design inspirations come from?

I have a great love of Baroque painters and contemporary artists. My favorite artist of the week is Paul Wright for his dynamic and insightful portraiture.

7.  Do you read all the books that you design covers for? What genre(s) are you most comfortable (and/or experienced) in?

If I have time I definitely do. Books are a great love of mine, and I enjoy reading anything I can get my hands on.

8. What are some of the things a potential client should look for in a good cover artist? Does education and previous experience really matter in your opinion?

A potential client should look for a good portfolio and someone who is experienced in graphic design. When seeking an artist make sure to ask about their previous work experience and see their current artworks.

I'm of the opinion that education and previous experience do matter. A formal art education ensures that the artist is both capable, qualified, and has the skills necessary to render the cover art worthy of the author's toils. And experience is a must. Book covers need a careful hand of graphic design and illustration to be both visually clean and attractive while being visually striking. The vital importance of the cover to book sales means that you only want to only hire someone with experience.

9. What is the best way for authors to contact you?

Through my email.

10. Coke or Pepsi?

Coke, please!

Samples - Christine Ticali

The following cover art is by Christine Tecali:

You can contact Christine here.

Artist Interview with Christine Ticali

1. How did you become an artist? Was it a hobby, or something you couldn’t stop yourself from being?
Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away I studied at the famous School of Visual Arts in New York City.  There they taught us innocent open-minded college kids to make sure we got a day job in another field because the art arena wasn’t paying.  So I decided to go into teaching, and I became a public school teacher.  There, everyone told me I should’ve been an artist.  Anyway, I got married, had two little girls and after my last daughter was born my hubster and I decided I should take some time off to raise the girls.
I had a friend who was self publishing a very personal memoir on kindle called, Unlovable and she asked me if I could help her with the cover.  I, of course, said yes.  So, I bought Photoshop (the teacher edition, which is CHEAP!!!) and I made her a cover.  I haven’t stopped since.
For me, it was definitely something that I could not stop myself from being.  I love to do anything creative, I even make origami birds out of napkins during dinner without even realizing I’m doing it.


2. What kind of medium do you usually (and/or prefer) to use?  
I love to paint, especially with oils.  Unfortunately, with a 21 month old it doesn’t EVER happen.  But, she does let me paint on my computer, so that’s what I’ve adapted to.  I use Adobe Photoshop CS5 and my own photography with my Canon Rebel.


3. Being that (e)book cover design is pretty much one of the more rare fields in the art world, how did you find yourself designing the covers for (e)books?  
Like I said before, a friend just wanted my help.  I got to know people on the kindle forums and everyone told me I should start doing more covers, and they actually wanted to pay me!  How could I say no!?


4. Can you describe the process of designing an (e)book cover from the idea stage to the final product?  
I like to have my authors tell me what they see on their covers.  Then I take my camera, and I go collect photographs.  I just finished a cover for Illusions of Grandeur and Other Stories, by TS Gwilliam and she wanted a dark cemetery background with two grave stones that mirrored each other.  So, I drove to an old graveyard and spent a peaceful, yet eerily spooky, hour snapping pictures.   If I can’t get my own photographs I buy stock photography or use Public Domain photos. When I find all the pictures I want, I upload them directly into my Mac and I use Photoshop to put together pieces of pictures with shading, coloring and digital painting.

5. How much interaction do you have with an author?  How much say does the author have on the weight of your design?

I usually do all my interactions with my authors through email. Come to think of it, I’ve never even spoken to an author on the telephone!  Email is so much easier for me because no one can hear my kids singing and screaming in the background!  I try my best to put together a picture the exact way the author wants to see it. Some authors scan me a sketch of what they want, or even send me photographs of their family members who they want on the cover.


6. Where do your design inspirations come from?  
Everywhere.  Everything I look at is a possible work of art to me.


7.  Do you read all the books that you design covers for? What genre(s) are you most comfortable (and/or experienced) in?  
One of my promises to my authors is that I buy each and every book I do work on and read them.  I must admit, I’m a little backed up right now, but I love to read almost as much as creating art, so it’s all good!  My favorite genres are fantasy and horror.  When I’m making covers, I think my favorite is horror, I seem to have a dark side.


8. What are some of the things a potential client should look for in a good cover artist? Does education and previous experience really matter in your opinion?  
A good cover artist should be professional.  They should be someone who will listen or read your words and try to make the rest of the world see what you see before even opening your book.  I think education matters but, not in the sense that an artist should have gone to a great art school, but they should be educated in their medium of choice.  I’m constantly taking classes in Photoshop, because it’s such a huge piece of software.  Everyday I take time and do a tutorial from an artist, or even an average person from YouTube, there’s so much I don’t know!   As for previous experience, I think you should also take a chance on someone.  The Kindle authors took a chance on me!


9. What is the best way for authors to contact you?  
The best way to view my work is to visit me on my Deviantart page or email me. I’m in the process of creating a website right now, so soon there will be another way to contact me!


10.Coke or Pepsi?  
Coke zero.  Pepsi stinks.

Announcing ARTIST Interviews and Samples!

I'm very excited to announce that artists are now invited to request interviews and submit samples!

The purpose of this broadening is to facilitate mutually beneficial networking opportunities for artists and authors to connect, hopefully for marketing/business purposes. (Although tips for those dabbling in the craft of the other are certainly welcome!)

If you are and / or know anyone that would be interested in either an interview or posting samples or excerpts of your / their work, just check out the guidelines above!

I can't wait to show you what some artists have already sent in ahead of time!!