Introducing Cover Artist, Josh Longiaru

By now, you've probably all had the chance to see my fabulous cover.  And last week, I even told you the story of how I met my cover artist, Josh Longiaru.  But this week, I want you to meet him and see some more of his work -- 'cause he's just that awesome.

So without further ado, I introduce you to Josh --

1.  How did you get started designing novel covers?

I've been dabbling in graphic and print design for about 15 years.  I started mainly with retouching photos for friends and family or designing the occasional greeting card.  I then began getting more serious and continued with photo manipulations, rebranding for logo businesses, and some basic web design.  I didn't start on novel covers until I stumbled upon a YA Book Blog that was having a contest for the best re-designed cover redesign.  Being a bit competitive, I did some research and started entering contests.  It sort of took off from there.

2.  Obviously, I think you're very talented. ;)  How many different programs or skills did it take you to create the cover for DESTINED?

I used three programs, all Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator, and inDesign.  Photoshop was used for the photo retouching.  Illustrator was used for the title and the rest of the graphics.  inDesign was used for the final layout and text placement. 

3.  Since you only recently got into freelancing, I assume you have a day job.  Does it involve the same skill set you use for cover art?

My day job is in roughly the same genre - I'm an IT Director for a non-profit healthcare agency.  The title roughly means that I get the fun task of managing anything that plugs in, any of the software that runs on anything that plugs in, and anything else that's needed to let the things that plug in function or communicate.  I also get to provide support to everyone in our agency that uses any of aforementioned devices or services. 

[[ Jessie's note -- since computers tend to hate me, this job sounds like one of my personal circles of hell.  So glad there are people like Josh in the world so I don't have to worry about these sorts of things.]]

4.  Can you share with us some of your other favorite covers you've created? 

I am happy to say that your cover is the first book cover that's actually going to be printed!  All of my previous covers have been re-designs for contests or fun.  Although thanks to you, I am currently working on several other covers for books that will also hit the shelf in coming months.  You can see some of my covers as well as a few other examples of my print media work here: http://jlongiaru.carbonmade.com/

 [[Jessie's note -- Lauren Hammond gave me permission to post her cover for Famished, which Josh also designed.]]

5.  In addition to covers, you also designed my countdown widget and are helping with promotional materials (bookmarks, business cards, etc.) for the novel.  Can you give us an idea of the full range of your services?

In my real job, I need to be a jack-of-all-trades.  This has translated pretty well to my freelance jobs as well.  So far I've done everything from full business rebranding (logo, business cards, letterhead, envelopes, banners, etc), designed full websites and online surveys, photo retouching and manipulation, basic flash programming, and tried to do just about anything else a client might need. 

6.  What's the best way for someone to get in touch with you?

You can contact me via the website: http://jlongiaru.carbonmade.com/  Or e-mail me directly: josh.longiaru [at] gmail [dot] com

7.  Random fact: What would readers of a YA lit blog be most surprised to learn about you?

As much of a geek as I am, I still refuse to use any electronic device to read books.  There's just something about holding a book that's too satisfying to relinquish just yet. 

Thanks very much Jessie!  It's been great working with you so far and I can't wait to see what else we can create together! 

Jessie's note: I can say the same to you, Josh!  Folks, if you are ever in need of a designer for your cover, Lauren and I cannot recommend Josh enough.