Watercolor, But Make it Bold

Image via Reddit

Remember the old-school romance covers? The Fabio era—glossy, dramatic, and one gust of wind away from a strategically placed sheet slipping. 😅

Romcom covers have shifted so much since those late-’80s/’90s days. Now they typically feature illustrated couples. Cute, but not too cute. No anime eyes. Not overly cartoonish. More modern, slightly blocky. A “this could be anyone” style.

When it came to the cover for Missed You the First Time

---

I was incredibly lucky to work with an emerging artist who brought her unique vision—contemporary and clearly romcom, but with a mood that feels unmistakably Dani and Jake.

Artist Liz Lenihan chose gouache—an opaque watercolor paint that’s soft but vivid. It was the perfect medium to capture the Chicago skyline, the swirl of fall color, and the feeling at the heart of the book: two people facing each other with history between them—and just enough space left for possibility.
​
I love that Dani and Jake look like themselves without being overly specific. They’re expressive, they’re alive, they feel like they belong in a city that’s bold, bright, and a little windy.

Every time I look at this cover, I’m transported into their world. And that’s the best kind of magic. 💛📚
​
Follow Liz’s work on Instagram at @liz_lenihan_art.

---