Colin Nitta - Designer
I'm an illustrator based in Sacramento, California. I specialize in a realist style for fantasy, science fiction and historical book covers.
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Overview
PLEASE READ:
Serious inquiries only please! As a general policy, I do not work with anyone under the age of 18.
As a youngster, I caught the bug of trading card games, comic books and science fiction films. My desire to draw, paint and bring imaginary beings and places to life was kindled by these three incredible wellsprings of wonder, enchantment and discovery.
I earned my BFA from California College of the Arts in San Francisco, majoring in Illustration. Specializing in a highly realist style with fantastic themes, I've worked with a variety of publishers on book covers, interior maps, trading cards, murals and brand iconography. I pride myself on a having a professional work ethic, completing assignments on time and being available for revisions as needed. For me, communication and storytelling are inextricably linked. I always begin my collaborations with an in-depth conversation that leads to a series of rough sketches to explore narrative ideas visually. After a sketch has been selected, I use as much available material as possible, from image based inspiration to an author's manuscript or synopsis to bring a cover to life. Bringing stories into living, breathing color is my passion!
"Over the years Colin and I have worked together on creative projects both large and small, simple and ambitious. He's an excellent communicator with a great knowledge for the history of aesthetic movements. This allows him to adapt quickly and efficiently at any given challenge."
— Daniel Castro, Branding Director, Ken Fulk Inc.
Services
Languages
English
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Gaming & LitRPG
Historical Fiction
Horror
Science Fiction
Young Adult Fantasy
Non-Fiction
History
Certifications
- Bachelor's of Fine Arts
Awards
- Inclusion in Infected by Art Annual, Volumes 4-7
Work experience
Freelance Illustrator
Self-employed
January, 2011
–
Present
(about 9 years)
Extensive contract experience from small businesses to midsize publishers, utilizing abilities ranging from precise digital work to unique hand-drawn illustrations. Skilled in traditional and digital media.
Studio Illustrator
Ken Fulk, Inc.
November, 2016
–
Present
(about 3 years)
In house illustrator for Ken Fulk Inc., creating illustration and design for luxury clients including brand iconography, product development, event promotion and murals
Portfolio (5 selected works)
Inka Umu: Stone Water and Time
Adam Seward
In Anno Domini 1532 a Spanish expedition landed in what is now Peru and destroyed the Tawantinsuyu, the Inka Empire.Nearly five hundred years later an American boy and an Inka boy made contact across time through a phenomenon theological to the Inka and biological to the American, and information was passed both ways. They each in their time and way arrived at the same goal. The American would... read more
The Vanity of Hope (Apostle Book 1)
G. W Langdon
A medieval man, trained by superior beings to be their great king against an undefeated destroyer of worlds, must become a true king to play his part in a far more ancient war. 1499 A.D. Thomas Ryder is a medieval gamekeeper with a lot on his mind. Where does he belong in the world of Nature? What hope for a peaceful mind? When will the aliens make their final move?Abducted from Alice Holt For... read more
The Order of the Sage (After the Atoms Fall) (Volume 1)
Casey Robert Swanson
In the distant past, a mighty war befell the world of Man. Poisons seeped into the earth. Dark clouds filled the sky. Mankind was posed to eradicate itself if a peaceful, spacefaring race known only as the Teachers had not intervened. The Teachers saw signs of their own troubled past in humanity. They helped preserve the vast knowledge of the world in a secret, sacred place and created a race ... read more
Constable Clark of Coldwater Falls, was desperate for attention. He'd been in touch with every sanatorium and hospital from New York to Boston and there's not an empty bed to be found since the stock market crash of last year. They're full to brimming with suicidal businessmen and investors. He is holding a man in his jail exhibiting some rather extraordinary behaviors. The delusion is complet... read more
The Stone (The Chronicles of Quat) (Volume 1)
Bryen O'Riley
When Tad is sent on a mysterious quest to discover the Stone, he has no idea what it is or who to trust. He's not the only one looking for the Stone, however. Men of untold power, the Quatists, will stop at nothing to locate it. In order to find the Stone, Tad will be forced to confront the most powerful Quatist of all, one who wants to destroy him. Before it's over, Tad will find himself caug... read more
Colin has 4 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I had a very positive experience working with Colin. He responded quickly and his updates to the map were accurate based on what feedback I gave. I would work with him again!
Joe Rowland, January 2020
This was a much smaller project than our first collaboration, but Colin was as professional, courteous, and conscientious as ever. Always a pleasure to work with. Thanks.
Graeme Langdon, December 2019
Working with Colin is always smooth and professional. Although this last project was small compared to our earlier collaboration, he applied the same attention to detail, quality and timeliness that made the first project such a success.
Graeme Langdon, November 2019
Colin Nitta.
Colin was fully professional all the way through the book cover project. His design savvy re-configured my original design and elevated it to a commercial level. His artwork is highly impressive, especially when enlarged and you can see the very small stuff. His attention to both the overall goal and the smallest details were impeccable and led to a great finished product. Absolute...
Read more
Graeme Langdon, October 2019
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