Kevin Keele
Illustrator
Illustrator
Kevin Keele is the current illustrator for The Hardy Boys Adventures, having illustrated volumes 3-12.
The covers are digitally rendered, but he sketches the scenes out on paper before the rendering
and the publishers decide which scene to be done.
Below, you will find sketches and a questionnaire that he answered, as well as a few books that he signed for me.
The covers are digitally rendered, but he sketches the scenes out on paper before the rendering
and the publishers decide which scene to be done.
Below, you will find sketches and a questionnaire that he answered, as well as a few books that he signed for me.
Alternate suggestions for The Battle of Bayport
Alternate suggestions for Shadows at Predator Reef
Alternate suggestions for Deception on the Set
Alternate suggestion for Tunnel of Secrets
Interview with Kevin Keele - July 4, 2016
1. When did you decide to do illustration as a career and what type of training did you have?
I have always loved drawing & painting, but didn't decide to really focus on illustration until about 5 years ago.
I am mostly self-trained, but have recently gone through some independent courses like Bill Perkins' Boot Camp.
2. Did you read many of "The Hardy Boys" books growing up?
Yes! I loved "The Hardy Boys" and was a regular reader of the series through much of my childhood and teenage years.
The chance to illustrate the covers is a dream come true.
3. How did you land the job of creating the covers for these new stories?
It was offered to me through my agent with Shannon Associates. I enthusiastically accepted!
4. Would you mind telling me how you go about creating these covers? Are you given a manuscript from the publisher or are you given
a very detailed scene you are to create? How much freedom are you given to create?
I am occasionally given a manuscript, usually a synopsis or the general theme. I create several sketches of potential
covers for the publisher to choose from. After they do, I take the sketch to final art.
5. You've illustrated the covers for "The Hardy Boys Adventures" volumes 3-12. Are there plans to continue and what other projects or
jobs can you mention?
I have done others yet to be released and I'm happy to continue as long as they'll let me. :)
I've also illustrated the covers for the American versions of the Rose series by Holly Webb and the Masterminds series by
Gordon Korman.
I have always loved drawing & painting, but didn't decide to really focus on illustration until about 5 years ago.
I am mostly self-trained, but have recently gone through some independent courses like Bill Perkins' Boot Camp.
2. Did you read many of "The Hardy Boys" books growing up?
Yes! I loved "The Hardy Boys" and was a regular reader of the series through much of my childhood and teenage years.
The chance to illustrate the covers is a dream come true.
3. How did you land the job of creating the covers for these new stories?
It was offered to me through my agent with Shannon Associates. I enthusiastically accepted!
4. Would you mind telling me how you go about creating these covers? Are you given a manuscript from the publisher or are you given
a very detailed scene you are to create? How much freedom are you given to create?
I am occasionally given a manuscript, usually a synopsis or the general theme. I create several sketches of potential
covers for the publisher to choose from. After they do, I take the sketch to final art.
5. You've illustrated the covers for "The Hardy Boys Adventures" volumes 3-12. Are there plans to continue and what other projects or
jobs can you mention?
I have done others yet to be released and I'm happy to continue as long as they'll let me. :)
I've also illustrated the covers for the American versions of the Rose series by Holly Webb and the Masterminds series by
Gordon Korman.