In recent years Gaia has become a go-to creative for numerous fiction projects including the Aliya series by Laila Rifaat, and her skill for formatting a cover to maximise visual impact made her the perfect choice of illustrator for Wide Eye, written by Jennifer Liss.
This mystery-adventure draws the reader into the world of the legendary Wide Eye monster. Ten-year-old Meridian spends many happy summers with her grandfather, helping run their quirky lakeside museum and collecting evidence that the monster really does exist. But this summer, everything is about to change. Hidden amongst the museum's old files are long-buried family secrets that turn Meridian's world upside-down. Determined and resourceful, she sets off to solve her family mystery and by chance stumbles upon a new mystery and a whole new adventure begins.
Gaia has created a bold landscape-themed cover treatment, including rolling hills, towering mountains and a glimmering lake, all overseen by Meridian surveying the lake for the ever-elusive Wide Eye. Gaia also created a wonderful map of the magical landscape - a key part of the reading experience. Study it closely and you might just find Wide Eye before Meridian does! Check out the map and full wrap-around cover over on Gaia's online portfolio.
The cover and map is the result of a truly collaborative creative process. Gaia worked closely with both the publisher and Jennifer Liss throughout, responding to the thoughtful feedback and photo reference supplied by the author to ensure the world of Wide Eye Lake felt authentic and richly imagined. The result is a cover that feels like a genuine extension of the story itself.
Drawing inspiration from films, folklore and pop-culture, Gaia Alessi’s work is characterised by robust shapes, organic compositions, and rhythmic line work. Gaia works digitally and is also fascinated by traditional techniques and experimenting with gouache, coloured pencils, ink and collage, often drawing inspiration from the people and places she visits, hence her talent for world building.
Find out more about Gaia in this interview in which she tells us a bit more about her inspirations, aspirations and influences.
Pre-order a copy of Wide Eye published by Pushkin Press here, or by popping in to your local book shop.
Gaia is on Instagram where she shares insights, new work and up-coming projects. You can view Gaia’s full portfolio over on our website, for more information regarding collaborations with any of our fantastic artists please email info@arenaillustration.com.
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