Un-commissioned | New Talent

Why did you make this work:
This piece was originally made for a character portrait based assignment in one of my university courses that I then took and expanded into a full book cover redesign. Rainbow Rowell’s book ‘Carry On’ has been an inspiration for a lot of my own creative pursuits as a queer artist. I wanted to mix my own love for the series and Rowell’s vibrant storytelling into one illustration.

How was the illustration used:
This illustration could be used as a book cover or dust jacket. It includes the front cover, spine, and back cover design. It only needs optional text added on the back cover copy to be complete.

How did you make this work:
This illustration was made digitally with watercolor textures overlaid. I made multiple sketches to explore composition and color, but only took this piece to the final. I wanted it to be recognizable compared to the official covers, so I included some related elements: a dragon, sword, and similar hand lettering. I used vibrant colors to mock the bright and magical humor in the book.


Social Media:
twitter.com/emmahoneybeam
instagram.com/emmahoneybeam

Personal Website:
emmahoneybeam.myportfolio.com

College:
Maryland Institute College of Art
Course:
Illustration


Currently Based:
United States of America

Biography:
Emma Beam, who often goes by the nickname Honey, is a Sequential and Book Illustrator who grew up in California, USA. She currently studies Illustration and Sequential Arts at Maryland Institute College of Art. She works primarily by combining digital and watercolor techniques and hopes to publish her own graphic novels after university.