Helping an Author Find the Perfect Illustrator
Within Budget & Vision
Client Background
Kerry Lockhart is an author seeking a standout book cover that aligns with her vision and current genre trends. She initially considered working directly with me, but after I explained that her preferred illustration style was outside my offerings, she opted for a Power Hour Consulting Session to explore her options and receive expert guidance.
The Challenge
Kerry had a clear vision for her book cover, favoring highly illustrative styles, but she faced several obstacles:
Her ideal illustrator was beyond her budget and had a long waiting list.
She was unfamiliar with the book cover design landscape and needed guidance on industry trends.
She required help finding an illustrator who could capture her vision while staying within a reasonable budget.
How I Solved the Problem
In our Power Hour Consulting Session, I helped Kerry by:
Reviewing her preferred styles and analyzing current market trends in her book’s genre.
Leveraging my industry connections to source a selection of illustrators whose styles fit her needs.
Presenting multiple options, including illustrators within her budget and one slightly above—Steve Buccellato, whose work I believed would elevate her book beyond trends.
Providing actionable next steps, empowering Kerry to make an informed decision.
The Results
Kerry chose Steve Buccellato, even though he was slightly above budget, because his style perfectly suited her book.
Steve delivered an exceptional cover, capturing her vision even better than expected.
The collaboration was so successful that Kerry and Steve have since worked on an additional book cover together.
Kerry left the session with clarity, confidence, and a strong creative partnership—saving her time, effort, and potential missteps in the illustrator selection process.
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