Perhaps most recently recognised for his exquisite picture book work, including his collaboration with children’s laureate Joseph Coelho, Richard Johnson is also now entering the world of teen fiction cover design. Published by Pushkin Press, Pearl Beach by Beth Steiner is a life-affirming coming-of-age novel about friendship, family, and the bittersweet beauty of growing up - and its ethereal quality has given Richard the perfect canvas to create this ethereal cover art.
Billie has spent every summer at her Aunt Edith's seaside home, it's always been her favourite place in the world - but this year something's shifted. Her best friend Andy seems more interested in boys and makeup than in her, and Edith, a Holocaust survivor, is staying the whole summer. Billie doesn't quite know how to talk to her aunt, but slowly Edith starts to open up about her own girlhood, and the two find an unlikely connection across the generations. It's a story about first love, betrayal, and the uncomfortable in-between of growing up, told in verse that makes it feel quietly beautiful.
Depicting a sun kissed beach, lapped by foaming waves is the perfect background to set the scene for this romantic novel. Richard has an innate feel for colour and his use of peaches, jades and brilliant whites come together to present Pearl Beach as the perfect summer read. He also created the wonderfully poignant back cover featuring Aunt Edith, which you can see over on his portfolio here.
Richard is an award-winning creative whose bold characterisation, atmospheric use of lighting and confident handle on colour have led to him working across many platforms, from graphics for the Tokyo Olympics, magazine covers and picture books to a hugely successful series of books for emerging readers published by Barrington Stoke.
You can find Richard Johnson on Instagram where he shares snippets of works in progress, picture book projects, advertorial works and unique stand-alone illustrations.
Be sure to visit our website to view Richards complete online portfolio, it really is a visual feast.
Do email us if you would like to find out more about any of our creatives, we’d be more than happy to present their work to you info@arenaillustration.com
