A Sci-Fi-Fantasy book cover. Blending genres and taking names…
I can’t tell you how pleased I am with the final product for Patrick Matthews’ sci-fi-fantasy book cover. When Patrick described the scene to me, I could visualise it so clearly, and couldn’t wait to get it down in case the scene slipped out of my brain.
Live sketching on a call
Thankfully… Patrick is a great communicator, and super creative, and was keen to have what has become my standard video call meeting prior to working on a fantasy book cover. I find chatting directly to an author client means you really get inside their setting. On these video calls, I tend to set my screen to share my Photoshop window, then as we chat I scribble furiously. Making compositional sketches, notes and scrappy lights and darks to get my thoughts across to the client. It’s amazing how both your imaginations can begin to see the final product. It’s a really exciting part of the process.
Refining the sketch
I took the loose sketch away and began to refine the elements. Patrick sent me images of structures he thought fit the aesthetic, and flora that might make up the surrounding lands. I built up layers of perspective with tonal variation and really chunked in the buildings so he could begin to see shapes of the architecture. This was still in black and white, and I used bright lights to give the city some life, and depict the glowing crystal that powers everything.
Feedback and finish
At this point, once I have a decent handle on where everything is, have begun to get some nice details in, it’s time to check in. I showed Patrick, and in this case there was minimal feedback. Sometimes there’s a bit, sometimes there’s a lot, and sometimes, in this case, there was next to none. That’s why I find it so important to have that live sketch chat at the beginning of the process of fantasy book cover commission.
I wound it up to a close, showed Patrick and we were both super happy. I just love the depth and colour.
Shout me if you’re looking for something similar, link below…
Hi I’m Jamie!
I work on fantasy and sci-fi maps for various clients from authors to game publishers. I have had some great clients working on both established IPs and new settings. I’m always interested in hearing about more projects I might be needed on, so feel free to drop me an email to info@thenobleartist.com
If you’re looking for a fantasy artist, feel free to snoop through my illustration portfolio or head straight over to contact me for work. You’ll find my email address and some handy forms which guide you through some of the starting info I’ll need to be able to quote for you. Typically I’m booked up a month ahead of time, but do drop me a line if you have anything time sensitive. Sometimes I’m able to move things around in a pinch. Hope to hear from you! In the meantime, stay informed of my new work and availability and sign up for the mailing list.
