How To Choose A Cover Artist
Eventually, you’re going to need a cover artist. You’re going to need a creative visual for the front of your work, be it a short story, a novel, or something else. Visuals grab people’s attention and draw them to what the words inside might say. So how on earth do you choose a cover artist?
(If you want to see how I designed my cover / got the ideas for how I wanted my cover to look, check out my last post!)
Determine What You Like
The first step is to, obviously, figure out what you like. What is the style you want to go for? Realism, stylized? An emphasis on creatures, on humans, or the environment? Something abstract?
For this, I would look at some of your favorite covers and determine who the cover artist was for each of the authors. Usually you can find this inside the book itself, or you can contact the author to ask. (A quick google search usually brings it up, though.) What are the aspects of the cover that you like, and what are the sections you would want to change?
Where To Start Your Search
When I originally started my search for a cover artist, I went to the DeviantArt forums, and posted an open job listing. I got a lot of comments and artists reaching out, I was stunned! I reached out to a few people I liked, and inquired if I could see how they drew blood (because, you know, Viridis is a bloody cover). From that, and from looking at their portfolios, I decided who to go with. I was lucky enough to have Gabrielle Ragusi be one of the amazing people who reached out, and I’ve been over the moon working with her!
If you end up liking a specific cover artist of another author, see if you can find their direct contact information and inquire there, as well. Otherwise, check out Twitter and be vocal about your needs for a cover artist. There are a lot of incredible creators out there, and all you have to do is start searching.
Here are a few artists that I would personally recommend:
Terms And Conditions
A big thing about working closely with a cover artist is compatibility. Before hiring anyone, look at their Terms and Conditions. If you end up being unhappy with how things are going, what are your rights? Can you cancel at any time, can you get a refund? While I have hardly ever needed to resort to a refund with an artist (in fact, I don’t think I ever had), be sure to read their Terms fully, and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. For instance: do you have the rights to the artwork after it is finished? No, this is not something that you always get. If you want to sell merch of your cover art, then you will need to rights to do so. Ask the artist how much it would be to purchase those.
Communication
I’ve worked with a lot of artists over the years, and the biggest thing is communication. If you give them all the information you can about how you want your cover to look, with references, with your own doodles as well, you’ll get a better result. Be as clear as you can, offer as many references as you can, and be kind! Artists are busy, so don’t pester them continuously about what you want. Sometimes it takes a week for emails to be responded to. Be patient. I know it is exciting to get cover art, but do your best not to be rude and simply be clear in your emails about your expectations and desires. Artists are wonderful people, so treat them with respect, and you’ll get that in return.
Turn-Around Time
What’s the artist’s time table right now? Inquire about it, and say when you’d like the finished piece by. Be reasonable. Just like your book took time, art takes time. You cannot demand a full piece within a week. Artists have queues and, strangely enough, lives as well. You need to grant time. Cover art can take a few months to get right. The more time you spend making sure it comes out right, the better. Give yourself plenty of time before you need your cover art so no one is rushed and the product is perfect. If your top-pick artist is too busy to be able to finish your piece on a time table you set up, then decide if you would like to move down your artist list, or wait.
Cost
Cost is always a factor. Be upfront with your artist and say what your price range is, and if you’re flexible or not. If you can’t afford their prices, thank them for their time. And, for the love of god, do not insult or insinuate their prices are too high. If you are selling your book, you wouldn’t appreciate it much if a reader told you you’re charging too much for the book you spent years on making. Artists are people and creatives just like you and I, and deserve respect.
That said, many artists offer payment plans for bigger pieces. If you can pay half before and half after, then that’s fantastic! If you can do a monthly payment plan, then that may be best, too. Communicate, be kind, and you can often work something out.
Decision Making
After all that, it’s time to decide, for sure, what artist you’d like to work with. Give it a little time. Look at their portfolio, consider the pros and cons, and sleep on it a few nights. When you make the decision, rest assured that it’s the best one to make for you and your book at that time. And get excited! You’re about to have a book cover!
That’s all for today! Stay safe everyone <3