A well-crafted fantasy novel immerses readers in imagined worlds—but vivid visuals can make those worlds unforgettable. Whether you’re self-publishing or working with a small press, choosing the right illustrator is a pivotal decision. The right artist doesn’t just beautify your book; they help realize your story’s essence in a single glance.
This guide walks you through every step of how to choose the right illustrator for your fantasy novel, with practical insights and creative tips rooted in real-world publishing experience.
Understand Your Needs
Before you even think about an illustrator, take time to re-immerse yourself in your novel’s world. Re-read key scenes. Visualize your characters. Listen to your own descriptive language. What colors, textures, and moods stand out?
Ask yourself:
- Do I need a cover only, or also interior illustrations, character art, or maps?
- What is the tone of my book? (e.g., whimsical, dark, epic, romantic)
- Is the style I envision more realistic, stylized, or minimalist?
Why it matters:
A clearly defined vision helps ensure your illustrator can bring your world to life as you imagined it, and keeps the creative collaboration efficient and rewarding.
Research Fantasy Art Styles
To choose the right illustrator, you need a working understanding of fantasy art.
Examples of fantasy styles:
- Classic high fantasy (e.g., Frank Frazetta or Michael Whelan): painterly, epic, richly detailed.
- Whimsical/urban fantasy: brighter, expressive, stylized digital art often with lighter palettes.
- Dark fantasy: moody, gritty, high contrast, often with muted tones or a monochromatic feel.
Actionable tip:
Create a Pinterest board or folder titled “Fantasy Art Inspiration”. Save covers and illustrations you love. This not only clarifies your taste—it becomes a vital tool when briefing illustrators later.
Set Your Budget
Illustration is an investment—financially and creatively.
Typical pricing (as of 2025):
- Custom cover illustration: $200–$1,500+
- Character portraits: $100–$500+
- Maps: $150–$800, depending on detail
While newer illustrators may offer lower rates, experienced artists often come with a proven process, timely delivery, and more consistent quality.
Budget strategy:
- Prioritize your cover first—it’s your #1 marketing asset.
- Add interior art or extras (like character cards or maps) later or in deluxe editions.
Search in the Right Places
Once you know your visual style and budget, start looking for artists.
Where to search:
- Art Station, Behance, DeviantArt – professional portfolios
- Instagram/X (Twitter) – search tags like #FantasyArt, #DarkFantasyArt, #BookIllustration
- Freelance platforms – Reedsy, Fiverr (for entry-level budgets), Upwork
- Writing communities –FantasyArtists, BookCovers, Facebook groups like “Book Cover Designers & Illustrators”
Pro tip:
Verify that artists are the original creators of the work they post. This protects you from potential plagiarism or rights issues.
Evaluate Portfolios Carefully
Looking at an artist’s portfolio isn’t just about visual appeal—it’s about fit.
What to look for:
- Consistency: Does their style remain polished across multiple pieces?
- Fantasy experience: Do they work with fantastical or speculative settings?
- Storytelling: Does their work convey atmosphere and emotion?
Red flags:
- Inconsistent quality
- Generic, impersonal compositions
- No fantasy-relevant samples
Ask yourself:
“Does this art evoke the same emotions and imagery as my novel?”
Communication & Collaboration
Even the best artist can’t read your mind. Clear, respectful communication is critical.
Be specific in your brief:
Include:
- Short synopsis
- Character descriptions (with visual references, if possible)
- Mood/tone keywords
- Required elements (e.g., “must feature a dragon and a ruined tower”)
Collaboration tips:
- Ask how many revision rounds are included.
- Discuss timeline, from sketch to final artwork.
- Be open to their ideas, but stand firm on essential details.
Feedback matters:
“Instead of ‘I don’t like it,’ try: ‘The dragon feels too friendly—I envisioned something more ominous, like in this reference.’”
Check Reviews and References
A great artist also needs to be a reliable business partner.
What to do:
- Look for testimonials on their site or freelance profile.
- Ask for direct references (2–3 previous clients).
Questions to ask references:
- Was the artist timely and professional?
- How were revisions handled?
- Were they easy to communicate with during the project?
Don’t rely solely on curated reviews—get independent feedback when possible.
Understand the Legal Side
Contracts aren’t optional—they protect everyone involved.
Key legal concepts:
- Exclusive license: You alone can use the image for your book.
- Non-exclusive license: The artist may use or resell the work elsewhere (rare for custom work).
- Commercial rights: Ensure you have the right to use the art on book covers, websites, ads, and merch (if applicable).
Golden rule:
“Never proceed without a signed agreement that outlines: scope, deadlines, payment schedule, revision terms, and usage rights.”
Trust Your Instincts
At some point, you’ll be choosing between two equally skilled illustrators. Here’s where gut feeling counts.
Ask yourself:
- Do they “get” my story?
- Are they excited about the project?
- Did our communication feel smooth and natural?
A great collaboration comes from shared creative energy—not just technical skill.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right illustrator for your fantasy novel is about more than visuals—it’s about honoring your story’s soul. When you take the time to define your vision, learn the landscape, and collaborate with care, the result isn’t just art. It’s alchemy.
Follow these steps, and you won’t just find an illustrator. You’ll find a creative partner who brings your fantasy world to life in vivid, unforgettable color.
FAQs
1. Do I need an illustrator if I’m using a pre-made book cover?
No, pre-made covers are a valid option, especially for authors on a tight budget or with less visual branding concern. However, a custom illustration gives your novel a unique identity and allows for visual storytelling that pre-mades can’t match.
2. What’s the difference between an illustrator and a cover designer?
An illustrator creates original artwork (e.g., characters, landscapes, maps), while a cover designer combines visuals, typography, and layout into a final book cover. Some professionals do both; others collaborate. Make sure you’re clear on what services are included.
3. How early in the publishing process should I hire an illustrator?
Ideally, you should start looking for an illustrator 3–6 months before your publication date. Good illustrators often have waitlists, and creating quality artwork takes time—especially if revisions are involved.
4. How can I tell if an illustrator is trustworthy or professional?
Look for:
- A clear portfolio with fantasy-relevant samples
- Client testimonials or references
- Contracts or terms outlined up front
- Prompt and respectful communication
You can also ask for a paid sample or short test sketch if you’re unsure about their fit.
5. Should I provide artistic direction, or let the illustrator decide?
A blend works best. Provide a clear vision and mood, plus essential elements, but give the illustrator creative freedom within those boundaries. Their expertise can lead to ideas you hadn’t considered.
