An Interview with Cover Artist Scott Carpenter:
Hiya Scott. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview. I think most folks know the basics, you are a guy or a gal who does those dreamy and/or risqué covers for romance magazines and/or novels as well as promos, so why don't we attack this from another point of view. *bg* I know my readers truly are interested to find out as much about you as possible, as the world of romance can stir all kinds of queries. Answer all the questions as fully as you can, and with that in mind, let's get started...
-RaH: Tell us about your break into the world of cover design. Where were you? How did you feel? Were you nervous about selling your first covers?
Scott: Always liked doing art in one way or another. The cover art started when I wrote and had first book accepted and asked to do my own cover. Nerves weren’t a part because they could have said no but didn’t.
-RaH: What publishers have bought and/or featured your covers? What authors?
Scott: Samhain Publishing mainly. Far too many to list here.
-RaH: Was being an artist a goal? If not, when did you realize that you would like to be an artist?
Scott: I was writing first. Wanted to do my own cover and talked to my editor. Just grew from there. Had a background in graphics but never thought it would lead to where I am now.
-RaH: Did you always have an interest in developing covers around fabulous bodies and/or caricatures, or do or did you have a previous or current career for which you had to have artistic talent?
Scott: Work in the printing industry. Did freelance graphics for people online and for print.
-RaH: What was your biggest surprise about being a cover artist? (Good or Bad)
Scott: It’s all good. Sometimes what I see and an author see are different. A book is a writer’s baby. They are so close to it that they know the characters intimately. As an artist sometimes it’s hard to match what they see.
-RaH: I know some covers feature couples, do you have any favourites among the models you use when couples are needed?
Scott: Most are stock art and I don’t know the models. I have done a couple photo shoots and worked with a couple that ended up dating after the shoot. Looks like my cover shoot had cupid there.
-RaH: Do you like/enjoy your work? The hours?
Scott: Mainly I like the work. The hours are crazy. All over the place. But it’s worth it. As Art Director I get to tell artists when I hear the compliments. That is a great feeling to make someone else feel good.
-RaH: What do you like best/least about being a successful cover artist?
Scott: Like best, bringing a story to life through a nice cover. Like least, sometimes it just doesn’t click. No matter how hard I try I just can’t make the art work. Hate that feeling.
-RaH: What sort of hours does a cover artist normally work? Do you work from home or do you have a studio?
Scott: I work from home and work all hours. Mainly early in the day and late at night.
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General Stats:
Gender: Male
Years of Experience: 18
Favourite Colour Scheme: Dark tones
Latest Cover: Work in bunches
Contact Information: slc.perversions@gmail.com
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-RaH: Do you work outside of your cover art business? If so...How do your two careers fit? Do your coworkers and friends know you are a cover artist?
Scott: I work full time somewhere else. Nobody knows I do the cover art. That’s my life, none of their business.
-RaH: Does your involvement in the world of romance cover art affect how your friends/colleagues/clients look at you?
Scott: Some family asks about it because they have read the books I write. I just blame the wife for releasing the inner beast.
-RaH: What is your schedule like as a result? Do you have enough time for friends and family?
Scott: I juggle a lot of things. Time is not a luxury I have. I try to do all I can to free up time for my kids and friends.
-RaH: As an artist, you are probably a person of many talents and interests. Can you tell me what some of your other interests are?
Scott: Writing, love writing romance stories. Like sports and tend to spend time with daughter watching baseball and football. I love movies but don’t watch as much as I’d like to.
-RaH: Being popular can have its rewards and drawbacks, what do you like best about the attention your art gets? The least?
Scott: Like I said before. Cover artists get a little recognition but it’s really all about the author. We make their story come to life. My best rewards are from authors and readers saying they like how the cover looks.
-RaH: I know some people prefer photo shoots and live models, do you use them? Do you have any favourite people to work with i.e. models, photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and why?
Scott: I’ve done some photo shoots and love it. I have a local photographer I work with and I’m a person that believes in spontaneity. The photographer laughs because I walk around and tell the model to keep their eye on me for where I want them to look. Some of the best shots come from a moment where the model turns and isn’t posing. Just natural.
-RaH: Where do you call home? Do you travel, and if so, do you mind the traveling you have to do?
Scott: I live in the California Central Valley. I travel a little but not too much. The internet is a great thing for companies all over the world. You can live in California and work in Georgia.
-RaH: If you could make one choice of career and be assured success, what would it be?
Scott: I’d love to just be the Art Director at Samhain and nothing else. The publisher has given me the chance to do so many things I always wanted to and it is so much fun. There are a LOT of pressures and stresses but overall it is my joy.
Thank you very much for taking the time with me and answering my questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule, and I hope my readers will appreciate it as well. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to your next cover!
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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