Behind the Cover: Michael Komarck

[reviews_and_ramblings]

"I was born in Louisiana and relocated to Michigan at a very young age. As the years passed, I transitioned from crayons to pencils to acrylics to oils, and In 1989 I found myself at a community college where my suspicions that I was better off self-taught in art where proven correct almost immediately. My stint there was brief in the extreme.

 
Cover art for Shadow's Return by Lynn Flewelling, ©2007 michael komarck

 
Cover art for The White Road by Lynn Flewelling, ©2009 michael komarck

 
Runechild, Interior Illustration for Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved, ©2004 malhavoc press

 
Alabast, Interior Illustration for Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved, ©2004 malhavoc press

 
Oriss, Samite Guardian, Art for the Magic: The Gathering TCG, Future Sight expansion, ©2006 wizards of the coast

 
Sorin Markov, Art for the Magic: The Gathering TCG, Zendikar expansion, ©2009 wizards of the coast

 
Cover art for Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson, published by Subterranean Press, ©2008 michael komarck

 
Cover art for Busted Flush, A Wild Cards Novel by George R.R. Martin, ©2008 michael komarck

 
Cover art for The Darkwood Mask, book four in The Inquisitives series, by Jeff LaSala, ©2007 wizards of the coast

After several years as a projectionist at the local Cineplex, I co-founded a small publishing company. However, with the exception of illustrating several children's books, the majority of my time was spent designing business cards, ads, and eventually web related materials (mostly Flash animation). It was during this period that I was introduced to Photoshop and ultimately replaced my oils with digital paint. Eventually I left to pursue a career as a full time illustrator. I spent a couple years building a portfolio while designing business/self-help book covers to pay the bills.

In 2003 I was offered cover work for authors including Robert Asprin and George R.R. Martin. This ultimately opened the door for me to work with many of the outstanding companies listed below.

I live in Michigan with my Wife Jennifer, and Son Reese." --Michael Komarck

Clients include: Bantam Dell, Blizzard Entertainmant, Blur Studios, Catalyst Game Labs, Concept Arts, Daw Books, Electronic Arts, Fantasy Flight Games, Pyr, Solaris, Sony Online Entertainment, Subterranean Press, Tor Books, Ubisoft, Upper Deck Entertainment, White Wolf, Wizards of the Coast

http://www.komarckart.com/

Comments

[angelabenedetti.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow, gorgeous! I wish my publisher could afford to have this guy doing covers; I want him to do the cover of my novel. :D

Angie

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I think only main publishers can afford him, so your goal has to be being published by them and then you can ask for Michael ;-) Elisa

[angelabenedetti.livejournal.com]

That sounds like an excellent goal. [nodnod]

Angie

[shadownyc.livejournal.com]

He makes those fantasy pieces look realistic and totally engaging. I'm drawn in by the images.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

They have a feeling in them that usually only historical cover art gives me. I like the love for details he has. Elisa

[joannesopercook.livejournal.com]

Oh wow...that is really beautiful!

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Lynn Flewelling is a really lucky author ;-) Elisa

[granamyr.livejournal.com]

Wow! I want him to do my books!

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

LOL, he seems to have a long line in front of him ;-) Elisa