Tim Jacobus explained that when he started illustrating the covers for Goosebumps, he wasn't entirely sure how scary to make them. The breakthrough came with 'Say Cheese And Die!', where he found a balance of humor and horror, allowing the art to playfully reflect the story. His goal became to incorporate a sense of ridiculousness within the scare, illustrating how he navigated the fine line between comedic elements and horror in his art.
Typically, illustrators are given completed manuscripts, but Jacobus shared his unique experience working closely with R.L. Stine during the rapid development of Goosebumps titles. The limited context—only receiving a title and a few sentences—meant he had to rely heavily on imagination to create the covers, prioritizing the creative aspect over detailed representation. This unconventional approach influenced the playful, cartoonish style that characterized his illustrations.
Collection
[
|
...
]