Book cover commissions
Okay, real talk: people do judge books by their covers. It’s human nature. Before a reader even checks out your blurb or flips to page one, they’re already deciding whether your book looks worth their time. That’s why your cover isn’t just fancy packaging, it’s your first shot at grabbing someone’s attention and making them curious about your story. And if you’re an author looking for a fantasy book cover commission, getting it right can make all the difference.
Why Covers Are a Big Deal
A good cover tells people right away what kind of adventure they’re about to go on. Is it dark and mysterious? Light and magical? Epic and action-packed? Readers can sense it instantly from the design. Plus, let’s be honest, if your book looks professional, people will trust that the writing inside is too. And if your readers are anything like me, committing to a book is a big deal. Depending on how voracious a reader you are… it could be a couple of weeks, a month – living a breathing your world. Readers want to know that their valuable time is going to be well spent.
What Makes a Fantasy Book Cover Pop?
- Fonts that fit the vibe – The right font can say so much before anyone reads a word. Swirly, ornate letters scream fantasy. Big bold fonts? Give it a more serious, grim even Thriller-like vibe. Matching the style to your story is everything.
- Colors that set the mood – Colors aren’t just eye candy; they trigger feelings. Blues and purples feel mysterious, golds and reds hint at adventure or romance. Picking the right palette is like setting the emotional stage before the curtain even goes up.
- Art that sparks imagination – Fantasy especially is all about world-building. Whether it’s magical beasts, epic landscapes, or powerful symbols, the imagery should give readers that instant sense of wonder. A custom fantasy book cover illustration lets your story shine in a way generic templates never could.
- Clean, balanced design – Your title, your name, your artwork… they all need to work together, not fight each other. A strong cover guides the eye naturally and makes everything easy to take in at a glance.
Things to Avoid
- Trying to cram in every single detail from your story. It gets busy and can end up looking overcooked.
- Overused stock images that make your book blend in instead of stand out. (Why not try your friendly Noble Illustrator…)
- Fancy fonts that look cool until you shrink them to thumbnail size (and then nobody can read them!).
Why Bother with a Professional Fantasy Book Cover Commission?
The indie book world is booming, which is awesome, but it also means you’re up against a lot of competition. A custom, professionally illustrated cover makes your book stand tall next to traditionally published titles. It screams quality and makes people way more likely to click “buy.” Honestly, think of your cover as your book’s handshake, it’s the first impression you can’t afford to mess up.
One of the regular type of clients I get is someone who has cut corners on their cover, launched it, and felt entirely underwhelmed by the response. Often these authors wait several years until they eventually relaunch, losing the momentum they were hoping for in the first place.
Let’s Make Some Magic
Every fantasy book has its own soul, and the cover should show that off. My job as a fantasy illustrator is to pull the magic out of your story and splash it onto the cover so readers can feel it instantly. Whether your tale is whimsical, dark, or epic, I’ll help you bring it to life in a way that makes people stop scrolling and start reading. If you’re looking for a fantasy book cover commission, you’re in the right place.
Got a story that deserves an unforgettable fantasy book cover? Let’s team up and create something awesome together. You can see more of my book cover portfolio here. Or work with me here.
Hi I’m Jamie!
I work on fantasy and sci-fi maps for various clients from authors to game publishers. I have had some great clients working on both established IPs and new settings. I’m always interested in hearing about more projects I might be needed on, so feel free to drop me an email to info@thenobleartist.com
If you’re looking for a fantasy artist, feel free to snoop through my illustration portfolio or head straight over to contact me for work. You’ll find my email address and some handy forms which guide you through some of the starting info I’ll need to be able to quote for you. Typically I’m booked up a month ahead of time, but do drop me a line if you have anything time sensitive. Sometimes I’m able to move things around in a pinch. Hope to hear from you! In the meantime, stay informed of my new work and availability and sign up for the mailing list.
