What to Expect with Book Design & Illustration

New to working with an artist for illustration or book covers? I’m happy to help!

If you haven’t met me in person at a conference, organization, or event: I’m friendly, out-going, easy to work with, and love helping people find the right path for their creative project.

If the right match happens to lead you elsewhere, I’m okay with that and will do my best to direct you to what you’re looking for! Either way, you’ll still get a step farther on your journey.

I DO NOT and WILL NEVER use generative AI. What you get from me will be 100% created by a human being who’s spent decades perfecting various skills and loves learning new ones.

One of my favorite things in the world is bringing another creative’s vision to life. I feel privileged and blessed to have honed skills to achieve this.

Here’s what will typically happens on a project:

First Message or Meeting

You’ve finished your writing, completed a professional edit, and are ready to find the right cover artist. You reach out to me via email, Messenger, or on a social media app.

We start with a conversation—which can remain in email or move to a virtual meeting if you prefer. I’ll ask some questions to discover more about your book and what you’re looking for.

Some things to bring to the meeting or send in advance via email:

• Title, genre, word count, overall mood, theme(s), and the name you plan to publish under
• The back of the book blurb you’ll be using
• The book summary that you use for querying and on your website
• Screenshots or links to art, book covers, or movie posters that feel like a strong fit
• The song list you listened to while writing if you have one
• Photographs or sketches that resemble the main characters
• Examples of any fonts you love on a movie or book cover
• Photographs or sketches of places that inspired or feel similar to the location
• Any important symbols or objects used in the book
• If you prefer a specific art style, feel free to list the artist or time period you hope to evoke
• Keep in mind I’m versatile: I work in ink, pencil, paper cutouts, fiber, clay, paint, and photography—and I can blend these for a distinct style
• The date you plan to release the book (the earlier you contact me beforehand the better!)
• Your realistic budget so that I can give you realistic investment options based on time and materials

The more information I have, the more accurately I can build my price and timeline quote for you.

All of this helps me determine:

• Am I the right artist for this project?
• Does this match my style and skillset?
• If not, who can I refer you to?
• Will I need to hire a figure model for illustration or photography?
• For photography, do I need to travel to locations or hire hair and makeup for a model?
• Do I need to purchase or find unique materials or items?
• How much time will this take me to create?
• What’s a reasonable deadline for the production in my existing schedule, and does it match your release date?
• Will this idea work as an effective marketing tactic for this work, or will we need to meet a few times and discuss further to find the right concept to attract your ideal readers and make this irresistible to pass up?
• Out of the endless possibilities we could pick… which ones match your realistic budget, reflecting the work you put into your finished draft and respecting my time investment as an artist?

In the end, I want to make sure you are getting something of quality, that is the perfect wrapping to intrigue your ideal audience and to give you the strongest marketing springboard for success.

Something that is right for YOU and YOUR BOOK.

Idea Board/Moodboard

Our conversation will lead to moodboards or idea boards: a collection of images, similar existing book or film covers, art, typography, symbols, objects, and color ideas that ensure we’re speaking the same language and aligned in what we’re both envisioning. 

Initial Sketches

Next, I create the first round of sketches. If the style drifts significantly different from my own natural art style, they will take longer and may be more detailed to ensure I’m capturing the art you desire.

Once complete, we will meet virtually or share emails to discuss which ones are the closest to capturing the character, mood, theme, and other elements of the book. I’ll indicate where I’m planning to add lettering (if that was part of your contract).

Feedback and Second Iterations

Then, I take the best sketches and create the final mockup. This copy will be linework in pencil on paper (for most projects) of the layout for the final illustration and typography placement.

We’ll discuss any last-minute changes, the color palette, and overall style.

Standard book design and illustration projects receive TWO revisions. This is the second. It is imperative to speak up at this point on anything you don’t like before production begins to avoid incurring extra costs or need to move your release date.

Production Stage

After this, I create the actual drawing, painting, photography pieces, or other artwork required for the illustration. When it’s complete, we’ll meet again to unveil the artwork.

Upon final payment, you’ll receive the digital files for your publishing platform. If the original art is part of the agreed upon package, we’ll confirm a drop-off time and location or mailing instructions.

Payment

Typically, commissioned art, illustration, and book covers are paid in two installments: 50% prior to beginning work when the contract is signed, and 50% at delivery.  

In certain cases, I can adjust the payment schedule and delivery date to work with your budget if discussed up front before creating the contract. Note that the work will not begin before the first payment, and the digital files and/or original painting will not be released until the final payment processes.

Ready to Chat?

Schedule your discovery call and find out how I can assist you.