Cover Designers and Illustrators

Fantasy Illustrators: 11 Top Artists You Can Hire for Your Book

Fantasy literature has the unique power to transport us to otherworldly realms, immersing us in landscapes of magic, monsters, and the mystical unknown. Yet, it’s not just the words on the page that spark our imaginations – it’s also the artistry of the illustrations that accompany them. In the United States, a constellation of exceptional illustrators have made their mark on the fantasy genre, each bringing their own unique style and vision to the mythical worlds we love.

In this post, we’re diving into the works of the top 11 fantasy illustrators in the U.S, celebrating their talent and their indelible contributions to our beloved literary escapes. So sit back, prepare to be spellbound, and join us as we embark on this illustrated journey through the realms of the fantastical.

1. Anna Arkhipova

Anna Arkhipova, a Seattle-based illustrator, is renowned for her vibrant and personality-filled fantasy characters. Her artistry, characterized by bold colors and striking scenes, specializes in designing characters that truly embody their personalities. Anna’s unique use of bold lighting and shapes enhances the mood of every piece she paints. With a passion for fantasy fiction, narrative games, and TTRPGs, she excels in supporting writing with captivating visuals. Her current work spans freelance illustrations and game art assets, and she has contributed to community-created zines. Anna’s ceaseless imagination fuels her personal fantasy and sci-fi projects, making her a dynamic force in the realm of fantasy illustration.

2. May Taylor

May Taylor, a Chester-based illustrator, is known for her bright, narrative-driven works that captivate readers. Her illustrations, primarily focused on figures and portraiture, are characterized by bold color combinations and prominent line art, resulting in striking images filled with personality and attitude. May’s passion for collaboration shines through in her work, as she enjoys brainstorming ideas with clients to bring the best out of a project. With a first-class honors degree in Illustration for commercial application from The Northern School Of Art, and experience as a full-time illustrator, May’s expertise ensures that your ideas are realized with creativity and precision.

3. JC Pouzols

JC Pouzols, also known as Jon C. Pool, is a Paris-based fantasy illustrator with a deep passion for fantasy and sci-fi. Drawing inspiration from the Golden Age of illustration, he creates classical oil paintings on canvas or paper that are rich in detail and imagination. His work, which began in the role-playing game industry, now spans book covers and interior art and illustrations. As an illustrator, he excels in capturing an author’s vision and translating it into a visual language that grabs attention. His collaborative approach and commitment to communication ensure that your vision is realized in the most captivating way possible.

4. Rengin Tumer

Rengin Tumer, an Utrecht-based illustrator, specializes in creating vibrant, hand-painted illustrations for young adult and fantasy fiction. Her work is characterized by impactful storytelling and the use of vivid colors. Rengin’s client list includes prestigious names such as Tor Books, Titan Books, Bonnier Books, and #1 NYT Bestselling Author V.E. Schwab. She values clear communication and is committed to accurately estimating project timelines, ensuring she always meets her deadlines. With over 10 years of professional experience, Rengin’s understanding of marketing and close collaboration with marketing teams gives her valuable insight into what your fantasy illustrations need to stand out.

5. Bernard Lee

Bernard Lee, based in Los Angeles, is an award-winning book cover illustrator specializing in fantasy, history, and sci-fi genres. With a background as an Art Director at Scientific American Magazine, Bernard brings a unique blend of illustration and design skills to his work. His understanding of the publishing industry and what types of images sell books is invaluable. Bernard’s client list includes prestigious names such as Hachette, Macmillan, VICE Media, and Variety Magazine. His work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators NY, Society of Illustrators LA, American Illustration, and Communication Arts Book and Competition.

6. Chris Bodily

Meet Chris Bodily, a highly accomplished freelance illustrator with over fifteen years of professional experience. Known for his bold line work and intricate compositions, Chris has built a reputation in creating stunning illustrations for magazine covers, children’s books, event posters, coloring books, and graphic novels​. With his skills spanning across a variety of genres like comics & graphic novels, fantasy, horror, middle grade, picture books, and science fiction, he has earned multiple awards, including the “Forty Under 40” from Standart Examiner and “People’s Choice Award” at the Utah Arts Festival​. Alongside his freelance career, Chris shares his knowledge as an instructor at Weber State University and Southern Utah University​.

7. Kelly Carter

Kelly Carter is a seasoned graphic designer and art director with over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. She specializes in bringing a writer’s vision to life with design that’s engaging and unique, excelling in genres like fantasy, thrillers, historical fiction, and more. Her services include cover design, illustration, typography, and book interior design. She has received accolades from clients for her dedication, creativity, and professionalism. Carter has also won several awards in design, further solidifying her expertise. She has a wealth of experience working with independent authors, making her an ideal choice for your fantasy illustration needs.

8. Burton Taylor

Burton Taylor is a seasoned freelance illustrator with over two decades of experience, specializing in fantasy, horror, and paranormal book covers. Not just an artist, Burton also works as an art educator and runs his own crafts business. He excels at transforming even the most fantastical subjects into realistic illustrations using various traditional and digital media, with a specialization in oil painting. Burton’s process includes creating initial sketches, refining them based on client feedback, and producing the final artwork with 20-30 hours on average. He also offers art direction and text addition as separate services. Burton has excellent reviews, noted for his professionalism, quality of work, value for money, and responsiveness.

9. Matt Hubel

Matt Hubel is a seasoned sci-fi and fantasy illustrator. With a distinguished clientele including Penguin / Random House and Elder Scrolls, Matt brings a wealth of experience from the video game industry, translating ideas into captivating visuals. Known for his quick turnaround time due to digital artistry, he is equally adept at illustration and cover design. Matt’s exceptional professionalism, prompt communication, and openness to client ideas have earned him high praise. Whether it’s action & adventure, fantasy, horror, or young adult fantasy, Matt’s fantasy illustrations are sure to breathe life into your story.

10. Mariya Prytula

Mariya Prytula is a distinguished fantasy illustrator, celebrated for her award-winning children’s and nature-themed artwork. Specializing in watercolor and digital art, she has crafted illustrations for two award-winning picture books, multiple book covers, and numerous projects for private clients and businesses​​. Mariya has received accolades like the Gold IPPY Medal, Spark Award Honor, and the Best Illustrator Gold Moonbeam Children’s Book Award​. With a focus on middle-grade and epic fantasy genres, Mariya brings a warm, hug-like quality to her work, capturing the essence of her subjects and creating a connection with the viewer​.

11. Michael Williams

With over 18 years of experience in the publishing industry, Michael Williams has established a reputation as a detail-oriented and creative designer and illustrator specializing in fantasy, thrillers, Christian, and children’s markets. With a portfolio boasting an array of notable clients, including Zondervan Publishing, Baker Publishing Group, and Hachette Book Group, Michael offers expertise in both book cover and interior design. His accolades include being a finalist at the Society of Illustrator LA #39 and having his work featured in renowned publications like CMYK Magazine and ImagineFX. Known for his timely and friendly collaboration, Michael is committed to delivering appealing and marketable solutions for his clients​.

The realm of fantasy literature owes much of its richness and depth to the talented illustrators who have brought its diverse landscapes and characters to life. The artists on our list have each made significant contributions to the genre, showcasing exceptional talent and creativity, underscoring the importance and value of visual artistry in enhancing the reader’s experience. Their work stands as a testament to the transformative power of illustration in the domain of fantasy literature.