Sep 6 2021

Graphic Designer Secret D’artiste #interview

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).

Secretdartiste premade covers

Cover Design Directory

Linktree

May 2 2020

Graphic Designer Kellie Arts #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Kellie

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hello. My name is Raquel A.K.A Kellie Arts, and I am a professional digital artist from Argentina.

Have you always wanted to become a artist/designer?

I guess the right answer is a big yes. Since little I loved drawing. I’ve always been quite quiet and artistic… I’ve started my current job as a profesional book cover artist as a hobby back in 2012.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration in my favorite artist such as Jessica Alain, Wesley Souza and Ana Cruz, too name just a few. I also think stock photography sometimes can be very inspiring. Like, you just know what you have to do!

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on custom book covers and lots of personal and premade book cover art… My favorite genre are Fantasy and YA, so I’m doing lots of those.

Do you have any quirks while working?

While working I enjoy drinking “Mate” which is a drink characteristic of Argentina!

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to always keep learning and improving my skills and work on tons of fantastic proyects.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

A huge THANK YOU for your support. I always smile at each comment and that people like what I do is very meaningful to me. Thank you!

Website

Facebook

DeviantArt

Mar 6 2020

Graphic Designer HarleyQuinn Zaler #interview #HQArtwork

Please give a warm welcome to

HarleyQuinn Zaler

Tell us a bit about yourself

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.

Instagram

Facebook

Feb 3 2020

Graphic Designer – Artist SephineeDraws #interview

Please give a warm welcome to SephineeDraws

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a graduating student currently finishing up my internship. When I’m not drawing, I play Monster Hunter World and take care of my plants and aquariums.

Have you always wanted to become a artist/designer?

I guess I always did? I started drawing at a very young age like most kids. Though I did dream of becoming a veterinarian back then.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Most of my inspiration comes from the video games I play. Final Fantasy 9 and Nier: Automata to name a few. I have a handful of great artists that I follow too. Zeronis, WLOP, and Loish are probably my top 3 inspirations.

What are you working on now?

Mostly client work and internship stuff. A few animations and some illustrations for a game that I can’t really share yet. 😅

What are your hopes for the future?

My goal after graduating is to work freelance full time. It’s doable for me now and I hope that as I improve, more people will be interested in commissioning me.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I think like most artists, I’m really thankful for my followers especially the ones that have stuck around to support me. It’s especially heartwarming. A big thank you to all of them.

LinkTree

Jan 23 2020

Graphic Designer Amanda Kulp #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

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.

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.

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.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a fantasy dragon, premade ebook cover.

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!

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.

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.

Personal Website/Portfolio

The Book Cover Designer

Instagram

Twitter

Tumblr

DeviantArt

Jan 14 2020

Author – Artist Alexa Wayne #interview

Please give a warm welcome to AW

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi! I’m Alexa Wayne, aka the OCD Vampire. I’m obsessed with Vlad III or Vlad the Impaler. I am an introvert, and I do not hide it anymore. I even believe it to be an asset for someone who is like me. I am writing and drawing all day long with my little dog, Carey, by my side.

I took many art classes to help me in my development as a well-rounded artist. I didn’t wish to rely on anyone to become the writer that I envisioned in my head. I love everything when it comes to creating something. I like doing research, marketing, graphic, and web design. I enjoy the entire process of turning a piece of art, including a novel, into something incredible.

Have you always wanted to become an artist/designer?

I grew up in the artistic world. I went to acting school for thirteen years of my life, and that included classical ballet, along with singing and various types of acting and dancing styles. If someone asked me why I love to read and watch the most, it would be Dracula or vampires in general. To me, the comic book is the most accurate form of art when it gets closer to acting. Some would argue, of course, debate it to the contrary, but acting has many faces.

Time passed, I needed something more, and that was to gain writing experience. The Geek Initiative became the first professional blog I worked for, and it was epic. I enjoy the geeky environment and the opportunity they gave me. The founder, Tara M. Clapper, and editor in chief became my first novel editor.

She gave me the backbone I needed to find my way as an artist and author. I am now the proud creator of Gothic Bite Magazine. I write paranormal suspense novels in the horror genre. It took me some time, but now I know that I am proud to be a monster nerd, and a hundred percent living in her twisted mind!

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration most of the time in music, books, research, and whatever is online or on television. I love to use research and other forms of art as inspiration. It is quite amazing what one can find in the most transparent or subtle places.

I also enjoy walking outside with my dog. We live in a country town surrounded by woods, so walking is fantastic around here. It’s like being lost in nature, and I put on my music and wait for inspiration to strike.

Of course, I have my secret weapon, which is going to the esoteric stores in our small and old little country downtown. It’s peaceful and quiet. It has perfect energy all around. I enjoy it, and most of the time, it leaves me with many ideas.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a personal comic book project as the penciler and colorist as well as scripter when it comes to my art. The inspiration is from one of my novels. My inker is Kendra Hale, as well as my editor and beta reader for the script.

As for writing, I am working on the new release of Lord Impaler Series #2, The Gravedigger. It comes out on Tuesday, January 28th, 2020, on Amazon in paperback and Kindle, free on Kindle Unlimited. I do my own graphic design, of course, and create the marketing merchandise for it as well.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I forget the time, and my dog must remind me to stop and eat. I’m often in my own little bubble, and the world around doesn’t exist anymore. I must listen to music while drawing; otherwise, my work doesn’t flow well.

I listen to relaxing music such as Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Disturbed, Exit Eden, and Dance Macabre. I know people don’t consider those relaxing, but they are to me. I love them!

What are your hopes for the future?

I would love my webzine, Gothic Bite Magazine, to become LLC and accessible enough so that we can support causes such as 4Oceans or Bats QLD. GBM is a webzine created by monsters for monsters so that gothic people have a place to go and feel welcome. We try to help the indie community as much as we can. Again, this project is possible because of my #1, Kendra Hale.

I guess, for the future, all I want is to be happy and be capable of helping people achieve their dreams. I want to be able to live off my art and writing, so I can help others. That is literally all I want.

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

I grew up in the art and publishing world. Books surrounded me since I was born. Raised by my grandparents and mother, my grandpa worked for a binding & printing company. He would often come back with boxes of books and encyclopaedia worth so much money but didn’t “make the cut” because of small printing errors.

So, my advice would be if you wish to become a graphic/web designer or illustrator, do not be afraid to stand out. I mean by that to not fit in any cookie cutters. Look at the latest trends yes, but also; don’t be afraid to find inspiration in the past. Myself, I am more of a European stylist in design than American simply because I prefer certain aspects of it. Put together your portfolio and a professional website. Don’t be afraid to pay for a professional website if you must. Graphic and web design require a certification because of the complexity of the rules and printing industry as well as online industry.

When it comes to authors, do not stop writing because people tell you that you cannot make it. It is NOT true. Do not listen to those voices. Keep writing and again, stand out. When everyone goes right for the style of writing or book cover, don’t be afraid to go left. Do not settle for anyone but yourself and how much you believe in your story. Another common mistake, do not do everything yourself. Do not fear your limits and hire a graphic designer or illustrator for your book cover. The phrase “do not judge a book by its cover” is a good lesson to learn but sadly, every one of us bought at least one book just because the cover was amazing. So, investing in editors, graphic designers and web designers are crucial parts of being an indie author. It is in those details that one can stand out from the sea of indie authors.

In conclusion, do not let fear and peer pressure dictate what you wish to become or do with your creation. Just keep going and you won’t regret it.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

I don’t know that I have any fans. Haha! But, to anyone reading this, this phrase helped me a thousand times over, “Because you are afraid doesn’t mean that you’re not strong.” Whatever it is you dream of is worth your time and effort, and if you feel anxious, do not worry, your anxiety is lying to you, and you are going to be okay.

Sep 25 2019

Graphic Designer Eerilyfair Design #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ..

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.

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!

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Eerilyfair Premade Covers

http://www.eerilyfairdesignbookcovers.com

Jul 15 2019

Graphic Designer Erica petite

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a little about yourself

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.

Have you always wanted to become an artist / designer?

My school curriculum is quite chaotic. Being dyslexic and dysorthographic it was quite complicated level study. I started to design at the age of 19. For two years, I did a lot of volunteer design, to then discover Déviantart and how it works. I learned on the job. I then started designing cover. It must be seven years now that I make book illustrations for myself. I work with independent authors internationally and French publishers. Who is one day I would work with US editorial houses. (my dream).

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

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.

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”

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.

Do you have something to say to your fans?

Looking forward to hearing from you and talking to you. 😊

Twitter

Facebook

Andromnesia

The Book Cover Designer

Jun 21 2019

Graphic Designer Avdal Design #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Avdal Design

°
Tell us a bit about yourself?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

What are your hopes for the future?

To continue growing my design studio and develop my skills more.

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!

Instagram

Twitter

Website

Contact admin@avdaldesigns.com

Jun 18 2019

Graphic Designer Sarabat Design #interview

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.

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.

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.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently making a book cover for a non-commercial commission.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Yes! I have to listen to podcasts or youtube videos.

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.

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.

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!! ♡