"Vaillancourt has swiftly established himself as one of the most gifted, enchanting, and visionary artists to ply his trade in the horror/fantasy field right now. His palette of irons and fading brass captures a mood of an autumnal unreality, a Bradburyesque country of brisk breezes, rotting carnival rides, and shadows peeling themselves off the walls. His devils mourn for their paradises long lost; his fiends feel profoundly guilty about needing to eat you; his clouds swell and spill forth a torrent of glossy angels' feathers. His canvas is our own world, the world we know, stained indelibly with the impossible. Feast your eyes."
Joe Hill, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Francois is one of the best illustrators we have worked with. He is reliable, responsive and flexible. The finished work was exactly what we wanted, and communication throughout was a breeze. He also delivered on schedule. Can’t ask for more than that.
Paul Suntup, founder/publisher of Suntup Editions
“Francois Vaillancourt burst onto the scene like a shooting star in the night sky, blazing with rare talent and daring creativity. In three short years, I’ve hired Francois to illustrate book covers, movie posters, short stories, as well as print and online ads — and he’s never once delivered anything less than perfection. His excellent work is a gift to us all.”
Richard Chizmar, New York Times bestselling author and founder/publisher of Cemetery Dance Publications
"Francois Vaillancourt is not only immensely talented, but he might be the most punctual artist we’ve worked with in 30+ years in publishing. He hits every deadline, and the artwork is always stunning."
Brian Freeman, author and founder/publisher of Lividian Publications
“In my long career as an author, I’ve had many, many book covers: hardbacks, paperbacks, reprints, foreign editions, collectors’ editions, etc. François Vaillancourt’s cover for BEFORE I WAKE is truly one of the best covers on all my books. Its remarkable mood and artistry perfectly communicate the book’s tone and compel a reader’s attention. He’s not only a gifted illustrator; he’s also easy and stimulating to work with.”
David Morrell, New York Times bestselling author of FIRST BLOOD, THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE, and BEFORE I WAKE
"François has the perfect combination of attributes as a collaborative partner: He instantly understands what you're after while surprising and delighting with elements you don't even know you want. His intuition and considerable skills as an artist elevate the concept and provide a pleasant working experience."
-Doug Murano, publisher of Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities & Other Horrors
"Francois was an absolute pleasure to work with. His work is beautiful and startling and sometimes plain breathtaking, and I so hope it graces one of my books again soon."
-Tim Lebbon, author of The Silence
"Francois Vaillancourt is one of my top choices every time I need to commission a cover for an upcoming title. From initial concept to finished product, Francois keeps me involved in the creative process. My authors and I have always been thrilled with the results."
-Pete Kahle
Author of The Specimen, Owner/Editor - Bloodshot Books
"Francois is one of the very best artists I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. When I had an offer to handpick an artist for a limited edition for one of my books, I didn’t hesitate to request Francois, and felt so fortunate that he took on the project. Even then my expectations were surpassed. One of the best there is."
-Philip Fracassi, author of Altar
"I have worked with four cover artists for my books, and out of the four Francois Vaillancourt is by far the best. His way of working is meticulous and well thought out, and he is entirely transparent in regards to the process by which he works. All this was very much appreciated. Francois develops a lot of trust with those who reach out to commission him, and the work he produces is nothing short than breathtaking, thoughtful, and imaginative. I'll be working with him again in the future."
-Jayson Robert Ducharme, author of Come Forth in Thaw
"When I need an A+ custom cover, Francois is always the first to come to mind. He has a talent for creating art that perfectly fits my story. He’s a top-shelf cover artist!."
-Rachel Aukes, author of 100 Days in Deadland and Bounty Hunter
"Francois is one of the most talented artists working today. His artwork is second to none and he was incredibly easy to work with and get my vision perfect! Highly recommend!"
- Steve Stred, author of Mastodon and Ritual