So You Want Your Own Bespoke Book Cover
Fabulous! That's what I'm here for: To take your creative vision and elevate it into something fabulous that's both true to your story while adhering to market and genre codes. I always take that extra leap to ensure you book cover stands out amongst the noisiest market.
Whether you're revving with creative vision or need a bit more guidance; eager to splurge on the ultimate illustration or aiming for a more budget-friendly option, there is an pathway for you.
I work across all genres and creative styles so don't hesitate to push creative boundaries either.
Book Cover Types
There are three distinct routes when it comes to book covers. Each with their own price range, opportunity, and creative outlets. Neither is better than the other.
Choice comes down to personal preference, market trends, and what is best suited to your budget and narrative.
The Photo Composite Cover
This is the blending of photo imagery with graphic design. It remains heavily popular in crime fiction and had a major boom in 2010s young adult paranormal fiction.
All my images are either sourced from the ethical platform Arcangel . Or, for the more adventurous, custom-produced with local photographer Olivia Holt.
The Illustrated Cover
The current en vogue option, illustrated covers are the popular choice for most fantasy genres. There is no restriction on creative vision only the stretch of your budget.
From the highest-concept science-fiction renders, to the simplistic romance flat art, there is option for all.
The Typography Cover
Unlike most covers that spotlight the illustrated or photographed subject, these covers are all about the title. They usually incorporate the most design aspects and either heavy typographic styling or custom lettering.
While rarely the first envisioned option for contemporary authors, this format often produces the most timeless and striking visions. For those looking for budget-friendly options, there is no going past Paul Bacon's Big Book Look.
Typography Based Book Cover (With Illustrative Elements)
Early Book Cover Concept for Beasts of London (2024)
Photo Composite Design
The Bargainer Series Original Cover Omnibus (2020)
Illustrated Book Cover with Custom Lettering
(2024)
There is a cost difference between those who have an idea of what they want, and those entirely lost: Which is okay. I love providing creative direction and working with authors to find that perfect unique visual position. But it can get costly if we're constantly flipping-flopping
For those budget conscious, I do encourage you provide a rough scribbled visual idea. Those ready to dig in deep, I'm willing to go the long route if you are!
01 Vision
But How Do You Decide Costs?
By projecting how much time it will take.
I take into consideration the following aspects:
02 Style
This is probably the biggest determiner of cost. Not just what we're creating, but how. I am a very versatile artist and designer, so the options are endless.
Want a treasure chest on your cover? Done. Now will that be stock, custom photography, a cartoon 'scribble', photorealism, or even a mixed-media project? I'm willing to explore it all with you to find the perfect fit.
How many elements or images are involved in this project is the next big kicker. There is a huge leap between a book cover using one stock image; a flat cartoon art style with various subjects and borders; to even just one photorealistic or heavily stylized subject.
Finding the balance between all this, can be tricky, but this is what concepts are for! Just be up front so I can help you manage, and elevate expectations.
03 Elements
