Cover Artist, Nancy Donahue

I've had so many comments and compliments on the cover art for EFFIGY that I thought for a change of pace, I'd introduce everyone to the genious behind the one who brought visual life to the book! 
This month,  Nancy Donahue discusses the cover of EFFIGY, shares some of her most recent work and entertains questions about an artist's life in general!


Hi Nancy, and welcome!  Thank you for taking a few minutes to introduce us to the world of a cover artist! 


To start, I know the story of EFFIGY provided the base for the cover art, but did anything inspire you when you considered how the cover should look?

Hi Theresa, usually as I approach a cover design I read through the art sheet filled out by the author. I read the blurb, the character descriptions and the objects central to the story as well as the time period and location. I pretty much decide from there how I want to handle the cover and whether it will have people or objects. Your sheet was focused on the jade dragon object so I decided from the start that I must put that in there.

Did the subject draw upon any personal interests of your own?


I always put a bit of myself into the covers, it’s almost impossible to create any artwork or craft without a bit of yourself. I am very much an anthropology and archeology buff so I wanted the cover to be very mysterious with an ancient feel to it.

Writers have a pretty good idea of the publishing process, but I'm not sure that many of us know the cover artist's side of the story. Can you share a bit about the process of creating a book cover?

I’m sure many artists have different processes than I do but I will share how I create a cover. I use Adobe Photoshop, and a tablet and pen to paint and draw. Once I decide what will be my main focus for the cover, I decide if it’s something I can find in a stock photo (or close to it). With your artwork, the dragon was a challenge because it was something imagined and not real (a common issue with doing book covers.. is the authors imagination J). With your dragon I found an ivory colored dragon and several references for jade and ended up painting them , while searching for dragons I saved several references for the civilization ( pyramids, statues etc etc). The cover is created in many layers with effects added to each layer. I find that the text is probably something I spend equal if not more time on than the rest. (unless I have to draw and paint an element like the dragons haha) The text has to fit the color scheme, it has to be the right style and has to pop and be readable in thumbnail view.

Who/what inspired you to be an artist?

I’ve been creating my entire life. Since I could hold a crayon or pencil I’ve been drawing. My mother and father are both artists.


What do you believe is your favorite project/subject?

I love to do book illustrations and pen and ink but lately I have started doing charcoal realism and that has taken over my studio lately.

Are there other projects you handle besides book cover art?

I’ve done pretty much every form of art and used almost every kind of media. Almost 35 years of creating keeps you moving. I was a muralist for a time, I do oil paint, water colors, acrylics as well as pencil, charcoal, pastels and digital works. I have studied sculpture and many forms of handcrafts, even wood carving. If you can think it, I’ve probably done it, tried it or thought of trying it. J My main project for the past few years as been restoring my historic home, gardening and being mom and dad to my toddler. Life is pretty hectic and interesting around here.


Is there a gallery/website/etc where we can view more of your works?

I have a few.. the most complete would be www.cottageartcreations.com
I am adding photo restoration to my resume this month and will be adding yet another link to my website.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing.  I hope you'll be available for the sequel I'm working on!

Thank you so much for the interview.  I don't plan on quitting any time soon.  J