May 23 2019

Graphic Designer Dark & Stormy Knight Design #interview

Please give a warm welcome to designer Christopher Coyle – Dark & Stormy Knight Design

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a graphic designer who moonlights as an indie romance writer, with a background in fantasy roleplaying games. I’m a moody Gemini who tends to embrace Zen, who’s traveled the world and loves life, embraces differences and celebrates the strange and unusual.

I primarily design covers for romance authors, and I try and create a distinct, unique take on their book with covers that aren’t necessarily “to market,” but will hopefully stand out from the others. I work closely with the author, collaboratively, from beginning to end, to try and bring their characters to life.

If I find stock photos that randomly inspire me, then I create “premades” based on that inspiration. They might not necessarily be designed around what’s currently popular, or “on trend,” but covers that make me happy – and hopefully inspire authors out there to create a story around that cover!

Have you always wanted to become a designer/artist?

If I wasn’t writing, I was doodling. Growing up, I wanted to be a comic book writer & artist, but I always seemed to focus more on one side than the other. If I focused on my writing, I let my art slip away; if I focused on art, my writing suffered. Going into graphic design, opposed to art, let’s me juggle the two a lot more effectively…so, I guess, yes. I like to tell stories, whether through speaking, the written word, or through an image.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

It’s a bit of a cop-out answer, but the truth really is that I find inspiration in just about everything. Sometimes, it’s just a random stock photo that sparks an idea, or I’ll have gorged on alien romances so suddenly I need to design an alien cover.

Usually, though, if I’m working on a commission, then I draw inspiration from the author – I ask what covers they like, what their character(s) look like, what mood/theme their book is, and let their inspiration guide me. Some authors prefer to give me more leeway, which I’m comfortable with, and I take my job very seriously.

As a designer, my primary job is to make the author happy. I want them to hold that cover in their hand, and be just as happy with it years from now as they are the moment I show them the final draft.

What are you working on now?

Oh, I’m not sure I’m allowed to drop names!

Sandra R. Neeley was one of the first authors I started doing commissions for, and I’ve done her Whispers of the Bayou series (book 3 is finished, coming soon, hint hint), as well as her science fiction book, Haven, and her Riley’s Pride series of shifter romances!

I have been working on the covers for Wendie Nordgren’s Space Merchants series, which I love working on because it’s “romantic” science fiction, so it’s mixing softer tones with a sci-fi environment!

A few new authors have approached me to do their first books, which is an incredible honor! I love working with new authors, watching them take the world by storm!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I listen to audiobooks while designing. It’s a bit weird, but I’m an avid audiobook listener, so when I’m designing, I’ll usually fire up Audible and re-listen to one of my favorites; which, depending on my mood, can be anything from Julie Garwood or David Eddings through Kresley Cole and Thea Harrison…

I won’t tell you how many Audible audiobooks I own, but let’s just say that I’m a sucker for Whispersync on Amazon!

Do you have any advice for new artists about the publishing world?

Don’t be afraid of embracing your own distinct style.

Watch YouTube tutorials!

Experiment! Constantly challenge yourself to learn and try something new!

What are your hopes for the future?

I just want to keep creating covers! So, hit me up!

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Wait? I have fans? Haha! For those authors who have entrusted their book babies to me, I absolutely adore you. You humble me, and from the bottom of my wee heart, thank you for trusting me!

Contact links

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Dark & Stormy Knight Design

Facebook Group (where premades are posted)

May 15 2019

Graphic Designer Maria Spada #interview

Please give a warm welcome to graphic designer Maria Spada

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, my name is Maria, a 28-year-old graphic designer from the tropical island of Cebu, Philippines. I’m also a book and music collector, and a lover of green tea 🙂

Have you always wanted to become a designer/artist?

I knew I had it since I was a child. My father was a very good watercolor artist, and my mother is a grade school teacher, so I was lucky enough to have the resources and materials needed to develop my talent. I joined a lot of art competitions, until my interest in art just slowly disappeared. It wasn’t until 2005 when I discovered Photoshop by accident. I learned by myself, and then used the knowledge and skill to support my local arts and music scene, made invitation cards and posters and other stuff for friends and family. In other words I only considered it a hobby. After college (I took Political Science), I landed a part-time job at a publishing company where I learned a lot about book cover design. I found out that I could make a living with my skills so I decided to become a full-time book cover designer. 🙂

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Fantasy movies and TV shows, children’s books, folk and symphonic black metal music, and Asian myths/folklore

What are you working on now?

My website, and a couple of fantasy covers that has dragons in it 🙂

Do you have any quirks while working?

I don’t know if listening to metal while working counts. It gives me energy X)

Do you have any advice for new artists about the publishing world?

It takes a lot of effort and patience to develop a skill. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to try new things–experiment, and don’t be afraid of failures. Learn from them instead. Also in the publishing world you must pay attention to details and be informed with the technicalities and legal stuff, including copyrights, etc. I know it’s boring, but it’s a must.

What are your hopes for the future?

A better world where there is equality, and love, and new inventions are more helpful than destructive.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

I have fans? Hehe. Hi! I love you!

Buy links

Social media links

May 14 2019

Graphic Designer Victoria Schaefer #interview

Please give a warm welcome to cover designer Victoria Schaefer

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m 34 years old, married 15 years, and a mother to a 5yr old boy and 19 month old little girl.

Have you always wanted to become a artist/designer?

When I was around 5 years old I was obsessed with drawing. I would always tell my parents I wanted to be a cartoonist. As i grew older I realized I just didn’t have to ability for that. I was always doing something creative though. In high school I got into graphic design and loved. My uncle is graphic designer and helped in creating Photoshop, so I think it may be in my DNA. I didn’t get back into it until 2 years ago when I started PAing. A year ago I gave doing the PA thing to solely focus on designing. I love that I can work from home and getting to be my own boss.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Pretty much everywhere. Sometimes I see a tv show, or I hear a song lyric that just sticks with me. I have author friends who suggest, ideas, and I also keep track of what’s on trend with books. Currently Academy and bully romances are pretty big.

What are you working on now?

I have a lot of custom work going on. I signed on with a new publishing company, BBB Publishing, to be their in house designers. They’ve been keeping me pretty busy with anthology covers. I also do branding and teasers, so I always have those lined up. With a lot of book signings coming up, I’ve been doing a lot of swag too.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I have to listen to music while I work. I have a playlist on spotify with about 70 songs that I listen to while I work.

What are your hopes for the future?

I really just hope I can continue working in this industry and growing my client base. I truly love getting to do what I do.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Oh man…uummm…I don’t know if I’m special enough to have fans but thank you to everyone who has supported me and taken a chance on me. You are guys are rockstars and I can’t wait to see what else we get to work on together.

Apr 10 2019

Graphic Designer Carol Marques #interview

Please give a warm welcome to artist Carol Marques

Tell us a bit about yourself

Well, I’m a Brazilian artist. I am 23 years old. And I always liked beautiful and artistic things.

Have you always wanted to become a designer/artist?

No. Initially I wanted to be an architect. I started my studies but I ended up losing interest along the way. Parallel to this my twin sister graduated in graphic design and see her in this course interested me a lot. So after her training I started to want to learn from her. And after learning I started to work in the area of graphic design.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I always try to keep abreast of trends and I’m very interested in digital illustration. I always look for sites with good references of covers, illustrations and photographs.

What are you working on now?

Currently I work with Book Covers, Premades and Custom. I have my group on facebook since July last year.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I do not think so. Apart from the fact that I love working at dawn. I am much more productive throughout the night than in the morning.

Do you have any advice for new artists about the publishing world?

I believe the basics but that is essential. Be truthful, honest. Seek to do your best and always improve the skills. Support other artists and authors. Always be humble.

What are your hopes for the future?

Produce high quality results. Impress my clients. And always support and help those who are starting.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

I do not think I have fans yet. But I thank all the authors who supported me from the beginning. I have eternal gratitude for the first author who decided to buy a cover of mine. I always want to keep that gratitude for each one. I wish the best for both authors and artists. May our community grow without rivalry. But with understanding, mutual support and high quality!

Links

Facebook

Carol Marques Cover Design

Nov 12 2013

Cover Reveal of Tasting Temptation by Charity Parkerson

“It was a yearning, a craving so intense that the desire nearly brought me to my knees.

There was a flavor heavy on my tongue. I savored the temptation. It tasted like Gideon.”

Cover Art designed by: http://aeternumdesigns.com/

–Warning: This book contains graphic depictions of sexual activity including oral sex and masturbation. It is intended for mature audiences not offended by explicit representations of sexual activity between consenting adults.

Gideon looked down at his soiled shirt and winced before tugging it over his head, leaving his chest bare. He tossed the shirt in the general direction of the living room, but Skylar didn’t bother to look in order to see where it landed. Her gaze was locked onto his body and she was making a valiant attempt not to swallow her tongue. God had obviously been in a very good mood the day he created Gideon, she thought as she sent up kudos to God. Skylar had no clue what his better idea was, but she liked it already. “I think we should have sex.” Skylar felt like a deer in headlights and the only thing she could think to say was, “Why?” The look he gave her at the question was priceless. It was a mixture of confused, surprised, and amused, as if he anticipated every reaction in the world but the one she gave. If she was being honest, her response surprised her too. If she could have envisioned this moment, she was sure she would have been jumping on his back and dry humping him before he knew what hit him. “What do you mean why?” he asked, but without waiting for an answer, he said, “Because you’re beautiful and I want you. Because we’re both adults and you want me too.” She couldn’t call him a liar. Gideon linked his fingers behind his head, scrubbing it hard as if the frustration was becoming too much. Skylar’s mouth watered in response. Every line of his stomach flexed and hardened at the motion. She couldn’t look away. Something almost animalistic grew inside of her as she stared at his body. He belonged to her, damn it, and she would not give him up. She was the one who drooled over him and fantasized about him at night. Other women might do the same, but she was willing to bet all her worldly possessions that no one wanted him as badly as she did. Maybe he was out of her league and most likely he would ruin her for all other men, but by God, he’d remember her fondly, and then she would take those memories to keep her warm at night after he was gone.

Find out what happens next….

Buy links:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk

Contact:

Twitter: @CharityParkerso

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorCharityParkerson

Website: http://www.charityparkerson.com

Nov 8 2013

Pre-made Book Cover Sale

Aternum Designs is having a big Pre-made book cover sale.

She is the creator of my fabulous book covers both to ebook and paperback.

I highly recommend her amazing covers!

http://aeternumdesigns.com/blog/posts/premade-covers/premade-bookcover-sale

Many of our Premade Book Covers are now on sale starting as low as $50 for an eCover.

Our covers complement a variety of genres and may be of interest to both fiction and non-fiction authors.

They are exclusive designs using stock photography and some are even made using exclusive images from our professional photographer that will not be seen anywhere else. They will only be sold once.

You can purchase just the eCover or add the Full Wrap for your Paperback as well for double the amount of the eCover. So if you’re interested in a $50 book cover, you can get just the $50 eCover, or buy both the eCover and full wrap for $100 total.

More information about our Premade Covers can be found at the Premade Cover Store.

Happy shopping!

Kat

Website: http://aeternumdesigns.com/

Twitter: @AeternumDesigns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AeternumDesigns

Google: https://plus.google.com/+AeternumdesignsBookCoverArtGraphicDesign/about