In this episode, I chat with Tim Jacobus, the legendary illustrator behind the iconic Goosebumps book covers. From the early days of his career to navigating the evolution of illustration from traditional painting to digital, Tim shares fascinating stories about his creative process, challenges, and the enduring legacy of his work. Tune in for a nostalgic deep dive into the art that shaped a generation and valuable lessons for any creative professional.

Episode Highlights:

Tim shares how he became the original illustrator for the Goosebumps series, illustrating over 100 covers.
The evolution of Tim’s creative process—from traditional painting to embracing digital tools.
Behind-the-scenes stories of working with R.L. Stine and the creative freedom he enjoyed during the Goosebumps series.
How the iconic Goosebumps embossing and specialty covers were developed and their lasting impact.
Reflections on the challenges of early freelance life and the moment he felt he "made it" as an illustrator.
Tim’s philosophy on art: “Show people what's in your mind, not what they already see.”
A discussion on luck, persistence, and how small events can lead to big changes in life and career.

Key Takeaways:

Persistence Pays Off: Tim’s career started with small sign-painting jobs and grew to iconic book covers through resilience and hard work.
Evolving with the Times: Transitioning from traditional to digital methods was challenging, but it opened doors to global clients and creative opportunities.
Creative Freedom Matters: The success of Goosebumps allowed Tim unprecedented freedom, leading to some of his best work.
Nostalgia’s Power: Tim reflects on how Goosebumps has stayed relevant, sparking creativity across generations.

Notable Quotes:

“Don’t paint what you know. Paint what you don’t know and give people a window into your imagination.”
“Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. Sometimes it’s the smallest events that shape your career.”
“For those about to rock, we salute you.”

Resources & Mentions:

Tim Jacobus Website

// Print Design Academy for Teams // Learn more here

// Print Design Academy for Freelance Creatives // Learn more here

Episode 288 - Tim Jacobus - Illustrator for Goosebumps Books

The Quickie - Conversations with Designers