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
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Poetry
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult
Awards
- Print Design Annual
- Ad Club of Delaware
- City Regional Magazine Association Awards
Work experience
Book Designer
Self-employed
June, 2015
–
Present
(over 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 (18 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
Dark Obsessions (Kate Barnes)
Sutro, Marie
Thieves of Time: Springs Chronicles: The Origin
Vlcek, Shane
Kelly has 18 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Kelly is personable and fun, besides being a great artist. She created a gorgeous interior for my book with hand-drawn images for my chapter headings as a bonus. When she came to an unique issue with formatting, she took the time to research the problem until she found a resolution. She was great to work with, and I look forward to using her tech knowledge and creative talents again.
Suzette Bruggeman, November 2022
Reply from Kelly Carter
Working with Kelly Carter was a thoroughly pleasant experience. Not only did she support me through my first experience writing a book by being extremely explanatory and elaborative in her offerings, but she made me feel comfortable with communicating my needs to her. Her final product was spectacular, and her ideas for my interior were very well done. I cannot recommend her enough. I would def...
Read more
Emerson Giese, October 2022
Reply from Kelly Carter
Kelly was a tremendous help for a first-time author like me who knew nothing. I plan on using her again.
Bill Rita, October 2022
Kelly was great to work with. It was an easy and professional process.
M. C. Fox, October 2022
Kelly is an absolute top-notch designer. Loved working with her.
I was waffling on ideas for my cover, and sent her a few vague sketches. She came back with 3 really strong designs (it was hard to choose just one!) and turned my hope into reality.
P. S. Hoffman, October 2022
Reply from Kelly Carter
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