Kelly Carter - Designer
I love how good design can complete a writer's vision and make it engaging. Fantasy, thrillers, historical and fiction really get me going.
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Overview
I am a graphic designer and art director with over 20 years experience working in the publishing industry.
I love working with independent authors, because it is an opportunity to work directly with an individual who has invested so much in their book, which makes achieving their vision of the cover or interior pages so rewarding. I excel at taking an idea or a concept, sourcing and/or creating the perfect imagery and then pairing it with engaging and apropos typography.
Through conceptual and creative ideas, I can assist you in developing a cover, or series of covers, that are engaging and unique.
TESTIMONIALS:
“Kelly was wonderful to work with and did an incredible job on the book cover design. We will be hiring her in the future!”
– Steve Marks of Marks Media, The Legend of Eloh
“Kelly was WONDERFUL to work with. She designed an amazing cover for my book that included every detail I asked for. I loved that she paid attention to my vision and brought her own eye and professionalism. She was also extremely polite and accommodating as I was requesting small changes, and was always quick to respond. It was an absolute pleasure working with her!"
– Audrey Cece, The Don’t Love Dare
"I am very pleased with the final outcome of my book An Artist Crossing Disciplines. Kelly honed in on the details for the cover design as well as page and chapter layout. Good communication and professionalism throughout the design process!"
– Carrie Edinger, An Artist Crossing Disciplines
"Kelly caught the essence of my book and condensed it into a single, powerful image. It has all the elements I was looking for, with a surprising and delightful twist. Kelly was timely, responsive to my requests, and willing to make changes every step along the way. I highly recommend working with her."
– Avara Yaron, Girl Submerged, book 1
"Amazing design! Thanks Kelly!"
– Keith Marcotti, Falling Through Blankets of Stars
"Extremely creative and easy to work with."
– JournalStone, Strange is the Night
"Kelly really went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure I was happy with the job. She's incredibly talented, very imaginative and I would recommend her to anybody whose interested in ending up with a stellar design project!"
– Rachel B. Ledge, The Red Ribbon
Languages
English
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Horror
Poetry
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult
Awards
- Print Design Annual
- Ad Club of Delaware
- City Regional Magazine Association Awards
Work experience
Book Designer
self
June, 2015
–
Present
(about 7 years)
Art direct, design and produce book covers and interior pages for independent authors in a variety of genres.
Creative Director
Four Dog Creative
June, 2015
–
February, 2020
(over 4 years)
Creative Director for my husband's digital marketing agency where I worked on everything from logos to publications to marketing materials. I also designed book covers and have over 15 years in the publishing industry. I usually am involved in a project from initial client meetings, to conceptualizing and design, working with client edits and feedback and then seeing the project through to production and delivery.
Creative Director
Delaware Bride
January, 2004
–
March, 2013
(about 9 years)
Plan, design and layout of monthly magazines. Consistently redesign overall look to update and streamline appearance. Direct all photography and routinely meet with editorial staff and publisher to plan stories and visuals.
Creative Director
Delaware Today
May, 1995
–
March, 2013
(almost 18 years)
Plan, design and layout of monthly magazines. Consistently redesign overall look to update and streamline appearance. Direct all photography and routinely meet with editorial staff and publisher to plan stories and visuals.
Portfolio (16 selected works)
The Legend of Eloh: The First Tome
Delahay, Alan
Dark Associations
Marie Sutro
Following the discovery of her protege's mutilated corpse, SFPD Detective Kate Barnes vows to capture the infamous serial killer known as The Tower Torturer. Famous for revisiting history's darkest forms of cruelty on his victims, the sick psychopath has emerged from the shadows after years of silence. As young women close to Kate disappear, the killer taunts the detective, torturing his victi... read more
Sirena’s life is crumbling. Vivid dreams and watery emotions mystify her, threatening to drag her down. She finds herself unemployed, gaining weight, and sinking into depression. It doesn’t help when she discovers her live-in boyfriend has been harboring a devastating secret. Sirena’s agent finally calls with a cinematography job in remote Indonesia. Far from home, a cataclysmic event brings t... read more
•Are you sick of being hurt and let down by the same guy over and over?•Tired of thinking things have changed only to find yourself back at square one?•Do you long for your own beautiful, unique love story? If you’re ready to change the course of your love life forever, and ready to become the confident, happy, ladylike woman you have longed to be, I dare you to take this journey!The Don't Lov... read more
Strange Is the Night
S.P. Miskowski
Over cocktails an executive describes to a friend the disturbing history of a strangely potent guardian angel. A young mom tries to perfect and prolong her daughter’s childhood with obsessive parenting. A critic’s petty denouncement of an ingénue’s performance leads to a theatrical night of reckoning. A cult member makes nice for a parole board hearing years after committing an infamous crime.... read more
An Artist Crossing Disciplines
Edinger, Carrie Ida
Firebrand
Aaron Barnhart
1848. The Bondi family is leaving for a better life in America. But 15-year-old August doesn’t want to go. He’s found his life’s purpose in Vienna, fighting on the barricades against a tyrant king. But in America, August discovers a new cause after confronting the evil of slavery. Though he loves his life of freedom, the young firebrand ultimately heads to Bleeding Kansas and casts his lot wit... read more
Wicked Dandelion
Smoot, Aumari Shatwan
Tongue of the Ocean: A Nick Sanchez Thriller
Vincenti, Len
The Forgotten God
Rylands, Andrew
Power In The Blood
Bray, Hiawatha
Of Chains and Shadows
Duell, Lauren
Ravens in Flight: Gadyeni Cycle Book One
Todd, Beck
Kelly has 11 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Kelly was wonderful to work with. She was able to artfully bring my cover design to life!
Shane Vlcek, May 2022
Reply from Kelly Carter
I worked with Kelly on a cover design for my newest book. Kelly did an excellent job listening to what I was thinking and working with me to fine tune the vision. We iterated on the project and had many discussions that really helped me uncover what I was thinking/wanting.
Tim Kulp, April 2022
Reply from Kelly Carter
I just published my first novel. Kelly Carter designed a beautiful cover and formatted the text for both paperback and epublication versions. It was a complicated task because the book includes a large chart, maps and photographs. I couldn't be more pleased with the result.
We communicated numerous times over several months. She always quickly and graciously made necessary edits. She improved ...
Read more
Timothy Barnekov, March 2022
Kelly is an excellent designer. She communicated with me throughout the entire project and created both a cover and interior design that we both love. I definitely recommend her services.
Rebecca Todd, January 2022
Kelly really outdid herself with creating the cover of my book. I am absolutely in love with the results! Kelly was an absolute pleasure to work with. As a first time author I was nervous to put myself out there, but Kelly was incredibly patient with all of my questions and worked with me every step of the way. If you want a beautiful cover, Kelly is the way to go! 10/10.
Lauren Duell, November 2021
Reply from Kelly Carter
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Jeff Brown
Sci-fi and Fantasy illustrated covers. 800+ covers, clients include Harper Collins, Scholastic, Audible, Bloomsbury. Covers at $2000
