Case study: Simon & Schuster.Girls with Sharp Sticks. Trilogy covers
Project Overview: In collaboration with the design and editorial team, this project involved photographing, modeling, and creating artwork for three book covers over a four-year partnership. The project required assembling a skilled team of hair and makeup (HMU) artists to achieve the client's desired appearance transformations.
Project Duration: 2017 - 2021
Role: Producer, Photographer, Talent | REMOTE
Responsibilities:
Remotely collaborated with the design and editorial team to conceptualize and execute the book covers.
Photographed and produced high-quality images for the book covers.
Modeled for the book covers, embodying the character and themes envisioned by the client.
Assembled and managed a team of HMU artists to achieve the required appearance transformations.
Ensured seamless coordination and communication with the publishing house's internal team to deliver cohesive and compelling visual assets.
Deliverables:
3 unique assets used as covers for each book, adaptable for use on the web and in print.
Impact:
Readers' reviews indicated that the book covers significantly influenced their interest in exploring the series and reading further.
The book covers inspired a cosplay trend that quickly gained popularity on Instagram, enhancing the series' visibility and engagement with the audience.
Results:
Successfully created visually striking and engaging book covers that resonated with readers and the broader audience.
Fostered a strong, collaborative relationship with the remote design and editorial team over the four-year partnership.
Contributed to the series' popularity and cultural impact through inspiring cosplay trends and increased reader engagement.
“I highly recommend working with Daryna. We’ve worked on 3 projects together, and I consistently find her to be a talented and reliable collaborator with brilliant creative vision. ”
- Sarah Creech, Art Director @ Simon & Schuster
“I’m so excited to share the cover of Girls with Sharp Sticks,” Suzan Young writes. “It’s at once high fashion and unsettling—a perfect combination! And to see the true change in expression, cover one side at a time. Chilling and gorgeous!”
Social Sentiment
“In March of 2021 I am so excited we will be getting the 3rd and final book in this AMAZING series! And if you missed it the cover was revealed last Friday and it is good. It’s real good!”
“I can't wait to finish this series! Also, this cover is gorgeous!”
“I love the cover of this one 🙌”
“Let me start by saying that I totally judged the book by its cover. I mean how awesome is it?”