Guest Post Marcy Rachel

Marcy Rachel’s Colorful Indie Blog Tour

For: Marcy Rachel Designs

The Graphic Designer
HOW IT STARTED
In 2011, for NaNoWriMo, Marcy Rachel didn't finish what she was writing. Instead, she decided to make MOCK covers for other authors that were writing to inspire them to finish. After that, people loved what she was doing and they told her that she should sell her covers. Marcy took up on their word and now has her page Marcy Rachel Designs. ♥ Every November is a reminder of why she started doing this -- indie authors. Marcy keeps her prices very low by keeping Indies in mind. Not only does she make book covers, but also design other things.

ABOUT MARCY
Marcy takes pride in her work and will work with you until you are satisfied with the art.  It's always been said "Don't judge a book by its cover" and, although this is very true, a nice book cover can catch the eye of more readers.  Marcy will always use her skills to her highest to provide you with the best cover she can possibly give you so you can be satisfied. Along with being a freelance designer, working for anyone who needs a great cover, Marcy Rachel is also the official graphics designer of AltWit Press.

About Marcy, From Marcy-
“Since my teenage years, I always liked to look at paintings and sculptures. I loved visiting museums. When I went to college, I enrolled as Chemistry major due to lack of knowledge about degrees and programs offered. I failed Chemistry and moved to Business Administration, where I finished my degree as an Administrative Assistant. While in college, I found out that I could’ve pursue a degree in arts but it was already too late. When I was doing my internship, I discovered a TV show that I loved. I met other fans and learned about fan fiction and graphic design. This was my first encounter with graphic design and video editing and I loved it. I started doing it and taught myself some Photoshop and Movie Maker and I’ve been doing it ever since. Supporting the amazing indie community, whether it be a book cover design, a banner, a logo or even a bookmark is my constant ambition. They are the reason that I now I have my “indie business”, Marcy Rachel Designs.

So this is me, Marcy Rachel, providing just a little insight into how I was inspired and why I design.”

HOW SHE DOES IT
Marcy Rachel Designs obtains most of her resources from stock photo web sites.  She first looks on websites that have been researched and that have images that are completely free.  Unfortunately, most of these websites do not offer good quality pictures worthy of being in a book cover or any design.  This is when she turns to paid images, though royalty free, trying always to find a website where the cost of the graphics is low compared to others.  The cost of these images depends on which, and how many images she ultimately uses in the creation of your cover and/or design.  The cost of the images is paid by the client and it's not included in the labor of creating the cover.  You will always have the option of choosing a less expensive (or more expensive) image. Marcy must have your approval on all the images before finalizing the cover.

    Guest Post

How long have you been designing?
In 2006, I was inspired by the creativity I witnessed every day, and felt compelled to follow the path of graphic design. After countless hours of research and study, I finally developed the skill and confidence to share my designs with the world. This world just happened to be the indie community.

Years later, after continuing to perfect my design skills, I finally embarked on a new exciting journey: Book cover design. In 2011 for NaNoWriMo, I didn’t finish the novel that I attempted to write. Instead, I became inspired by the amazing community of authors that I was surrounded by.


Are you self-taught or did go to school for it?
I went to college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.  I failed my first year and then moved to Office Management in the Business Administration Department.  When I was doing my internship is when I came across some graphics design someone described to me as “banners” and that’s how I got started.  I downloaded a trial version of Photoshop and started using video tutorials on how to do things until I got the hang of it.  My only regret is that I was uninformed when I went to College and if I had known I could’ve gotten a degree in graphic design, I would’ve gone that route.

CONNECT WITH MARCY RACHEL DESIGNS

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarcyRachelDesigns

Twitter: @MarcyRDesigns

Website: http://www.marcyracheldesigns.com