left with a small square in which to
convey the genre of the book, story
elements and anything else the client
has asked you to include. I like to
include small details in my work, but
this extra challenging in cover art as
the finished piece is so small.
Now onto photography and photo
art.
Are you influenced by other
photographers or digital artists
when creating your artwork?
I am influenced by fantasy concept
artists such as Marta Detflaff from
CD Project Red and Hardy Fowler
who is freelance. They are both
fantastic artists who seem to be able
to condense a story down into a few
brush strokes with such mastery.
Can you tell us something about your creative process
and routine?
Once I receive a brief (or had an idea for a premade cover) I
will spend some time gathering and photographing reference
images. When I have the base image worked out, I will go into
Daz Studio and start to prepare, pose and light any figures
that are needed. Once any renders I need are completed, I
bring everything into Photoshop and start to composite the
images and also paint in any parts that I am illustrating by
hand. If it is a commission, I will have had client approval for
the design before I start the hand painting as that is the most
time-consuming part of the process.
What about the equipment and software you use:
which item is indispensable in your studio?
I use my drawing table (XP-Pen Artist 15.6) every single day.
Photoshop obviously. I also use Nik collection extensively for
colour adjustments, although everything it does can be done
directly in PS, it saves so much time doing it in Nik. I also like a
lot of the Topaz Studio products although I wouldn’t say these
are essential to my workflow.What are you working on at the moment?Right now, I have just finished a commission for George Allen
Butler II who is the author of the incredible Fox Elevensword
series of books (foxelvensword.com). Before I start the next
one, I am finishing off a premade cover for a charity event
and I am about to embark on painting a character concept for
my own study. I also teach part-time and I am studying for my
MA in Illustration. So, it’s all hectic (and lots of fun!)What would your advice be to an aspiring photo artist/
book cover artist?Don’t be put off if your first few attempts don’t turn out how
you intended. It’s easy to look at some of the masters of our
art and feel daunted. Rest assured, they will have folders of
material that was cast aside on the journey as well (I certainly
do) it’s just we never get to see that bit!Be patient if your sales are slow to start with. It takes time
to build up a client base and a reputation for your craft. The
people you see selling dozens of covers have been in the
business a long time and are probably very well known.As painful as it might be, you MUST put your work out there
and promote yourself, (and then grow a thick skin if you
receive less than optimal feedback!). It’s OK for some people
not to like your work as plenty of other people will.Be kind to yourself and allow yourself time to learn.
Sometimes it can feel like you are stuck on a technique or
style and no matter how hard you try you just can’t get it. In
that case, take a break and come back to it fresh. If you keep
at it, you will be amazed at what you can do.Dawn puts a lot of passion into her projects and produces
stunning photo art and book cover art. You can contact her
here http://www.dawnydawny.com19