When I set out to write the Eyes of Fate trilogy years ago, I had no idea what they would end up looking like. But as I got close to publication of the first installment, Crimson Sun, there was only one man I knew I wanted for my cover art. As many of you know, that man was Samuel Nelson. Sam has done the cover for Crimson Sun and more recently its sequel, Tides of Chaos and is currently on board to finish the series with the art for the final book, the Crystal Door. I was able to sit down briefly with Sam and ask him some questions about his life, career, and the method behind the madness. Sit back and enjoy!
Colby: Thanks for talking with me today! First off, I just want to say how honored I’ve been to have you be a part of the Eyes of Fate Trilogy. Your work has really brought the books to life!
Sam: Thanks man! It’s been great collaborating on this project. I still think about the video game ideas and worlds we made back in the school years!
Colby: Yes! A lot of people don’t know that you and I go way back so this is kind of a dream come true for me. Some things don’t change I guess, eh?
Sam: Yeah! We’ve been friends for what, 20 years now?
Colby: Wow, that’s right. Time sure flies! So, to start off, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do for a living?
Sam: Well, I’m Samuel Nelson and I design and paint album covers for heavy metal bands for a living. Painting started as a hobby until I was approached by a friend to paint an album cover for his band. I realized I could make money from my hobby and started up a page on Facebook. 5 years later I’m doing it full-time and have bands from around the globe commissioning me to create artwork for their projects!
Colby: That is so awesome that you are doing what you love! So jumping back a little further into your creative history then, when do you first remember wanting to draw or paint?
Sam: The earliest memories I have involve drawing monsters, mazes and mapping out enemy placements in a board game my brothers had called ‘Hero Quest’. Video games solidified my urge to create worlds of my own.
Colby: That sounds like a pretty awesome childhood to me. I don’t imagine you have any of those priceless pieces still lying around, do you? They could be worth some money now.
Sam: There may be some floating around somewhere. The book of faces is somewhere packed away… probably for the best! (Laughs)
Colby: Ah, yes. The book of faces. Our first childhood collaboration. It might be best if that remains buried. I don’t think the world is ready for it. (Laughs)
Sam: Anyway, today it’s 90% digital painting. Makes the work process much easier to transport and much more accessible. I have hundreds of incomplete paintings that only need a little attention to see the light of day. It’s nice being able to access those anywhere I’m at and get to work.
Colby: That is great you can carry your work everywhere.What else do you like to do on your spare time?
Sam: When I’m not painting, chances are you will find me gaming!
Colby: Good source of inspiration! Speaking of which, anyone that sees your art likely first notices your unique style. Do your surroundings impact that at all? And what other influences have you had that brought you to your current style?
Sam: I think everyone is influenced by their environment more than they realize. Growing up in a rural area (at the time) gave me an appreciation and inspiration for vast landscapes and environmental scenes. I’ve never been fond of crowds and rarely incorporate figures into my paintings. Funny that I moved out of that quiet location and into Denver, CO. I’ve noticed my work has a bit more ‘noise’ and chaos about it these days. My love for art has always been with me, but I didn’t consider the real possibilities of what it could do to the viewer until I saw the artwork of the master himself, Zdzislaw Beksinski. I was 15 years old and everything changed. I saw the world differently. Music had to mean something to me or else it was just noise. The structure of our society started to feel a bit off. I decided that my art had to start being something more than a painting. It had to reflect something deeper that someone with the eyes to see would be able to interpret.
Colby: It only takes a glance to see that there is a deeper meaning behind a lot of your art. Can you tell us a little bit about your process? Do you have a certain pattern you follow with predetermined themes or does each piece have a birth process of its own?
Sam: The best art comes from beyond thought.
Colby: I like that. On the same note then, any words of advice for readers that want to follow a career in art or design?
Sam: Create and complete.
Colby: And by complete do you mean follow through? Finish what you start?
Sam: Exactly. It might take years, but revisit the old ideas and see if they still speak to you. You can only improve it from that point.
Colby: That’s true. Sometimes you just have to step away and like you said, don’t let it fade away. Do you have any other side projects in the works besides doing your normal commissions for bands and the occasional book?
Sam: I always keep personal pieces near by. They are usually experimental these days. Trying out new ideas. If they work, they eventually end up for sale for bands who are looking for discounted prices on album artwork and don’t want to pay for hiring me for commission work.
Colby: And your art is available for sale to anybody that wants it, correct?
Sam: Yes! Anyone can buy available art through my facebook page.
Colby: Awesome! Before we end, is there anywhere else people can find you for questions or requests?
Sam: No. Facebook is currently my main source for work.
Colby: Sweet. Well, once again, thanks for taking the time to chat with me and I look forward to seeing your art on shelves when Tides of Chaos releases later this month and the final book later down the road. It’s been a pleasure!
Sam: Absolutely! I look forward to working with you again in the near future. Best of luck to you, brother!
Make sure to visit Sam’s page and hit him up there if you have more questions. Plus check out his art and spread the word! Tides of Chaos will be available soon so stay tuned for updates! While you wait, click here to see the clean cover art for Crimson Sun, and here for Tides of Chaos.
Until next time…keep that pen moving!