This is a cover design I recently completed for this amazing compilation of Sword and Soul Fantasy short stories. I worked on this under the guidance of Milton Davis, an amazing author and a man who I view as a strong mentor, and Charles Saunders, also an amazing author who I constantly had to battle with feeling star-struck in his presence, even though it was online. Please visit them here: 
Milton Davis: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1793499636
Charles Saunders : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1540370156

Here's a brief behind-the-scenes look at how it came together:

This was the first sketch I drew out. The center griot was too young. Lol. And there were other changes that would follow. :)



This was the 2nd draft. The djembe player was changed to a woman. :)



This was the first color added. It was a lot of fun and a big challenge trying to bring these characters to life.



Details of the hands and arms.



The was an update I sent to Milton of the first color I added to the djembe player.



Getting there, slowly but surely.



Almost there. Just add fire.



This is the finished product. It took a while to get here, but it was a great feeling when Milton approved it. I feel much gratitude for being able to be a part of this project. I would like to thank Milton for his guidance and unending patience during this project.