Skull and Roses

I wrote my book about ten years ago while undergoing cancer treatment. For a long time, it largely sat forgotten—until 2025, when I underwent more cancer treatment and decided to revisit and rewrite it. The book, In the Cold, is a Cold War drama exploring the trauma and isolation of living a double life behind enemy lines. Emotionally, it mirrors my own experiences during treatment: fear, doubt, helplessness, and the deep sense of being trapped and out of control.

When it came to publishing, I knew I wanted a cover that stood apart from typical spy novels. My story has no heroic figure, no James Bond-style action figure, and it felt wrong to mislead readers with a clichéd cover. I wanted something that captured the tension, mood, and emotional core of the book rather than the usual genre tropes.

Through a shared interest in art, I met Joel. I was drawn to his work, particularly his piece Raining Violence, which seemed to echo the emotional intensity I was looking for. Over several months, we collaborated on developing ideas that would capture the atmosphere of In the Cold. From the start, Joel took the time to understand the themes I wanted to convey—the tension of Berlin during the Cold War, the isolation, and the stark emotional landscape of the story.

He produced four striking images, including the cover illustration, all of which perfectly capture the grit, mood, and tone I was aiming for. His ability to translate complex ideas into simple but powerful visuals was invaluable. The artwork now not only works as a cover but can also be used across marketing materials.

The collaboration was smooth and creative. Joel was receptive to ideas, willing to explore different directions, and added his own perspective to strengthen the work. The end result feels authentic, distinctive, and closely tied to the spirit of the book.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Joel to any author or publisher seeking artwork that goes beyond decoration—his work adds depth, emotion, and a sense of story.

Ordering was super easy and i love the final product so impressive that it was hand drawn, very cool.

This drawing is such a masterpiece and the love for details is absolutely stunning! I'm really in love with this drawing! Also it was such a short delivery time which is amazing and I loved how the communication went. Definitely buying something again from this store!

Blown away by this artwork! I ordered a few prints from Joel and have had an outstanding experience from start to finish! Great artwork. Great service. Great guy!

I was looking forward to this piece arriving, and I am so impressed with the artwork. It is so detailed with great colors. Joel Manley is so talented at creating such beautiful pieces. Thankyou so much🌟

The wonderful brush touch is amazing. It's cool!!!

Joel Manley is such a great and awesome and much talented artist and I'm so happy with these great pieces. Thank you so much 🖤

Love the artwork, super cool and can't wait for more

@j420doodleart here

“l’d like to give a massive shoutout to @joelmanley.art

Thank you so much for this incredible piece, I look at this drawing with such deep feelings. It brings back old memories good and bad, but the future is now mine and now it’s time to make something of myself and grab the world as a whole and take each day as it comes!

Your art is amazing you should be very proud!

I won this print in the recent giveaway and I do not think there are enough words in the English language that can convey how amazing it is, it's truly awesome, the picture is not doing it's justice because in real life the details are mad crazy! I definitely recommend ordering from him!!

Have to say that this guy is fantastic. His art, his knowledge, his customer service... need I go on..... Inwas lucky enough to be following his Instagram and entered into a giveaway to win a free print of my choice from his extensive and brilliant pieces of urban art. I chose " Defaced "
It was delivered very quickly and packaged to perfection, great quality probt and cant wait to get it framed and on my wall. Top guy and can't recommend more!!!! Good luck with everything Joel.

He was very kind and sent me a DM when he had sent the prints to me and gave me a specified date of when they would arrive! (they arrived before the specified date which was awesome btw)

The quality of the prints is REALLY GOOD and the drawings are out of this world, SIMPLY AMAZING!! 🤩 I definitely recommend ordering from him, they are good for any occasion! The drawings I've ordered are a gift for my parents and I am very sure they will love them!!

The quality is unreal and I honestly don't know how he's done it by hand but props to him. Really really good and going to be buying a lot more. Definitely recommend this to anyone.

Commissioned a piece as a gift, Joel was so helpful and attentive to exactly what I was requesting. He talked me through several designs and made sure I was completely happy with it. Kept me updated throughout the process and the end result was insane. So happy with the final art piece and appreciate the amazing time and effort that went into it. Would highly recommend!

Got this custom commissioned poster drawn as a gift from my girlfriend and the quality is absolutely insane. The details are insane. The poster shows characters from my favourite TV show and joel's ability to bring a concept to life is just incredible. 100% recommend, will be buying again.