Megan Hess
I’ve always loved drawing fashion and it’s been the focus of my career for as long as I can remember. I’ve also always loved interiors and while it hasn’t directly been part of my work, it’s always been something that I’ve felt passionate about. In many ways fashion and interiors influence each other. My book Fashion House is all about celebrating both and showing the connection that they have.
Which books have you designed the covers for?
I’ve designed lots of covers over the years. My big break as an illustrator actually came when I was asked to illustrate all the covers for Candace Bushnell. Since then I’ve illustrated books for Michelle Obama and just recently created the cover for best-selling author Mireille Guiliano’s (French Women don’t get Fat) latest book – French Women don’t get facelifts.
Do you have to read each book before designing the cover or do you liaise with the author about what they would like from it?
I am often given a copy of the manuscript before I start working on a cover. I think it’s quite important to have a really good understating of not only the story and characters but also the tone of the book. Is it funny? or more dramatic? etc... I have to say it’s always fun to get to read the book before everyone else; it’s one of the perks!
What is the process of designing a book cover from start to finish?
It starts with a briefing with the publisher about what they’re hoping to achieve with the book. Then I read the manuscript and start formulating some ideas for what the cover could be. Then I relay my ideas to the publisher and Author and we decide on a direction. Then I hope for a little bit of magic and I start drawing!
How did you get into the field of illustrating book covers?
I’ve always been an Illustrator and mainly worked with fashion so it was a natural progression for books with a fashion edge to ask me to illustrate their covers. I always joke that I’m never going to get a call from Dan Brown’s publisher because it’s so far from my style of work.
What is the best advice you can give for someone who is interested in this path?
The old saying that you should never judge a book by its cover is NOT true! You should go out and by a selection of books that have wonderful covers and use them as inspiration. I would suggest putting a folio together of imaginary covers to show your look and style.
How did you come to design bestselling book covers?
I worked with Candace Bushnall’s publisher on her latest release at the time – One Fifth Avenue’ and then Candace asked me to illustrate all her back list that was just about to be re-released. All her books are New York Times Best Sellers and included the cover for ‘Sex and The City’ so it really was my lucky break!
What is a normal day like in your world?
It’s usually me sitting in my studio working away.
When I do begin a new commission, I start with an inspiration stage to get into the spirit of the project. I create a mood board of images, colours, words, fabric and use that as the starting point for the first sketch. After the first sketch I work at refining the image to completion. I love the little feeling of magic when an image has finally come together. Sometimes it happens quickly and other times it takes longer but once it’s done I have huge sense of satisfaction that it’s come together.
Whose work do you admire in the field?
I have always been very inspired by the artist Erte.
What I loved about him is that he completely ignored all fashion trends and created his own world of fashion images. He was so original. Most of his work was quite simple in black and white but every image created drama and a sense of escapism. He put Fashion Illustration on the map and he will be forever my biggest inspiration.
What is next for you?
I’m working on lots of exciting projects and my main focus is the joy of having my first written and illustrated book hit the shelves! It was a year in the making and of anything that I’ve ever worked on, it was the most enjoyable. And after seeing it in a hundred pages over my studio floor to now be beautifully presented in a book…It’s a dream come true.
Fashion House by Megan Hess (£16.99, Hardie Grant)