SWR: You became a professional artist at a young age, 19. When did you know you wanted to be an artist? Was there a particular moment that you remember in which you had that realization?
Honestly, I don’t remember the day I decided to be a professional artist; I actually think we can’t decide things like that, it’s not a one-day decision but a lifetime wish. I’m somehow involved with art since in my childhood as a born traditional drawer (for fun), I really didn’t intend to take art that serious…It’s strange because nobody really supports a child when she says “I want to be an artist”, you know, people react like you wanted to be the president or an astronaut. However now I know, both are not impossible at all. The day people started to support my art was the day I knew I could be an artist.
SWR: Who are some of the artists who’ve influenced or inspired you?
Victoria Frances, Tom Bagshaw, Ray Caesar, Eugenio Recuenco, Tim Walker and of course, Tim Burton…
SWR: What is your creative process and are there any rituals or routines you have prior to starting a project?
The very first thing I do is to organize my ideas and to collect resources to start imagining how the final art will look like. I do few sketches with different colors ‘till find the right thing. Most of the times, before starting any work, I have the scene haunting my head for weeks, so when I start, all I need to do is to follow the hints my mind give me. And sure, music always present.
SWR: What is your favorite medium to work in?
Collage
SWR: How would you describe your style?
Macabre, sad, dramatic, cinematic.
SWR: If your art had a soundtrack, what or who would be on it?
Danny Elfman
SWR: The cover for THE GARDEN OF PERPETUAL SLUMBER was art you had already made and then adapted for the book. What was the inspiration for it?
It’s a 2009 art and I remember of listening to Rammstein songs at this time. So, that’s why the title was in German “Das Alte Leid” that means “The Old Grief”.
SWR: How did you adapt it for the book? What was the direction you got from the art director?
Actually, I was the art director, we only had to do some adptations like the statues and flowers to make it look like a cemetery. It was a big coincidence because the story was so similar with the art itself, they were made for each other.
SWR: How did you create the cover? What was your process before finally getting to the final image?
I had to totally redo my old artwork but few things were changed, like the background, and the quality as well. I also did the back cover and all the book design. The process was really simple because that was exactly the way the author wanted it.
SWR: If you were given the opportunity to create the cover for any one book, what would that book be and why?
I really don’t know, I don’t have anything special in mind. But I think I would really enjoy creating new versions of old stories like Beauty and the Beast and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or anything horror/gothic related, would be cool. I like fantasy art and books…but you know, wish the authors could explore more of the gothic/surreal side too as happened with The Garden of Perpetual Slumber. I don’t like to be labeled as “specialist in this theme” because I do any style and like to mix them all.
SWR: What side projects, passion projects, or upcoming cover art would you like to share with us?
Thanks God, cover art is always coming!
Im going to make the second book of “Splintered” by A.G.Howard together with Abrams Books Publishing for the next 2 or 3 months. On the other hand, I’m with a personal project since the beginning of this year called MORBID DREAM, hopefully so it’s going to be lauch next year. Can’t say much of both but it’s worth waiting for! (And just remembering you all I’m not only a book cover artist, as many of you think, I do cd album art as well).
And for fun, the Pivot Quiz!
What is your favorite word?
Nightmare
What is your least favorite word?
Tushie
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Music
What turns you off?
Noise, hot days, phone and obligations.
What is your favorite curse word?
Shit
What sound or noise do you love?
Clock
What sound or noise do you hate?
Saxophone
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Opera singer
What profession would you not like to do?
Anything related to Math or long hours talking.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Welcome!
All images are courtesy of Nathalia Suellen and are not to be copied without express permission from the artist.
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What’s your favorite Nathália Suellen cover?
About the Artist
Nathália Suellen Gonçalves de Lima Fonseca (born February 20, 1989) is a dark artist from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Self-taught, Nathália’s artwork portrays a twisted and disturbing dreamlike world characterized by the use of dark/macabre elements, surreal concepts, haunting sceneries and otherworldly creatures, done through a mixture of photography, 3D, and digital painting.
Please visit NATHALIA at her favorite spots:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | STORE
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I was looking at her store and now I wish I had an iPhone. She has some gorgeous iPhone cases! I wish she had some for the Galaxy!
What a talented artist. I can’t choose from all her gorgeous covers which is my favorite.
I know. The stuff she has in her store is pretty cool. I love the hoodies!
I love the Gena Showalter cover! Great, great post!
Thanks, Timitra! It is a great cover!
Thanks for the shout out =) Love this artist. Can’t wait to see the sequel to Splintered.
She’s great! And the cover for Splintered is striking, very excited to see its follow-up.
Hahaha me too. Anything but Math! Really great works of art. Splintered is my favorite, so whimsical and pretty.