Kissed By Venus

Lyn Taylor, Interviewed

Posted by Editor Alexandra Wolfe | Filed under Interviews

The book jacket designer and artist, Lyn Taylor, talks to us about her life and creative process from the land down under, in Australia.

Lyn Taylor is a digital artist specializing in creating book cover artwork. And, just as you would expect from looking at her photo, she is funny, vivacious and has that bubbly personality of a go-getting Australian.

You can see more of Lyn’s great artwork as well as some of her latest covers, over at her blog, Musings Of A Cover Artist. She also has a great deal of her own personal artwork on show over at her DeviantArt website: Sunstone72.

Don’t forget, Lyn is also available for commission work.

KBV: First of all, Lyn, would you tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to be a book-cover designer?

I’m a stay at home mum with two great kids (6 & 4) and an ever-patient husband of 10 years. We own a Hardware store in a little town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

I’ve been dabbling in all things creative since as far back as I can remember (typical Piscean) that is, of course, when I wasn’t off playing with horses. Sadly, my wonderful horse died suddenly a few years back, which allowed me to refocus on my creative urges.

I basically taught myself how to use Photoshop via online Tutorials. DeviantArt was a great source of information and support. I loved that I could create beautiful images without physically having to draw/paint from scratch. However, the blending of images and in some cases body parts isn’t as easy as it sounds. It can be quite a time consuming art form.

KBV: Do you have any formal artistic training and if so, do you think it is necessary?

I have no formal training. I’ve dabbled in oil painting, drawing, watercolours, etc but never excelled in them. I lacked the drive to improve and learn. I do think you need a certain amount of artistic ability, even if it’s just having a good eye for composition, colours, placement, etc.

KBV: What are your influences and favourite art styles?

I’m very much influenced by fantasy, magic and all things make believe. However, having said that, my favourite art style would be ‘realism.’ I like to look at an image and see all the tiny details, almost as if I were looking at a photo.

KBV: What is your workspace like: an organized office, or a cluttered cubbyhole?

Um. I’d say half and half. My desk is in our lounge room so it becomes the resting place of many a toy, coffee cup, book, cat or stray object.

KBV: How do you like to approach a new project?

I’ll read through the cover request form and see if there are any particular details the author wants (or doesn’t want) on their cover. I will then do a search for suitable stock images that fit with the theme/characters of the book. Usually during this process a design will fall into place.

KBV: When creating a cover do you use stock images and if so, do you find it easy to source them?

Yes I use stock images from the likes of Istock or Dreamstime. Depending on the theme of the book, most images are easy enough to source. But it is still quite a time consuming process looking for just the right image. Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi, even Historically themed books can be a bit trickier. For example were-creatures, vampires, alien creatures are obviously very hard to source, as are surprisingly enough, period/historical costume stock. I am quite baffled that some enterprising stock photographer hasn’t cottoned on to the lack of historical romance couple stock.

KBV: Do you prefer a traditional approach to doing a cover—by hand, sketching ideas—or are you exclusively a computer kind-of-girl?

Computer kind-of-girl all the way! Laughs! Although I am secretly envious of those who can sketch and paint their covers.

KBV: Talking computers, what are your personal tools of the trade?

Tools of the trade would be my clunky old computer, which is in dire need of an upgrade, the usual programmes – Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign, etc., and my Wacom tablet & pen.

KBV: Do you usually get a “brief” from prospective clients outlining what they’re looking for, or do they give you carte blanche?

I pretty much get carte blanche. Often the author will make some suggestions which I will always try to consider but sometimes what the author wants, the Publisher doesn’t. Once I’ve come up with an idea I’ll send it on to the publisher and they will come back with any suggestions or a go ahead.

KBV: Is there any one genre you would prefer doing covers for: say SF, fantasy or erotica, and why?

I’d have to say urban fantasy/paranormal, sci-fi and fantasy. It’s a genre that I love. It’s all I read these days so I have a continuous flow of inspiration.

KBV: Where do you find your inspiration from, if anywhere?

I’m inspired by the books that I read or the characters that still pop into my head from my many attempts at romance writing.

KBV: Is there any one artist who you would say was a huge influence on you?

I couldn’t really name any one artist. While I love Norman Rockwell I wouldn’t say his work influenced me except for perhaps an appreciation of the realism in his artwork. I like to take my influences from more than one source. The community at DeviantArt probably has had the biggest influence on my artwork. The amount of talent there is mind blowing.

KBV: What Companies do you do work for, and are they print or online?

At the moment I only work for Total-E-Bound. They are a UK based publisher and are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned within the e-book market. They do also print and you can download all their books at www.total-e-bound.com.

KBV: Do you “cold call” companies for work or, in general, do they come to you?

Recently I’ve been approaching some more publishers, however I have had one publisher approach me via my web page.

KBV: Is it necessary to network with fellow artists, and do conventions?

I think it is important to network with fellow artists. When I first decided to give it a try, it was so hard to find any reference to cover artists on the web and I was a bit lost as to how to start. Over time blogs have popped up or I’ve found fellow artists at DA who I’ve struck up a good relationship with.

I can’t say I’ve heard of any conventions outside of the author based ones. At the moment the only artist recognition that I know of would be online via the publisher site polls.

KBV: As an artist, if money were no object, what would you prefer to be doing artistically?

I really do love what I’m doing. I just wish there were more hours in the day and that the endless hours of sitting at the computer weren’t so bad for my ever-expanding backside. Having said that, I would say that Photography would be my next choice of artistic outlet.

KBV: Of the work you’ve done to date, is there any one piece you are particularly proud of?

I’d have to say my Conjuring Cal cover would have to be my favourite to date.

KBV: Do you have any advice for anyone looking to become a cover artist, what are the pitfalls?

I would suggest that they build up a portfolio of artwork/mock-covers at a site like DeviantArt or even create their own web site. Then decide on what type of covers you think you’d like to be doing – erotica, romance, action/thriller, murder/mystery, etc and apply to the relevant publishers.

I can’t say I’ve come across too many pitfalls at the moment. I have been so lucky with my current publisher. I guess just be aware of the price of stock compared to what you are getting paid for the cover. And don’t be too upset if your covers get rejected from time to time. Don’t take it personally and always be prepared to take guidance/suggestions from the publisher, editor or even Author.

KBV: And finally, I guess we have to ask; do you make a full-time living from designing covers or is that a pipedream?

At this point it is a pipedream. My young family restricts me for the time being, but when the kids are older and I am able to get a few more publishers under my belt then I can see myself trying to make a full time living from it.

Tags: cover artists, cover designs, Interviews, lyn taylor

Permalink | Comments (0) | June 29, 2009

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