I love hearing about the decision-making behind books, so this was really cool! I really like the idea that you can pick something that delights you and use that as a way into a book or even to set up the rules for that book.
Thanks for putting this together. We are all on a learning curve with Substack... How interesting to peak inside your creative head and explore the illustrations we love!
Seeing where design and illustration ideas come from is always a joy. I love that the design is based on a C.S. Forrester book you loved solely for the cover. And then hearing and seeing the actual books, hearing the sound of the paper being handled, seeing the hefty dimensions of the book … I want to head out to a bookstore right now!
Hi Jon, having been a graphic designer before becoming an illustrator, your process for cover design is a thoughtful and an excellent approach, marrying the design and illustrations so well. Your illustrations for these books are charming.
Hi from Ontario! So fun to learn about the inspiration behind the lettering :) I feel like people don't discuss the design process of covers as much -- this was refreshing! I use a dip pen for my work, too. The scritchy-scratchy aesthetic of Skunk and Badger is just lovely.
I’m working on some sketches for the cover of a middle grade book as we speak, so you are speaking right to where my head is at the moment! Cool to hear your thinking behind the Skunk and Badger books, they are so well done.
I love hearing about the decision-making behind books, so this was really cool! I really like the idea that you can pick something that delights you and use that as a way into a book or even to set up the rules for that book.
Love that you are inspired by old books to come up with designs for you new ones.
Thanks for putting this together. We are all on a learning curve with Substack... How interesting to peak inside your creative head and explore the illustrations we love!
Hi Jon. I tried to buy a subscription. But the sign up or purchase form was so confusing that I just gave up. Any suggestions?
Seeing where design and illustration ideas come from is always a joy. I love that the design is based on a C.S. Forrester book you loved solely for the cover. And then hearing and seeing the actual books, hearing the sound of the paper being handled, seeing the hefty dimensions of the book … I want to head out to a bookstore right now!
Hi Jon, having been a graphic designer before becoming an illustrator, your process for cover design is a thoughtful and an excellent approach, marrying the design and illustrations so well. Your illustrations for these books are charming.
Hi from Ontario! So fun to learn about the inspiration behind the lettering :) I feel like people don't discuss the design process of covers as much -- this was refreshing! I use a dip pen for my work, too. The scritchy-scratchy aesthetic of Skunk and Badger is just lovely.
Will definitely see if they are available in Swedish. I liked your talk about this.
Deeply appreciating the insight into the different / perhaps unexpected trajectories of inspiration here! Thanks as always, Jon!
I’m working on some sketches for the cover of a middle grade book as we speak, so you are speaking right to where my head is at the moment! Cool to hear your thinking behind the Skunk and Badger books, they are so well done.
Love seeing darker covers on children’s books. Thanks for taking us through your process!