Eva Polakovicova – Designer

Hi! I am Eva, a Slovak illustrator and book cover designer based in the Netherlands, who has worked on over thirty book titles to date.

Since 2018, I’ve collaborated with a wide range of self-publishing authors and publishers. Clients include Andrews McMeel Publishing, Arimei Books, Original Beans, Structo Press and First Story.

WHY WORK WITH ME?

1. My experience: Illustrating over 20 books has helped me to hone a smooth two-way collaborative process. A way of working which is responsive and professional from start to finish, making the process of designing your book cover stress-free (and hopefully a little fun).

2. My style and approach I embrace your work and get under the skin of who you are about as a writer. My adaptable illustration style means I can create artwork that achieves your vision, which is very important to me.

3. Results: To date, 100% of my clients are happy with the result. Don’t just take my word for it, read my reviews below.

MY STYLE

My style combines my love for traditional handmade printing techniques with thoughtful typography and strong modern design. I use subtle yet distinctive colour palettes and tactile textures to create atmosphere and emotion. Nature in all its forms is a constant inspiration to me, and I draw from the theme to create composition, patterns, lines and shapes.

HOW I WORK

When I work on a new book or poem, the first task is to find the themes and motifs that visually speak to me. As I read and delve into the work, I sketch in response to what the words I’m reading make me think and feel.

After being up close, I then zoom out and think about the bigger themes and connections that relate to the story. My observations help me to build on my first sketches slowly but surely, the artwork direction and look and feel begins to evolve.

The goal is to create artwork that catches the attention of the reader by anticipating the feeling of the book without giving too much away.

I approach every project collaboratively, sharing my ideas and sketches with the author/publisher at every stage in order to ensure I bring their vision to life.