Special:	Markus Vesper
Title:	A penchant for natural beauty

Born and raised in the district of Rotenburg on the River Wümme, Markus discovered his pronounced preference for imaginative pictures as a child, which he found on his father's fantasy books and record covers, e.g. by YES, and later also in illustrated books by artists such as Salvador Dalí and M.C. Escher.

From his early youth, this deeply interested German creative spirit was also fascinated by the painted covers of heavy metal albums, in addition to music. Although this laid the foundation for his later passion - painting - it was to take a few more years before Markus began to pursue this passion with perseverance.

Since 2006, he has been working full-time as a freelance artist and illustrator and has already published numerous international CD/LP covers as well as a number of book covers.

Mother Nature is often a great source of inspiration for this talented artist, as he says she has created the most interesting shapes and patterns imaginable for Markus.

This special is mainly about the cover artwork for the album "Crossing The Pit" by the German Groove Thrash Metallers Blessed Child. You've been working together for a while now. When and how did you come together?

„The band recognized me in the internet forum of the magazine Deaf Forever, where I am quite active. They contacted me there in June 2020 and so I got my first commission by them for their 'Monolith' EP. We've been in contact ever since.“

The new artwork continuously follows a certain „red thread” that is focused and critical of war. Cannon barrels and rifles rust, airplane wrecks rot, etc.; what do you think, will there ever be - as a result of all the monumentally painful experiences of mankind - a world in complete peace, without wars?

„Well, I don't know, I really hope it, but the current state of the world tells me a different story ... but if we want to evolve and survive as a species, I think we have to learn to always cooperate instead of fighting each other.“

What was it about the thematic realization of the new artwork for "Crossing The Pit" that immediately excited you?

„To make the landscape the 'main character' this time - that's not an easy task, although I really like painting landscapes!“

Are there any aspects of the finished artwork that you particularly appreciate? 


„Yes, I always love putting details into cover artworks, that depict something from previous artworks, like hidden easter eggs. And I love the rather unusual combination of colours, which I wouldn't have chosen myself, but I think turned out great!“

Did you completely take over the idea of the band or did you also bring in your own ideas? 


„The band always has a very clear idea of what should be on the cover. The one that I brought the most of my own ideas into was the 'Monolith' artwork. This time it was quite a lot just what they described - although their initial idea was to depict the objects of previous covers as some kind of fossils, or being carved into the walls of the canyon. I told them that this wouldn't be easy to paint in a convincing and recognizable way, so I made it a bit different. The part, where I had much more artistic freedom was the creation of the whole layout for CD and LP, which I also really enjoyed doing - as well as with the previous releases.“

How was the work on the artwork for you and how was the collaboration with the band overall?

„It was really fun to do, especially, because it was a bit different to what I usually do - but this was also the case with the previous artworks for them. The collaboration worked really smoothly, they came up with a description, I made a rough sketch and they said 'go for it'. The rest was only painting and as far as I remember, they didn't have any suggestions or editing wishes.“

How long did you need for the complete work on it?

„Hm, hard to say, it took about two weeks, but in working hours? Maybe around 30 hours or a bit more.“

How did the band react to the final result?

„They were instantly pleased with it.“

What did your friends, acquaintances and also graphic colleagues say about the finished artwork?

„As far as I have heard read about that, they really like it. Especially the final product on vinyl impressed some people.“

Would you like to add something at this point?

„I am really thankful to be able to do what I have dreamed of as a teenager, although it comes with a lot of sacrifices! And I am especially thankful for every band that comes back to me for every new album!“

© Markus Eck, 06.02.2025

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