Hello. This is just a rough set of timestamps for the interview. 00:00:00 [We open with Brandon’s draconic signature.] 00:00:05 [A hello and introduction from Isaac.] 00:00:46 [Hi, Brandon} 00:00:48 [Hi, Michael.] 00:01:06 How did you get started doing the Stormlight covers? 00:03:23 [Brandon adds to the story.] 00:04:27 [Isaac on how visually Stormlight does share some notes with Sci-fi.] 00:04:49 [Brandon on the Sci-fi notes in Stormlight.] 00:05:39 [Michael on this idea.] 00:06:20 [Brandon on his sketches.] 00:07:18 Let’s talk about those first two covers that you did. How did you create those? What references did you use? [Specifically referring to the highstorms of Roshar.] 00:11:58 [Brandon on Michael’s landscapes.] 00:13:24 [Michael’s response.] 00:14:18 [Brandon and Michael on the different characters of in storms in different places.] 00:15:36 Do you have a favourite cover or one you have enjoyed the process on more than others? 00:19:51 [Yup. The covers really are awesome!] 00:20:04 [Brandon’s thoughts on the Rhythm of War cover.] 00:21:22 [I really love how it is clear Michael is a fan 😊] 00:22:13 [Brandon on the toughest thing about working with illustrators.] 00:22:48 [Michael on the art in the Dragonsteel edition Mistborn books.] 00:23:54 [Isaac on covers that may have been.] 00:25:19 [Michael on how he gets the balance of the covers right.] [Glorious concept sketches on screen at 00:25:28 ] 00:25:51 [Editing has Brandon’s back and Michael demonstrates what he was talking about live.] 00:26:50 [Michael on the choices he makes when making a Stormlight cover.] 00:28:35 [Brandon on fractals in worldbuilding and fractal worldbuilding.] 00:30:19 [Michael presents some great examples of this fractal worldbuilding from The Stormlight Archive.] 00:31:32 [On how the process for cover creation has changed.] 00:33:56 [Michael tantalizes with comments about scenes and environments from Rhythm of War. NO spoilers.] 00:35:31 You do a lot of sketches… concept art… Do you ever just find yourself lost in the art of creation on some of these preliminary pieces? 00:36:28 [Adolin preliminary sketch on screen.] 00:36:47 [Adolin preliminary painting on screen.] 00:36:54 [Alternate Adolin painting on screen.] 00:37:05 [Even more Adolin on screen.] 00:37:14 [Shallan preliminary painting on screen.] 00:38:07 [We would all love to see that indeed! Please.] 00:38:18 [Michael on if he ever finds himself bereft of ideas.] [Teeny tiniest of Adolin Rhythm of War spoilers, to the point of almost not being worth mentioning.] 00:39:24 [Brandon on the same idea, followed by a Michael follow-up.] 00:41:47 [Michael Whelan Stormlight concept sketches! We are being spoiled!] 00:41:59 What is your next project (that you can talk about)? 00:43:48 [Isaac flies his fan flag.] 00:44:21 Can you talk a little about how your process is actually a different process every time? [Isaac also talks about some of what he took away from working with Michael.] 00:49:29 [That was an unexpected appearance.] 00:49:30 [Isaac starts the wrap up.] 00:49:49 To Michael from Brandon, do you have prints of the Rhythm of War cover up for sale? 00:51:08 [Michael’s closing thoughts.] 00:52:58 [Isaac kicks off the goodbyes.] 00:54:03 [Thank you and goodbye!]
I wasn't sure if you'd show up on this one but I'm glad I waited, these videos are so much more enjoyable when I can use your timestamps to navigate them. Thank you for your service!
Somewhere around minute 26: the subtle look of horror in Brandon's eyes as Michael Whelan folds an original Michael Whelan concept sketch over a copy of Oathbringer. 😬
Michael's got such an amazing soul and matter of fact approach to his craft. He just throws up these amaaaazzzinngg paintings that for him are just nothing. Yet he's so humble. True to his craft. Pure artist!
Brandon's face when Michael showed his concept canvas book jacket was golden. Couldn't tell if there was drool or not, but loved seeing him so taken by something. And for the record, I felt the same way!
Such a great interview! I did have to rein in my envy a little; it's kind of not fair for Michael to be such a wildly talented artist, AND be articulate, AND be so pleasant and affable
Dont you hava a free day ? What a professional... Greetings and big Respect from Turkey. And please can you change your Turkey publisher? I dont want to read your book 1 or 2 years later...
"Looking at fan art is like a garden of infinite delight"... Omfg!!! Michael is so right. It's phenomenal looking at fan art of any series I fall in love with, makes me so happy
Having just finished my first read through of the Dark Tower series by Stephen King, I loved Brandon's wonderful moment when he revealed what a fan he was of Whelan's work and the DT. It was really worth hunting down illustrated editions of those books, particularly the last one, which was illustrated by Whelan. Just a neat moment where two of my nerdy fan interests combined!
The most basic praise I can give Michael's work is the fact that my laptop background and cellphone wallpaper were The Way Of Kings cover before I even read the book
yeah, of course he wouldn't wear shoes. he's an author. it's a truth universally acknowledged that jobs that don't require you to wear shoes are better than jobs that do
i'm i the only one that really really wants a Whelan Art inspired animated feature? My preference would be for a project that spans published works his art has been a part of.
A dream scenario I know, but how awesome would it be for Brandon to give Michael enough information for him to complete the covers for the rest of the series at his own pace vs. awaiting the next book? Love his work.
I would love a video on the difference between how Brandon approaches worldbuilding for science fiction v. fantasy. Would make a good question for FAQ or next signing livestream
I love seeing the camaraderie and creative excitement between the visual artist Whelan and the Wordsmith Artist Sanderson! Michael Whelan has always been one of my favorite fantasy / sci-fi cover artist (as well as my brother who is very very talented too). And I have learned so much from Brandon Sanderson's lectures about writing that this was a real treat to see and hear.
I love your books and don't want them to stop. SOOO Please take the time to take care of yourself! find ways to continue writing as well as you do while also taking care of your health as well.
Timestamps 0:00 - Introductions 1:07 - How did Whelan get started on the Stormlight covers 7:17 - Inspiration for the first two covers 15:36 - Favorite Cover? 25:20 - Painting on Canvas first 27:15 - Fractals 31:32 - Ben McSweeney's concepts 35:34 - Are you ever lost in your Art? 42:00 - What's next for Whelan? 44:23 - Whelan's process? 49:49 - Final thoughts (Prints, Fan art, It's all fun!) Hey all! Shameless plug time. It's been a stressful time. From COVID to the US election, everyone seems to be stressed out. Relax. Put your feet up and dive into a new book such as Rhythm of War or my book, Seven Points, now out on Amazon. It is a short story collection of mine. Do yourself a favor and take a day off to enjoy some reading? www.amazon.com/Seven-Points-Stories-William-Quill-ebook/dp/B08N5KWMJQ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=seven+points+william+quill&qid=1605222807&s=books&sr=1-1
I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. I can barely play hangman without botching it. But damn, I do love me some Michael Whelan. He has, without question, achieved 🐐 status.
Sooo Brandon just said that he is hoid 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 has the hability to be there when is needed and by more obvious meaning he is there for us just the right time.
hi- so I started listening to rhythm of war on audible today, and I can't find a way to see the artwork like there was with the previous book. would really appreciate a link or something of the sort
