Behind the Covers - Markayla Blake of Covers In Color
Behind the Covers is a series that will feature interviews with the cover artists, designers, typesetters, editors and others who make authors and their work look good. and in some cases great.
This first interview features Markayla Blake of Covers In Color; who is generous, gracious, and one of the easiest people to work with on anything. We’ve never met in person, but we get down like four flat tires.
I hope you enjoy learning more about Markayla, and her advice on hiring and working with a cover designer.
1. What service do you provide to writers?
Pre-designed and custom book covers, as well as promotional graphics.
2. Are you also a writer? What genre?
I have published in the past under a different pen name. I write/wrote BWWM erotic-romance.
3. How did you get started doing this service?
When I was writing (circa 2015), I didn’t have the money to hire a professional designer for my book covers, so I started looking at pre-mades to save money. I was surprised to see that there was barely any ‘decent’ looking covers showcasing people of color or interracial couples. I decided that we needed to have affordable pre-made options that focused on characters of color, so I created Covers in Color.
4. How much of a reader are you?
I read A LOT!
5. What do authors need to know about working with (your profession)?
If you’re working with a designer who licenses stock images, either from a photographer or a stock site, for their designs, make sure they understand and comply with the license terms. Also, if you or your designer is working directly with a photographer, make sure to obtain a model release for any cover model that appears in your artwork.
6. Writers get writer’s block; do you get creative block?
I do. When that happens I typically take a break from designing for a day or two, or try to find inspiration by going to the library. Sometimes, just being around books help me.
7. What does a typical day look like for you?
After my daughter and husband are out the door for school and work, I grab coffee and spend a few minutes reviewing my planner for my scheduled tasks. I spend some time following up on my emails before starting on any design projects. My afternoons are typically reserved for household chores and personal tasks, and yes, sometimes that includes a nap. Then, I make dinner and spend some time with my family before going back to work. My creativity peaks at night, so I spend most of my evenings working and designing new content.
8. Favorite distraction from creating?
Reading.
9. How are your books organized on your shelves?
By genre for the most part – sometimes I get lazy and just put things where they fit but I try to keep it organized.
10. What are you currently working on? What do you plan to do in the future?
I am currently working on creating new pre-designed cover options and other custom design products. I plan to expand Covers in Color a bit more so that I can offer more services to indie authors and publishers. In the future, I do plan to branch out and offer more than just design.
You can reach Markayla via:
Twitter @coversincolor
Instagram @coversincolor
