Spectrum 15

[bcarman]

Have I just missed it? I can't believe no one has started a thread about the new Spectrum 15. It's big, it's beautiful and I have spent a whole lot of the weekend with it. Maybe Arnie or Cathy or even Irene (I know you're not directly connected but you do have the publisher's ear right?) could let us know how they choose the cover image back and front and some of the inside title page stuff. Anyway they have done it again.

[Peter Coene]

I got it, I like it. Its nice to have something like that to escape to and take my mind off my own problems for a bit.

Also am looking at all the companies that the guys worked for hoping like crazy that one might be hiring.

[Victor B]

Just picked it up yesterday. Lovely as usual it was nice to see Whit's Lastmanstanding piece and more than a couple Coro's, as well as the usuals!

[DSillustration]

Have I just missed it? I can't believe no one has started a thread about the new Spectrum 15. It's big, it's beautiful and I have spent a whole lot of the weekend with it. Maybe Arnie or Cathy or even Irene (I know you're not directly connected but you do have the publisher's ear right?) could let us know how they choose the cover image back and front and some of the inside title page stuff. Anyway they have done it again.

bcarman,

Arnie and Cathy have absolutely no say in the content of the book itself.
They do not pre-screen submissions, and the judges vote on the pieces without any input from the Fenners.
So...
The covers, endpages, and full page spreads are the only chance the Fenners get to show off what THEY like amongst the selected images.
I believe they usually debate 5 or so potential covers, and then print out samples to see which looks best.

As for the lack of response,
I believe the complimentary copies that the artists receive have not been shipped yet.
Luckily I had a chance to view an unbound copy from a friend, and I agree with you... the book is incredibly impressive this year.

[TASmith]

damn I'm stuck in Slovakia....

[JessiBean]

Yeah, I was wondering when the Artists' Copies would be out, and luckily there is a helpful note about it on the Spectrum Site:

http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/full_content.php?article_id=826&full=yes&pbr=1


I'm sure when those are mailed, more people will be talking.

[bcarman]

Thanks Dan. I thought it might be something like that. Well I would say they have chosen some pretty great artwork over the years. No exception this year either. I remember Michael Whelan having a show of his original work at my school and having lunch with him after he gave his little song and dance. By the way stunning stuff from you in the book. Color reflection in the sword, so exquisite.

[Bill]

There is a link on Irene's blog to a great interview (podcast) of the Fenners talking all about Spectrum. It's very cool. If you look around the site where the link takes you, you can also find interviews with James John, Eric Canete (scary good drawer) and a lot of other realllly cool art people. It's definitely worth checking out.

[Sorknes]

Got a call on Sunday about there being an edition waiting for me. :)

Looking forward to it, a couple of people I know have skimmed through it and said it's pretty interesting. :)

[Arnie Fenner]

I'm catching my breath for a few minutes after helping the delivery guy unload 1300 lbs. of Spectrum 15 and wanted to let all the artists in the book know: We got 'em (finally)! We're going to start packing 'em up PDQ and we'll begin mailing them out in batches starting within the next day or so. If you're an award winner, the award will be packed with your book...and, of course, there will be a Call For Entries for #16 included as well...

The guys at the P.O. hate to see us coming this time of year.

Regarding Bill's question, Dan's answer is right. Though besides playing up some things we thought exceptional when laying the book out, we also try to give some sort of nod to the pieces that were "runners up" in the award debates. But a lot of it is just doing what seems "right" while we're designing it on the fly each year. This piece would look cool on the contents page, that piece would provide a nice balance as a full page, that sort of spur-of-the-moment thinking is what's usually going on. If we had our druthers, everything would get a full page, but the publisher is trying to hold the price line so...

As to covers, Dan's again correct: we comp a dozen or so each year. We generally try to steer away from using art that's appeared on other book covers (though there have been exceptions) just to avoid confusion and the comics and media companies don't want any of their work used as covers or in advertising (again, they too want to avoid confusion in the market). But this is a case in which the publisher, his distributor's sales people, and the book buyers for the major chains express their opinions on what they believe the customers will respond to. What everyone seems to like is what winds up on the cover.

Anyway, we appreciate everyone's patience!

[George Bieber]

I just got my copy last night. I look forward to this every year and #15 is one of the best Spectrums to date (I am only missing #3-6). Lots of great art, a new mix of artists as well as a few of the pieces that I have seen "previewed" here on CA over the year.
Fantastic as always, thank you Fenners.