The Art Behind the Horror: Working with Serpil Odabaşı

One of the most rewarding parts of publishing my own horror stories has been collaborating with talented artists who bring those stories to life visually.

I've had the pleasure of working with Toronto-based artist Serpil Odabaşı on the cover artwork for my independently published books.

Serpil is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, drawing, illustration, and collage. Her artwork often explores memory, displacement, and the more unsettling aspects of human experience.

Originally from Turkey, Serpil has participated in more than 30 exhibitions internationally, and her artwork has appeared on book and magazine covers, as well as posters for theatre and film festivals.

What I particularly appreciate about her work is its psychological depth. There's something unsettling and thought-provoking about her imagery that I feel complements my writing.

Over the course of our collaborations, I've watched her artistic style continue to evolve. Her recent collage work, in particular, has been phenomenal.

For me, a book cover should do more than illustrate a scene from a story. It should create an atmosphere, provoke curiosity, and give readers a sense of what awaits them inside.

I've also enjoyed seeing the different concepts Serpil develops before we settle on a final piece. Sometimes the early ideas are just as fascinating as the finished artwork.

As I continue publishing new stories, I look forward to working with Serpil on future covers and maintaining a consistent artistic identity across my books.

You can explore more of Serpil's artwork through her Saatchi Art portfolio.