My name is Jace and I’m the founder of Wycked Concepts and Creations; which is a business that offers a wide selection of different author services.
What do you do as part of your author service?
Blurb writing, scenes, outlines, concepts, proofreading, alpha reading, renders, and so much more with new services added as the need for them is brought to my attention.
Have you always wanted to work with this?
Yes; owning my own business has always been a dream of mine and I love that I can help indie authors while I’m at it.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a proofread, 2 blurbs and an outline as well as teaching myself graphic design.
Do you have any quirks while working?
I stick my tongue out when I’m really focused.
Do you have any advice for beginners about the publishing world?
Be careful who you trust. It’s too easy to get burned; make sure you know who your friends are.
What are your hopes for the future?
I’d like to buy a house for my wife and never have to work a day job again.
Do you have anything to say to your followers?
Thank you for supporting me; you’re making my dream come true and I can’t wait to help you create the magic you’ve been waiting to find with your book babies.
Please give a warm welcome to Illustrator Wassay Kahn
I am an Illustrator and Concept Artist, I am inspired by Frank Frazetta I have worked in the field of Games, Film, and Advertisement.
I am passionate about visual storytelling and world-building. Primarily using painting techniques, I’ve been involved in a wide range of productions providing a variety of work such as concept art, card illustrations, character design, environment design, and matte painting.
I am doing designing the last 8 to 9 years, and I have advice for beginners to be passionate hard work never disappoint, one day you will achieve your goals.
Please give a warm welcome to graphic designer Natasha from Dazed Designs
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I am a Self-taught graphic artist from Australia who currently resides in Tropical North Queensland. I have a beautiful family for who I would do anything. This little family includes three children, one husband, and one Neapolitan mastiff. I love reading, all forms of art (outdoor sculpture and installation art especially), heavy metal music (my music is my happy place), spending time exploring the world around us with my family (mainly locally because I am also not fond of people I don’t know LOL), beaches (not in North Queensland though because I don’t have a death wish – yes we have crocodiles, killer jellyfish, and big sharks everywhere) and dreaming of perfect Gothi/Gypsy inspired interior design.
Hand Painted Suspenseful CONTEMPORARY
Have you always wanted to become a graphic artist?
YES! I started painting and illustrating around 5 years old. It was here that I told my Aunt and Cousin (whose home I was staying at for a play date) that I wanted to be an artist! I was promptly informed – not for the last time either – that “artists don’t make any money, you will be poor your whole life”. I kept painting and illustrating anyway, and started my first art business in primary school – grade 5 (I was 11). I started illustrating game and TV characters onto canvas, painting them, and selling them to the other students for $5 each (not very smart in hindsight as the paint and canvas cost me about $10 hahaha). I was once again told in High School (when I was about 14 or 15 years old) that I would never make money from art unless I became a teacher. By this stage, I had started to believe it myself, so I started focussing on a teaching career instead. That didn’t last long. About 2 years into my degree (which I started AFTER I had my three children because I was never very interested in it) I started my business, by accident. An author friend of mine needed art for a cover. I drew her something (very basic) and she employed another designer to digitize it for her – they charged her AN ARM AND A LEG – so I got angry on her behalf, and taught myself photoshop in 2 days. The rest is history 😀
Hand-painted 3d image manipulation SCI-FI/Fantasy
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I cannot cope without my music. A lot of my inspiration comes from the lyrics and music of my favorite artists, and you will find that a LOT of my premades are based on my favorite songs. I also absolutely LOVE Pinterest. If you go to my PINs you will see all kinds of cover art, mood boards, and digital art grouped together in quite random ways. This helps me visualize an overall LOOK as opposed to falling into the trap of stealing ideas vs borrowing inspiration. I am also connected to some fabulous online communities that give us tutorials, inspiration, feedback and overall advice on art. My main go-to is Photo Manipulation OFFICIAL, the artists from that group are some of the best in the world. I also rely heavily on the photos themselves to speak to me. Because I specialize in both contemporary and fantasy-based art for all genres of books, I use a lot of photorealism, photo manipulation, hand illustration, overpainting, and some 3D art. So, the areas I find inspiration may not be the same as other people.
Photomanipulation DARK CONTEMPRARY
What are you working on now?
Today, I am working on a branding pack (logo and marketing material), and after that is done I am planning a three-book series for a historical fantasy saga. I am super excited about the covers. They will feature key elements from each of the books and an overall theme that includes apothecaries. This one will be an object cover, and as such will have no models.
3D image work PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Do you have any quirks while working?
Mood music and coffee are a must. I cannot function without those. I HATE being interrupted. It throws my creativity off massively. I actually have alarms set for everything now, including taking the children to, and picking them up from, school. I have accidentally forgotten to pick my children up from school (don’t worry, I was only 10 minutes late). I have forgotten important appointments, food breaks, and all kinds of things while being in the craziness that is my “mode of concentration”.
Hand-painted photo-based CONTEMPORARY Fiction
Do you have any advice for new graphic artists/Cover designers about the publishing world?
BE TRUE TO YOUR MORALS. If you know something is illegal, or against your policies, don’t give in due to peer pressure. KNOW YOUR WORTH. Do not let people take advantage of your generosity. If you do something for someone you deserve to be paid. KEEP LEARNING, ALWAYS. Never think you know it all. In the art world, we are always changing and developing our skills. This means, unless you do too, you will be left behind. DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY. Some people are just not nice people. don’t take their word or actions personally. This is JUST a job. If someone doesn’t like your work, that’s ok! Everyone has different opinions. If someone lies to you (which they will) TRY to ignore it and move on. This industry can be toxic, it can also be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. You will possibly get to create art for some of the BEST authors or musicians in the world. I am so lucky that my current clients are the most beautiful, understanding, and talented group of authors you will ever meet. But I have, in the past, had some less-than-ideal clients. If you let these people win, you will never succeed. Do this for you and your family, keep it all in perspective, and move on.
3D and photo Manipulated sci-fi
What are your hopes for the future?
I am hoping to have enough time next year to start creating some more original artwork for sale, start winning commissions for more book illustrations, write and illustrate a children’s book with my kids, and start learning 3D creation software so I can start designing for designers as well as authors and artists.
Photo Manipulation PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Do you have anything to say to your followers?
I absolutely adore you all. if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here, living my best life, doing what I love. Thank you for letting me show all those people who said you “can’t make money with art” wrong. Thank you for letting me show my art to the world.
Please give a warm welcome to graphic designer Evelyne aka. Secret D’artiste
Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Evelyne and I am a freelance book cover designer based in Belgium (Europe). My fantasy adventure started when I laid eyes on the first Lord of the Rings movie in 2001 (I was 14 years old at that time). I was mesmerized, fascinated and loved the epic concept art so much that I started experimenting with Photoshop on my own. Until this day I have developed my own magical style, trained and improved my skills. My works are a combination of photo bashing/photo manipulation and digital painting, combining several stock photos and 3d renders into unique and finalized book covers, with a touch of magic! 😉 Besides design, I love nature, traveling (especially outside of Europe) and discovering new cultures, animals, places, etc …
Have you always wanted to become an artist/cover designer?
Actually not, it was something I rolled-in to. I practiced fantasy art for a long time as a hobby and was an active member of the photo manipulation community on Deviantart (before the change to Eclipse). I met some amazing people across the world, sharing interest in the same hobby. Only there I was introduced to the art of cover design and in 2015 I started my halftime freelance business. It’s actually until now, September 2021, that I have quit my main job and decided to become a fulltime book cover designer. And also now, I am still learning new things and that makes it so interesting 😉
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
My source of inspiration comes from fairytales, myths & legends, fae & fairies, fantasy warriors, witches, assassins, etc … I love watching TV-series and movies in those genres and even in nature (when hiking) I can find the necessary inspiration to fill my creative bank account. I also love concept art books and magazines like ImagineFX to gaze upon epic and breathtaking art from other talented artists from all around the globe.
What are you working on now?
I am currently preparing lots of new premade book cover designs (especially trilogies) which I will launch in my Facebook-group in the next couple of weeks. You are all welcome to join if you want Secrets D’artiste premade covers and you can also join my newsletter.
Do you have any quirks while working?
I always need music when I work. I can’t work without it … Let’s say, to get into the ‘zone’ I need to close the door to ‘reality’ and open a much more fascinating door to this fantasy world in my imagination. And that’s not always easy … and there comes music into place. Music helps me in the process to allow ideas and concepts for my art. I am quite a fan of movie and game soundtracks, or any other whimsical voice/band that can feed inspiration.
Do you have any advice for new artists/cover designers about the publishing world?
Yes, for beginning cover designers I would really recommend always purchasing the resources you need through legitimate stock sites and/or 3D render sites, due to copyright regulations. I know that’s not always easy because subscriptions for paid stock sites could be quite expensive and are a big cut in your budget (especially when you are a beginner), but in the end it really pays off. Not only can you make more ‘out of this world’ designs, it also helps you cover possible issues with copyright. One of my favorite 3D shops, where I shop for lots of my resources, is this one (and I can really recommend it due to good service and excellent quality): Fantasy Background Store
What are your hopes for the future?
To be honest, I really hope I can do what I love doing in life. You only live once and you have to be carefull with the time that is given to us.
Do you have anything to say to your followers?
If you are interested in going on an epic journey together, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! Or if you want to treat yourself or one of your loved ones with fantasy/gothic bookmarks or prints made by me, you are always welcome to check out my Etsy shop here (I would be so grateful for the support).
I’m a stay at home mom to my crazy four year old. Happily married to my wonderful hubs. I’m still pretty new to being a graphic designer! But I love making covers. I put a piece of my heart and soul into each and every cover I make.
Have you always wanted to become a artist/designer?
Oh gosh no! I never used to be able to draw. I would make fun of myself, saying I didn’t have one artistic bone in my entire body. I can’t even draw stick figures! 😂 It just happened accidentally to be honest.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
A lot of times from my friends. Or from the books I read and the worlds I get lost in.
What are you working on now?
I am always working on 4/5 different premades at a time, in my spare time when I’m not in the office doings customs. And I usually have about one custom a week to work on. So I’m always as busy as a bee!
Do you have any quirks while working?
Yes! I always have to have the TV going while I’m working, but it has to be a show/movie I’ve already seen a bunch so I don’t have to pay attention. Or music. I have 3 set playlists specifically for work and my different moods. And I can’t talk/text while I’m in the zone. I barely hear it if someone is talking to me until they break my concentration.
Do you have any advice for new artists about the publishing world?
Just do. Try it. The worst that can happen is, what? You end up creating a piece of art that YOU made. Anyone can learn how to do it! But you have to be ready to put in the work.
What are your hopes for the future?
I just hope that I always get to do this! Becoming a designer was the best thing to ever happen to me, and I know how lucky I am. Every. Single. Day. It takes my breath away when someone puts art that I created on their book babies. I still can’t believe I get to do this!
Do you have anything to say to your followers?
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart and soul. Having you guys means everything to me, and I wouldn’t be here without y’all. The amount of love and support I get shown on a daily basis is just everything. I’m the luckiest, I swear.
Hi, my name is Amanda Kulp or also known as Amanda Kulp Designs. I live in Pennsylvania, US. I am a mother of a 12-year old son, digital artist, gamer, avid reader, and lover of anything fantasy or sci-fi. I also love cats! I have a 7-year-old female tabby named Socks. I have been working in Photoshop for about 5 years now. I am primarily self-taught. I specialize in photomanipulations or also known as creative manipulations. I also design book, audio, and album covers.
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Have you always wanted to become an artist/designer?
I actually did not always have the dream to be an artist. I have always been artistically inclined since a young age. I used to be into painting with acrylics as a young teenager. My dad used to take all my canvas paintings into work and show them off. He was a huge supporter of my art. But, as I got older I stopped painting and didn’t really get into art again until I was in college where I took a Photoshop class as my art elective. This class is what really marked my beginnings in digital art. I remember we had to do a dream collage or a photomanipulation and I was freaking out over it. We had never done something so complex in the class and because the task seemed so daunting to me I immediately began looking and trying manipulation tutorials. I was so amazed at the artworks that people were coming up with using everyday images. A lot of times you could not tell that real photographs were used at all. I ended up getting an A on that final project and felt so accomplished with my finished piece that I continued teaching myself from that point forward. I still have a good ways to go in my learning process but I have come so far since my first digital artwork.
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Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I find a lot of inspiration from movies, music, and books, mostly fantasy/sci-fi, but a lot of my inspiration comes from photographs. I will see a simple picture such as a photo of a sunset and an idea just pops into my head. It might be an entire idea or just a color scheme. Whatever it is I’ll usually go straight into Photoshop and basically just go with the flow! A lot of times, I do not have a full vision before going into a piece and have no idea what the final piece will look like.
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What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a fantasy dragon, premade ebook cover.
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Do you have any quirks while working?
I love listening to music while working. I really like listening to music such as fantasy, synthwave, and anything sci-fi. Lately, I have been putting on the Harry Potter soundtracks while I work. It might sound silly but I feel that listening to these type of genres help keep my creative juices flowing!
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What are your hopes for the future?
I really hope that sometime in the future I can make cover design my full-time job. I really enjoy what I do and love seeing the amazing covers these artists put out. I would just love to fully be apart of that.
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Do you have anything to say to your fans?
I just want to thank all the people who truly enjoy my work and constantly leave me such supportive feedback and even constructive criticism. It keeps me going and learning and I am so appreciative of that.
I’m from Bavaria, Germany living in a very small village (we are about 300 people here) by Bamberg nearly in the woods. I love gardening and animals to a great acess. So I collect rare plants and feed our birds, squirrels and even the dormouse in our housetop. I always had dogs, but since our last dog died very cruely at cancer I cannot bring it over me to have a new pup. I will die eventually, too. So I babysit the Newfoundland of our Neighbours.
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Have you always wanted to become an artist/designer?
Yes. I painted since childhood. But I’m not that type of person, who can paint easily with great genious. Everything I do, I have to struggle for. I can be very persistent and in this part patient (even if I’m the most unpatient person in every other aspect). So If I cannot do anything imidiately I will try as long as it takes to master it. I’m new to make it a living with my art, because I always thought I would not be good enough. But I will try my very best, because art is a big part of who I am. I just love it.
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Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I have many inspiration like filmes and series, books and music. I always listen to music, when I work and a lot of it plays a part in my works. For example love “Two steps from hell” and soundtrack music from Thomas Newman. I also love dark fantasy and artists like Anne Stroke or Luis Royo.
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What are you working on now?
At the moment I work on two book covers with dragons on it and also on a mythological story. I always adore such themes, because I studied art history and greek mythology plays a important role there.
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Do you have any quirks while working?
I tend to talk to myself while I’m working. I usually notice it only when someone addresses me. But I hope that it only becomes critical when someone answers me. Although this is becoming more and more likely in Alexa’s time ..
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What are your hopes for the future?
Two major things: Do get a save outcome of my art and to make as much as possible in 3d my own. I want to use Blender as good as I can so I can have my own weaponary.
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Do you have anything to say to your fans?
Thank you for all your support! I have some awesome people around me, who even supported me when I was a very young and inexperienced artist. I will always remember!
Hello, My name is Erica petit, I am self-taught freelance for 10 years in photo-manipulation. My world is dark and mysterious, also affecting fairy fantasy and gothic romance. I discovered the digital end of 2010 and so I have evolved in this area. I also create book illustrations in the style: Urban fantasy, paranormal romance and historical romance. Which my latest book illustration was published in a publishing house named “alter real” for author Seanan Mcguire, published in France.
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Have you always wanted to become an artist / designer?
My inspiration is often inspired by the urban fantasy universe – Paranormal Romance. It is according to my desires and my inspiration by seeing the stock photos.
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What are you working on now?
At the moment, there is nothing special about premades. It happens to me to have empty periods “without requests for cover”
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What are your hopes for the future?
I hope I can live one day, but I do not think it’s possible. I would also like to work with editorial boxes in the US not only in France.
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Do you have something to say to your fans?
Looking forward to hearing from you and talking to you. 😊
I’m a freelance writer and graphic designer. After I graduated from University I worked in advertising and copywriting for four years. I still part time in this, though I’m hoping to expand and keep on growing my graphic design business which I started in December of last year.
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Have you always wanted to become a artist/designer?
For the most part yes! I’ve always been the artistic one in the family while my sister was the writer. Growing up that’s how we divided up the creativity!
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Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Youtube tutorials mostly! I have a lot of favorite youtubers that I follow and, whenever they put up a new tutorial for a special effect, I try it myself and add my own spin on it. Most of my premade covers were inspired by special effect tutorials.
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What are you working on now?
A really popular style now is for covers that are super stylized with almost illustrated elements, so I’ve been teaching myself how to replicate that look. Painted on hair, drawing in clothes, really dramatic lighting, that kind of thing. I’ve also been learning
‘photobashing’ which is when you make an image of a model out of dozens of little pieces of other images to create something completely new.
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Do you have any quirks while working?
I live in an apartment building overlooking a park and every afternoon a young man goes there to play on the park piano. He’s really good and I like to time my design sessions so I can listen to him.
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What are your hopes for the future?
To continue growing my design studio and develop my skills more.
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Do you have anything to say to your fans?
Thank you for giving me a chance! Creating my first cover was such a big, nerve-wracking step for me but the support I got on Instagram and Twitter really helped me get through the tough times and stay inspired!
Please give a warm welcome to graphic designer Sara
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi, I’m Sara. I’m 24 and a self-taught graphic designer from California. I’ve been designing for 4 years as a hobby for the writers of Wattpad and just this year, I’ve decided to become a freelance cover designer. I also write for fun on Wattpad as a little side hobby and make way too many graphics for my books more than I actually write chapters lol.
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Have you always wanted to become a designer/artist?
Yes and no. I’ve always been creative since I was little and being artistic runs in my family – I would even tell people that my dream job was an artist as a kid but I can’t draw or paint well so I stopped thinking it could be a possibility as I was only thinking about traditional art at the time. I even once took a graphic design class in high school and didn’t ever take it seriously. When I discovered the book cover design community 4 years ago, that is when I knew I wanted to become a graphic designer because I became very addicted to it.
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Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Pinterest and deviantart. I always find the most beautiful artwork and designs on those sites which then lead me to stalk a bunch of different talented artists that inspire me.
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What are you working on now?
I’m currently making a book cover for a non-commercial commission.
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Do you have any quirks while working?
Yes! I have to listen to podcasts or youtube videos.
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Do you have any advice for new artists about the publishing world?
I’m actually a new artist myself (when it comes to the publishing world) so I’m not the best person to ask for advice haha. But for any new artists thinking about turning graphic design into a job, my advice would be to make sure to ask your clients for a 50% deposit beforehand because you don’t want to get screwed over. Also to have faith in yourself! I should have done freelancing a lot sooner, but I feared I wasn’t good enough.
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What are your hopes for the future?
I really hope one day I can make covers for printed books. To be able to hold my design in my hand and have it displayed on my bookshelf (or even better, in stores!!) would be my dream.
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Do you have anything to say to your fans?
I have a small group of supporters/friends on Wattpad (where I started my graphic journey) so I wouldn’t say I have fans, but even the thought of having just a couple of people rooting for me or liking my work, means a lot and makes me so happy. I truly
appreciate everyone’s nice comments and messages that I’ve received over the years about my graphics. Just, thank you so much for showing me the love and support when I needed it the most!! ♡
Helle Gade 