Creator Science #91: Mariah Sinclair – How the "Queen of Cozy" began designing covers for cozy mystery novels
Feb 15, 2022
Mariah Sinclair, the award-winning "Queen of Cozy," shares her journey from corporate designer to leading cover artist for cozy mysteries. She discusses her first foray into book cover design, revealing why it took her 14 years to create a second. Mariah highlights the significance of covers as marketing tools and explores the unique elements that make cozy mysteries compelling, like puns and humor. She also dives into innovative sales strategies for pre-made covers, showcasing how community engagement drives her success in the self-publishing world.
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Early Design Exposure
- Mariah Sinclair's grandfather had a Lisa computer, sparking her early interest in design.
- During hot Texas summers, she explored MacPaint and SuperPaint, treating the computer as a toy.
Yearbook and Mentorship
- Mariah's early Mac experience landed her a yearbook staff role, training others on the new computers.
- Her advisor, a Disney animator, furthered her design education and exposure to prestigious art schools.
Establish a Professional Presence
- Present yourself professionally with a website showcasing your work.
- Leverage platforms like Upwork or 99designs to build a portfolio initially.