![\"\"](\"https:\/\/somethingwicked.co.za\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/CoverIssue13Kindle.jpg\" "\\"CoverIssue13Kindle\\"")
<\/a>Something Wicked Issue 13 - Cover by Vincent Sammy<\/p><\/div>\n
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Another breathtaking cover from you. How did you go about illustrating it?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n When I read a story that I need to illustrate, I either try and find the most disturbing or unusual visual angle, or the emotional context. In this case I mixed the two up as I felt the ending was very emotionally charged, and combined it with the unusual visual of a small body in a little wagon. Then I needed to decide on what the best visual angle\/point of view would be to illustrate it from. I decided on the top down, as it felt that it could convey a stronger sense of hope and uncertainty. Then it\u2019s all about getting down to sourcing reference material, pencil work, watercolour painting, and finally photoshop work. I was lucky in that I got the pencil work done right first time round. I usually don\u2019t, and need to redraw images if I’m not 100% happy with it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do you have formal training as an artist, or are you self-taught?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I guess, for the most part, I am a self-taught artist.\u00a0I have formal training in graphic design, which had a small degree of art classes in it, but good, solid training at the institute that I attended wasn\u2019t… that solid. I spent most of my time as a child drawing pictures. This was mostly copying 2000AD characters or Fighting Fantasy characters. That was my true training ground \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Most of your work is in coloured pencils, is that correct? Do you use any digital mediums in your work?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Actually, I illustrate primarily in watercolours. I find it fast and effective. I usually add backgrounds in photoshop, as well as add effects and final visual optimisation. But the basic image is always done in watercolours. I like having an actual “original” artwork.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How do you start a piece?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n As I mentioned before, lots of preparation, considering of angles and style and if there is time, let it marinade in my head for a day or two in case some more exciting idea pops up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do you have a favourite subject or genre that you like to work in?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Anything that lets me attempt to do something as original as possible. Mostly Sci-Fi, Horror, Dark Fantasy. And as usual, a female character is always the best to draw \ud83d\ude42 Strange creature skulls, old electronic equipment… insects.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n