NB : Globally speaking, what is your working method when you produce book covers? Does it vary depending on the books? BC : On the technical side, I always work on computer : I mix collage and numeric painting. For the ideas, there are two possibilities. Either I’ve got some time, I read the book and I work on my own, or I haven’t time to read the book and the I rely on the publisher who gives me a summary of the book. NB : The two covers you made for Douglas’ books don’t come directly from scenes in the book, but there is some inspiration, even some free variations of the books’ universe... Did someone already rebuke you for taking too many liberties? How can you find the right balance between artistic creation and respect of the book? BC : I’ve never been reproached about that kind of thing. I think that an illustrator who does a good job is not just a “work wrapping tool”. He must be able to mark his own stamp while staying loyal to and in harmony with the author’s universe. I think that an illustration which just repeats the text is not an illustration which enhances it. NB : How did you happen to make your first book covers? BC : In 1998, I went to J’ai Lu editions with my work, and I did my first covers with them. After that, I was contacted by other publishers. NB : What did you study? BC : I've got an economics/science baccalaureate and a diploma from ESAG (graphical art school) which is a five year course. NB : You got an award (prix de l’imaginaire 2002) in graphism category for your work on “lunes d’encres” collection for the publisher Denoël. Is it a crowning moment? BC : I dont like much the words “crowning moment”. It implies the notion of “ending”. I feel very far from it; I think I am a long way from having finished my search, to experiment and to express myself. This prize was a joyful moment, and I take it like a acknowledgment, an encouragment to go further. NB : I think you also work for the computer game industry at Dartworks, creator of "Alone in the dark - the new nightmare". These two jobs are they related regarding creativity or the working method. BC : Yes, I'm a designer at Darkworks. It's my day job. There are two parts to that job : the promotional pictures which are very close to the doing book covers, very illustrative, dramatic staging, and big emphasis on the lights and the environment. And there is too the designer part : it's more technical and didactic. These are studied drawings destined to be a reference for the elements and characters ' 3D modelisation. NB : Which are your projects for the future? BC : I’ve begun a comic strip for the publisher Delcourt (a big french publisher). If I work hard, the first volume should be on sale by the end of 2004. It's a story about "robbery" in a universe close to gotham city / dark city. THANKS TO IAIN FOR THE HELP IN THE TRANSLATION PROCESS

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