Genre-aware design
Covers follow the visual cues readers expect in your genre, then stand apart from the shelf.
Book Cover Design
Illustrated book covers, drawn for your story
Custom cover illustrations for fiction, children's books and special editions.
Service introduction
About our illustrated book cover design service
An illustrated cover gives your book artwork that no other title has.
We sketch cover compositions with the title placement planned from the start, then develop the chosen sketch into finished illustration and final cover design.
Custom artwork
Illustrated covers drawn specifically for your book
When a cover needs artwork that does not exist yet, the illustration and the layout have to be planned together from the start.
We block out the type positions before the drawing is finished, so the artwork is composed with space for the title rather than having type dropped on top of a finished picture afterwards. You see pencil roughs first, then a colour direction, then final art. The illustration is delivered layered, so it can be reused later for posters, merchandise or a series banner.
- Type and composition planned together at rough stage
- Pencil, colour rough and final art approval points
- Layered artwork files supplied for later reuse
The authors and teams we build this for include fantasy, literary and children's authors across the US, UK, Australia and the Czech Republic. Send us your project details and we will reply with questions, an approach and a quote before any work starts.
What we provide
What's included
- Cover composition sketches
- Custom finished illustration
- Title lettering integrated with the art
- Print and ebook versions
Creative process
From first idea to final files
A clear five-step process, with your feedback built in.
- 01
Discover
We learn about your book, audience, genre and goals.
- 02
Concept
We explore directions, sketches and references with you.
- 03
Create
The chosen direction is developed into finished artwork.
- 04
Refine
We adjust details based on your feedback.
- 05
Deliver
You receive final files prepared for print and digital use.
Relevant portfolio work
Selected book cover design work
Open any project to see it larger, then move through the set.
Why choose BookZen
Why authors and publishers choose BookZen
Checked as a thumbnail
Every concept is reviewed at store-listing size, where most readers first see it.
Print and ebook files
Front covers for stores and full wraps built to your printer's spine and bleed.
Global collaboration
Clear online communication and feedback rounds, wherever you are.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about illustrated book cover design.
Styles range from painterly and textured to clean vector. We'll suggest options that suit your genre.
Usage rights are agreed in your quote. Tell us how you plan to use the art so we can include it.
Yes. We work with authors, publishers and businesses in different countries. Briefs, feedback and file delivery all happen online, and we agree on a communication schedule that suits your time zone.
Send us your project details using the Start Your Project form or the contact page, with any references you have. We'll reply with questions, a suggested approach and a quote before any work begins.
Let's talk about your illustrated book cover design project
Tell us what you're working on. We'll reply with questions, ideas and a clear quote.