Tim Jacobus

Illustrator of

Cover Artist for hundreds of books, including the Goosebumps series, Bone Chillers series, Spinetinglers, IT CAME FROM NEW JERSEY, IT CAME FROM OHIO, as well as cover art for Interactive CD Roms.

Born  April 21,1959, Tim's interest in art, as a career, did not emerge until high school. Taking additional art classes his senior year at the Morris County School of Technologies, he began a pursuit of an illustration career. He furthered his education at Spectrum Institute for Advertising Arts, a small commercial art school which emphasized long work weeks and serious deadlines. It was here, Tim met his wife Laura, also a student of Spectrum.

It took nearly three years before Tim landed his first book cover. The illustrating was sporadic for the following years. In 1985, He teamed up with an agent, who began to make things happen. A cover for a Star Trek computer game began a streak of illustrations that has continued unbroken.

Over the years Tim has illustrated hundreds of book covers for many different publishers. In 1991 Tim was hired to paint a few covers for a new children's book series for Scholastic. Initially the contract called for only four books in the series. These children's thriller stories were called "Goosebumps". The enormous success of R.L. Stines's "Goosebumps" has made it the largest selling series in publishing history with over 200 million copies sold. Tim's distinctive covers and characters are recognized by school children around the world and the series has since gone on to launch it's second revival, "Goosebumps Series 2000".

And coming in October 2000, is "Goosebumps Gold". The latest incarnation of the Goosebumps trilogy is sure to keep readers spellbound. The thirst of the Goosebumps fans for more information made it possible for Tim to release "It Came From New Jersey", an autobiography and "how to" book. The book features color photos of Tim's art as well as some of his artistic fans. This book is a must for any serious Goosebumps fan.


The area of artistic expression most satisfying to Tim is his fine art and he is constantly approached by fans eager to own a print of one of his originals, . A few of these prints are finally available.

His current screensaver, Dreamscapes, published by Second Nature Software, is sold world- wide with proceeds being donated to the Nature Conservatory.

Describing Tim's work as dramatic, exquisite, serene, ominous, exciting and startling just begins to tell the story. His illusions contrasting nature and wildlife, his amalgam of the real and the surreal, and his figurative story- telling pieces are dazzling, communicated by the use of glorious color and refined details channeled through a truly artistic sensibility.

Currently Tim is living in Budd Lake, New Jersey, where he maintains his studio. His wife, Laura remains his best friend and constant source of sanity. Recently, another Jacobus has been included, their first child Jack was born and is a constant source of  insanity.

Published Books

It Came from New Jersey: My Life as an Artist by Tim Jacobus Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback (February 1998) Scholastic Inc;

 
     ISBN: 0590108530    

Editorial Reviews
Packed with 30 full-color pictures of Tim Jacobus' art, this book gives fans an inside look at a day in his life, highlights his road to "Goosebumps" stardom, and gives budding artists a six-step lesson on drawing "Goosebumps" spokeskeleton, Curly. (Digest) .

The author, Tim Jacobus , January 18, 1998 My Dream Come True!
Every student of the arts, whether a writer, musician, or artist, dreams of working on a project that will be enjoyed by thousands of people. Goosebumps enabled a small town guy to entertain millions of kids. I'm grateful to all who were involved in helping this book to be published. And, I'm thrilled that so many Goosebumps fans have already expressed their enjoyment in reading it and seeing how I created the covers. Read On!

Tim has illustrated over 300 books in his career

It Came from Ohio: My Life As a Writer (Goosebumps) by R. L. Stine, Joe Arthur Reading level: Ages 9-12
Edition: Paperback 140 pages Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks; Reprint edition (April 1, 1998)
ASIN: 0590939440   
A humorous, fast-paced portrait of the author of the Goosebumps series tells young readers what R. L. Stine was like as a kid, how he became a writer, and where he gets his ideas from.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly The author of Fear Street and Goosebumps tells fans what to do with rubber chickens, how he writes two books a week and how he got so scary. Numerous b&w photographs of Stine and his family are included. Ages 8-12. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal In this entertaining autobiography, the prolific author of horror books talks about his childhood, his dreams of becoming a writer, and his eventual success with the "Fear Street" and "Goosebumps" series. Melissa Hudak, North Suburban District Library, Roscoe, IL Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist   . . . hilarious pages from hand-drawn early efforts further humanize this outrageously prolific, horribly entertaining author. John Peters --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Tim is best known for his work on the Goosebumps  Series
          

The Book series, Goosebumps, debuted in 1992. The horror stories by R. L. Stine were launched with little fanfare. They were thought to be too frightening for young readers. They were wrong.  The series has rewritten publishing history. Hundreds of million books have been bought and read world wide. Publishers Weekly had to change the way it charted children's books due to Goosebumps dominance over the top ten spots.

Original Goosebumps was followed by Goosebumps Series 2000. This collection continued the tradition for 2 years and 26 issues. And coming late in 2001, the debut of Goosebumps Gold. The cover art has given the series a signature look. 

Tim Jacobus' most recent books include:

Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness Quartet, Book 4) by Tamora Pierce, Tim Jacobus (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Mass Market Paperback - 308 pages Reprint edition (February 1997) Random House Children's Pub; ISBN: 0679801138
                                  

In an action-filled adventure, Alanna, the first female knight, ventures out to find the ""gem of goodness,"" the Dominion Jewel, but Prince Jonathan's evil uncle, Duke Roger, suddenly returns from the dead and begins to wreak havoc on the kingdom. 

Editorial Reviews
After achieving her dream of becoming the first female knight, Alanna sets out to find the Dominion Jewel, a legendary gem which possesses limitless power for good. But the evil Duke Roger has returned from the dead to wreak havoc on the kingdom, and only Alanna has the power to prevent utter destruction. "Full of slam-bang action...young readers will rejoice."--Kirkus

Norman Newman Series

Norman Newman : My Sister the Witch (Norman Newman Ser.) by Ellen Conford, Tim Jacobus (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback - 92 pages (August 1995) Troll Assoc; ISBN: 0816736235

Norman Newman and the Werewolf of Walnut Street ( Norman Newman Ser.) by Ellen Conford, Tim Jacobus (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback (September 1995) Troll Assoc; ISBN: 0816737193

Tim Jacobus also did the cover illustrations for Spinetinglers & Bonechillers

Presentations

Tim Jacobus visits elementary, middle, high, and Vo-Tech schools. His presentation includes a 45 minute slide show, emphasizing a career in the arts, followed by a question and answer period. Grades 3 - 6 usually request a book signing .

The profession fees are: $800 for a half day 1 -2 presentations, within 40 miles of Morris County
                                          $1,000 for a full day 3-5 presentation
                                         plus travel expenses.

Contact

Tim Jacobus
35 Dogwood Drive
Budd Lake, NJ 07828

Phone (973) 691-3035
Fax (973) 691 3038

Tim loves doing all of the Goosebumps covers, but he does have a couple of favorites: Monster Blood II and Egg Monsters From Mars. Tim loves to hear from his fans! If you want to ask Tim a question, or just want to say hello, you can write him at:
mailto:tjacobus@optonline.net

Website: http://www.timjacobus.com

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