Interview with My Cover Artist, Nicolle Raty

 As promised last week, I'm featuring my cover artist, Nicolle Raty, on the blog today. Nicolle and I go way back, I mean, way, way back. She's one of my best friends and she's watched me develop as a writer as I've watched her develop as an artist. Naturally, she was the first person I turned to when I needed a cover for my novel. Finding a reputable and good artist can be tricky or a lot of work, so for you authors still searching for an artist, I'm making one possible choice a little easier today by giving a personal reference. If you like what you see here on the blog or by following Nicolle's links, she may be the right artist for your next novel.

Copyright Nicolle Raty

J.A.: Nicolle, what do you love about being an artist?
N.R.: I love learning about things I draw or paint. I love the realm of discovery as you sketch and create, and magical moments when something suddenly appears or works out better than you originally planned. Seeing the excited looks on authors'/clients' faces when their ideas become tangible.

J.A.: What professional credits do you have?
N.R.: I earned my Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design/Illustration with a minor in History from Brigham Young University Idaho in 2004. Since then I've worked on a variety of projects form book illustration, graphic design, murals, Native American crafts, and more. 
 

Copyright Nicolle Raty

J.A.: What are your artistic specialties? What kinds of art projects do you want to do?
N.R.: Fantasy and/or children's books.

J.A.: What should a writer do to help you visualize their project?
N.R.: Be specific and detailed. Giving me a "whatever you think is best" means I decide how things look. Extra corrections and adjustments will cost you more.

J.A.: How do you prefer to be contacted by prospective clients?
N.R.: Via email: nicolle.nic.inc(at)gmail.com
You can also contact me through my Facebook or Behance portfolio sites.

J.A.: Do you have any limitations, restrictions, or art projects you won't take on?
N.R.: I won't do anything extra-violent, sexually suggestive, gay or lesbian, political, or last-minute rush projects (2 weeks or less) unless it's very simple.

Copyright Nicolle Raty

From my own personal experience with Nicolle, she's fast, fun to collaborate with, has a great sense of humor, and is one of the sweetest people I know. I'm very pleased with the cover she did for me and I can't wait to see the interior illustrations she's been working on.

Be sure to click through and check out her links for more samples of her artwork. She's been doing a fun series of coloring book pages for kids on Facebook.

And congratulations are in order as Nicolle is getting ready to get married in September. It's going to be a big month for both of us.