Book Cover Illustrations

Finding the right typeface for a title is never as easy as it at first seems. There’s often a temptation to choose a font that calls too much attention to itself. Instead the titling should be both easy to read and pretty much “invisible” as far as style — while (somewhat paradoxically) conveying some “flavor” […]

A sneak peek at the book cover illustration that will appear on John Phillip Backus’ new novel The Gathering: After the Fall (book two in the series).

I’ve been at the publishing game for more years than I care to admit, coming into illustrating through the back door, first working as a writer/illustrator, creating my own artwork for my technical books. I’ve gone from painting and pen-and-ink stuff to digital and have no regrets. I don’t miss the ink blots on clothing […]

Several yeasr ago I Ben Bova’s book about writing. As a professional and very successful sci-fi writer, Bova had some surprising advice: Never join a small writing group (unless it was being taught by a professional writer). Second, don’t allow your friends or family members give you advice unless they were really skilled writers themselves. […]

Here’s another illustration “The Last Leaf of Autumn.” Done for my personal enjoyment, it’s currently book cover artwork looking for a home. I always find it interesting wondering when these “for fun” pieces will be purchased and what sort of story they’ll illustrate. ===================== Duncan Long is a freelance book illustrator whose artwork has been […]

I got a fantastic interview by Bob Heske at Investcomics.com. The interview pretty much covers my publishing career to date, including the books I’ve written (and often illustrated) as well as the illustration work I’m currently doing. Included is some new information about the new graphic novel The Werewolves of New Idria that I’m illustrating.

I’m not normally a big celebrator of Halloween (funny face notwithstanding), but in keeping with the holiday season, I decided to create a picture of the Tooth Fairy. No, not that kindly gentle lady who leaves a quarter under the pillow. This is her evil twin sister. It’s interesting how some of the things of […]

Another wolf illustrations. This one isn’t for the Werewolves of New Idria (which I continue to produce illustrations for…) but was originally created for John Phillip Backus’ science fiction novel The Gathering – After The Fall (book two in his series). In the end it didn’t match the layout well, and has since been dropped […]

A character concept sketch which will become a part of the book cover illustration for John Phillip Backus’ science fiction novel The Gathering – After The Fall (book two in this series). The final cover will employ a number of faces, “sliced and diced” into a somewhat surreal design. ===================== Duncan Long is a freelance […]

Some folks get discouraged from becoming artists because they don’t have much natural talent at drawing. As a one-time T-square and triangle-aholic, I can tell you that many fine illustrators can’t draw worth beans. They just know how to use their tools to make lines, shadows, and what-have-you. Craftsmanship not talent. Over time, craftsmanship will […]