When I first drew the book cover for “Korccon-Secrets Revealed” I had no experience in drawing nor did I had the money to afford someone to capture what I wanted to share to the readers. The only person that could see what I had envision was my good buddy, Alex, but he had a few projects on his plate. That’s when I decided to create my own book cover. Of course, I took an easy route and drew two destroyed cities. They were to resemble the twins, Alistair and Alice as they were both broken in this fractured world they live in. Clearly the art work didn’t capture that moment, but I still loved what I have created.
However, over the years it bothered me on how my vision wasn’t showing. Thankfully after publishing book one I started to take classes on drawing and animation. I’m still learning, hoping to improve each time. I do prefer drawing on a physical piece of paper than on my tablet, but procreate does make drawing a lot easier and comfortable.
Why did I return to book one?
Like I said, it bothered me that I couldn’t share my thoughts to the reader. They say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Yet, I do agree in some levels, but I feel that the book cover should tell a story. “A picture is worth a thousand words.” And with the first book cover didn’t really speak to me at all. So I said, “Fuck it.”
Creating a few drafts here and there, I wanted to explain book one by going to the purpose and beginning of the story. A single father, trying to survive in a ruined world while protecting his daughter. I quickly remember what I wanted to do and I am happy that I capture what I have vision.
For me, the art style I was going with was a old distorted style. As a child, I really loved Goosebumps, but what always caught my eyes was the art style of each book. I love how it created a vibrate and dark feeling. Still today, I always appreciate illustrators that draw this style. Plus, it kind of helps amateur artist like me to hide flaws in their work. I still have trouble drawing hands, faces, basically small details. Which is why Alistair’s left hand looks like a nub. The small details of a knuckle is difficult to draw for me. Yet, illustrating for book one and how it turned out created a feel in me that I appreciate and other artist that are way better than me.
Will I keep illustrating my own books in the future?
Honestly, I might and hope I do improve in my work. But if I do work with a professional, they have to see what I see which I know it’s difficult, especially since I am a control freak in some levels. Again, the only person that could see in my head is my close friend and professional graphic designer, Alex. Hopefully when our schedule is free between us, I want him to be my main illustrator.
You added your name onto the front cover, but not the spine of the book?
I never liked my name on my work as I mentioned in the past. It’s not that I hate my name or anything negative towards it. I just want my readers to enjoy my stories and that’s all. Yes, I know a authors name is important which is why it’s inside of my book and also on the back. However, since I was redoing book one I felt I might as well just add my name to the front. For the spine, I still choose not to as I want the book title of Korccon to catch the reader. Maybe separate series projects I might add my name, but the Korccon series is somewhat special to my heart. Overall, the future is still unknown and I’ll see if I have a change of heart later on. Don’t forget to read book one and book two of Korccon which are available on Amazon. Have a wonderful day.
-Storyteller (Angel Marc)
Angel Marc 
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