BOLD CUSTOM BOOK COVER DESIGNS

Judge a Book By Its Cover

Your story deserves a book cover design that doesn’t just hint at the plot—it pulls readers in with haunting symbolism. I specialize in creating book cover designs that not only stand out on shelves (or Amazon thumbnails) but also communicate the heart of your story.

Each editorial illustration is approached with a unique vision, ensuring that your book cover design reflects the genre, tone, and themes of your work while being distinct and original. Whether you’re a self-published author, a publishing house, or a legendary novelist, I craft unique book cover artworks that promises the experience your audience craves.

Because Your Cover Should Haunt Like a Plot-Twist.

Book Cover Art Licensing and Commissions

Timeless Editorial Illustrations

Got a high-concept literary novel that needs visuals as layered as your prose? Perfect. On a crunch timeline with an ARC deadline looming? I’ve got you covered. I offer two paths to a book cover that doesn’t just sell—it seduces:

  1. Custom Commissions:
    Send me your elevator pitch and I’ll weaponize my dark surrealism symbolism to craft a cover that teases your themes—like a visual plot-twist no one can look away from.
  2. Cover Art Licensing:
    Need “yesterday” turnaround? My existing surreal digital art is ready to adapt. Pick a piece from my gallery, and I’ll tweak typography, color grading, or cropping to have your shelf appeal ready in no time.

My artistic style is a blend of dark surrealism, symbolism, and rich storytelling, which allows me to create visuals that evoke emotion and intrigue. Whether it’s photorealistic 3D or hand-drawn illustrations, I obsess over cover hierarchy, readability at thumbnail size, and that OMG moment when a reader flips to the back blurb.

Because if your next release has to stand out, I’ve got you Covered.

Editorial Illustration, Tailored to Your Story

Custom Cover Arts for music, cover arts for books and poster designs for Film by Mario Nevado

Beyond custom book cover designs, I specialize in editorial illustration that bring articles, stories, and ideas to life. Whether for magazines, online publications, or independent editorial projects, my dark surrealism illustrations add an extra layer of depth and emotion to the written word.

As an independent Art Director and freelance book cover artist, collaborating closely with authors and editors is my bread and butter. Each book cover artwork is designed with a thoughtful approach, ensuring that it enhances the narrative or concept it’s paired with. My two decades of expertise allow me to recreate your fantasy world, your murder mystery or your philosophical investigation.  Whether you need spot illustrations or full-page visuals, I’m here to help tell your story visually.

Fantasy custom book cover designs by Mario Nevado, showcasing dark surrealism artwork - Book Cover Art Licensing

Fit for all editions and genres

With years of experience in designing book covers and editorial illustrations, I understand the importance of matching visuals to a story’s tone and genre. From detailed, realistic artworks to more abstract, conceptual visuals, I can adapt my style to suit your project’s unique needs, making each design a true one-of-a-kind.

Fantasy custom book cover designs by Mario Nevado, showcasing dark surrealism artwork - Book cover art licensing

Crafted for the digital era

Whether your book is destined for a beautiful hardcover print run or a digital release, I create custom book cover designs and illustrations that look stunning across all formats. I ensure that my work is optimized for both digital readers and physical print, so your cover makes an impact on e-readers, social media, and bookstore shelves alike.

Book cover art licensing for authors by Mario Nevado - Custom Book cover designs

Release-ready via Licensing

Explore my collection of pre-existing book cover artwork available for licensing that is ready to be published. If you’re on a tight deadline or budget, licensing any of my dark surrealism editorial illustrations (layout and typography included) allows you to hit shelves quickly with a professionally designed cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I commission a custom book cover design?

To get started, simply reach out via the contact form below with details about your book, including its genre, themes, and any specific ideas you might have for your book cover design. Please, also specify any production information such as print-run, publishing house, territories of publishing and any other sensitive info related to your release. I’ll provide a quote and timeline, and we’ll work together to bring your vision to life.

How do I know if your style will fit my book?

I specialize in creating custom book cover designs with my unique approach to dark surrealism using strong and vibrant color palettes that you won’t find elsewhere. My signature style works perfectly for fantasy, horror and sci-fi, but over the years, I have had all kinds of novels, manifestos and researches using my art to illustrate their messages. Explore my portfolio to see examples, and if you’re unsure, let’s chat—I’ll help you visualize how my style can enhance your project. I am always eager to try and experiment with news aesthetics and styles, so if you want to go beyond dark surrealism, I’ll be delighted to experiment and have fun! You can also browse my catalog of cover art licensing to find inspiration or even grab one of my available artworks for your custom cover design.

Do you work with self-published authors?

Absolutely! I work with self-published authors, publishing houses, and independent creators to create professional, eye-catching book cover designs that help them stand out – we all come from somewhere! I am always happy to help in your humble beginnings. Your book deserves a professional cover art, no matter where you are in your career.

Can you help me come with a concept for my custom cover design?

Absolutely! Many authors come to me with a synopsis, a brief manuscript or a general idea of what they want for their book cover art. Others come with complete plan on what they want for their custom book cover arts. As a freelance book cover artist, my work is to help you find the visual realm where your stories find their footing. Think of me as your freelance cover artist and creative partner!

Do you work with editors to create cohesive book series artwork?

Yes! As a freelance book cover artist and art director, I frequently collaborate with editors and publishing houses to create a consistent and recognizable visual identity for a book series. Whether it’s a trilogy or a long-running series, I’ll work with you to ensure each book cover design complements the others while maintaining individuality for each title. From editorial illustration to cohesive layouts, I’ll help tie together your series

What's your process for creating custom book cover designs?

I start by immersing myself in all materials and inspiration you have sent me. Sending me your full manuscript is by no means required, but a brief document that describes the key aspects of your work is. From there, I create initial sketches and concepts and share them with you. With your feedback, we will find the direction and vibe of your cover art. From there, I work on the final design until it’s perfect, showing it to you when it is nearly done to implement any minor adjustments. The process is collaborative, ensuring the final cover artwork aligns with your artistic vision.

Do you design custom book cover designs for any literary genre?

Yes! I specialize in creating custom book cover designs for all genres, including fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, non-fiction… you name it! Each design is tailored to reflect the unique tone and themes of your book.

What if I don't have a clear idea for my book cover?

No problem! Many authors come to me with just a general idea of what they want – or no idea at all! My work as a freelance book cover designer is to find the visual heart of your book, and that is what I’ll do. Be sure to have ready a brief compendium of key elements I can draw inspiration from. From there, I’ll present you some drafts to pick a starting point. With your feedback, we will craft a striking book cover design that will capture the heart of your story. Also, you can try my book cover art licensing catalog – you might find an illustration that already goes well with your project if you are unsure. You never know!

Do you design custom cover arts in styles other than dark surrealism?

Yes! While I specialize in dark surrealism with striking color palettes, I’m experienced in creating a wide range of styles, from minimalistic to vintage or illustrative. Every book has a story, and I’ll tailor the design to match your vision.

Will you take care of typography and layout of my book?

Absolutely! Typography is a crucial part of book cover arts. I’ll design custom fonts or choose existing ones that complement the artwork and ensure your book title and name stand out. This also applies to any new book cover arts commissioned via cover art licensing, as the license includes this treatment as a courtesy on the house!

Can you work with publishing houses on large-scale projects?

Yes, I have experience collaborating with publishing houses on a wide range of book cover artworks, from independent novels to large publishing projects that feature several entries in a series. I understand the nuances of the industry and work efficiently to meet deadlines. Whether you need one book cover design or a series of covers, I’m happy to provide freelance book cover artist services to help bring your editorial vision to life. My goal is to create custom book cover designs that captivate readers while aligning with your editorial direction and keeping visual branding throughout a full series of books.

How do you approach multiple covers for a book series?

If you’re working on a book series, I offer a consistent approach to ensure all book cover arts in the series maintain a cohesive look while allowing for unique elements specific to each book. I’ll work with you to design each custom book cover design in a way that ties together the themes of the series, creating a strong visual identity that connects the books for your readers. Whether it’s a specific color palette, recurring visual motifs, or a shared layout, I’ll ensure that each book cover artwork speaks to the entire collection.

How much does a custom book cover design cost?

Pricing depends on the complexity of the design and the scope of your project. Every book has its own needs, and I don’t work with static prices. I need to have a deep dive into your ideas and themes to envision the complexity of the art. Also, I need to calculate costs for any design elements included in your commission that go beyond the cover art itself such as book jackets, interior illustrations or derivative promotional materials if there are any. I’ll take those into consideration alongside the scope of your whole project (print runs, territories of the release, etc) to calculate your quote. Strict and tight deadlines also have an extra fee. If you are ordering a full packaging design with custom cover artwork, don’t expect to pay less than one thousand bucks unless you are using illustrations from my cover art licensing collection. However, even if that’s out of your budget, feel free to ask: There is always a way to find the perfect design for your publication inside the limits of your budget!

Do you offer free cover designs or discounts for new artists?

I do not offer free cover designs as each project requires a significant amount of time and effort, even if it’s for a charity project – we freelance cover artists have bills to pay and limited time as well! However, I understand the financial pressures that independent artists and new authors often face. To help, I offer flexible payment options, including installments, so you can still get the custom book cover design you need without straining your budget. Whether you’re a fantasy author looking for a whimsical illustration cover or need an iconic piece of art for your philosophical manifesto, we can work out a plan that suits your needs and ensures you get the best possible design.

Do you offer payment plans for custom cover arts?

Yes! I understand that upfront costs can be tough, so I offer payment plans for all custom book cover arts. Whether you’re looking for just a cover artwork, a set of editorial illustrations or big editorial project consisting on many entries, I’ll work with you to break down the payment into manageable installments. This way, you can focus on your writing while I bring your vision to life. Let’s discuss the best way to approach the payments based on your project!

What's the scope of the license for custom cover artwork?

The scope of the license varies based on how you intend to use the custom book cover art. I offer different licensing options depending on factors like:

• Exclusivity: You can choose between exclusive or non-exclusive licenses. An exclusive license grants you sole rights to the design, while a non-exclusive license allows me to keep some rights to the art, such as the possibility to sell prints on my shop. But don’t worry: a custom cover artwork will never be licensed to anyone else!

• Print Run & Materials: The license can vary based on the number of copies you plan to print. If you’re planning a limited edition release with a smaller print run, the license may be priced differently compared to a large-scale release. The license will also take into account any additional materials that might use the design, such as packaging, promotional materials, merchandise and more.

• Territories: We’ll define the territories where the design will be used. For example, a license for worldwide use will differ in cost from a limited territory license (e.g., regional or national). We can tailor this based on your distribution plans. By discussing your specific needs, we’ll ensure the custom cover artwork license is tailored to your project, ensuring you get the rights you need for your cover arts for music. Let’s chat about what works best for your release and long-term goals!

Can I license existing artwork for my book cover?

Yes! You can license existing artwork from my gallery. If there is an artwork on my gallery that already captures the heart of your project, that’s a fast and affordable way to have your campaign ready in no time. I’ll customize it with any info you need, and other details to make it uniquely yours. In some cases, I can alter the original art to adequate it to the idea of your album.

Can you create custom book cover artwork for both digital and physical formats?

Yes! I design custom book covers optimized for print (hardcover, paperback) and digital formats (eBooks, social media). I’ll provide high-resolution files and guidelines to ensure your cover looks stunning everywhere.

Can you design full book packaging, like hardcover jackets or interior illustrations?

Absolutely! I offer full book packaging design, including hardcover jackets, interior illustrations, and even promotional materials. Every element is designed to create a cohesive visual identity for your book.

Can I use the cover art for merchandise or promotional materials?

Yes! We can discuss licensing options for merch, posters, and promotional materials before or after your custom cover design is completed.

Can I use your custom book cover art for digital platforms like eBooks and audiobooks?

Yes, you can! The book cover artwork can be licensed for use across digital platforms such as eBooks, audiobooks, websites, and social media. We can tailor the book cover art licensing agreement to cover both print and digital formats, depending on your needs.

How long does it take to complete a custom cover artwork?

The timeline varies based on the project’s complexity, but most artworks are completed within 3-4 weeks (derivative materials aside). If you need a quick turnaround, I offer rush services for an additional fee. Please, bear in mind that my schedule is usually full months in advance, so be sure to contact me with enough time to ensure a spot in my timeline!

How do you handle feedback and revisions?

I provide drafts for approval at key stages of the design process, especially at the beginning. Your feedback is incorporated to ensure the final artwork meets your vision. Unless you have a very specific and complex idea that needs permanent oversight to respect the lore included in your project, I ask for creative freedom to ensure a hefty and agile process without interruptions and delays. I include a set number of revisions, with additional changes available if needed, depending on your needs.

Do you accept commissions with tight deadlines?

It depends on the complexity and scope of what you need. My schedule is usually full months in advance, and I can only attend certain urgencies, like simple custom cover designs that I can create in overtime hours. Keep in mind that commissions with very tight, strict deadlines will have an additional fee. Let me know your deadline, and I’ll do my best to accommodate it without compromising quality!

What if I need changes after the final cover design is delivered?

As a freelance book cover artist, I take pride in my clients’ happiness. I include a set number of revisions in my process to ensure you’re happy with the final design. If you need additional changes after delivery, I offer affordable revision packages to accommodate your needs.

About Mario Nevado

Cover Artist, Art Director & Designer

Hey, I’m Mario Nevado, a freelance book cover artist and Art Director from Spain with almost two decades of experience in creating amazing custom book cover designs. My book covers have been published by industry leaders such as Harlequin and Hachette, and my work has been featured in exhibitions worldwide, including on the exterior walls of the MoMA and Guggenheim museums. One of my career highlights was contributing to Adobe Photoshop’s 25th Anniversary campaign “Dream On”, which featured my work alongside music by Aerosmith, premiering at the Oscars and earning several prestigious awards like 3 Cannes Lions and an Emmy Nomination.

With 20 years of experience in the art and licensing business, I am your perfect match if you are looking not only a designer for your next project, but also someone that can advise you in the music, editorial and licensing industries. I always strive to push the boundaries of what cover art can be, so let’s create something remarkable for your next release!

Why Should You Hire Me?

Experience in Editorial Illustration

I published my first book cover design back in 2006 and I haven't stopped ever since. Almost a hundred clients can endorse my expertise through the years!

Collaborative Approach

I work closely with every client, making sure the final design represents their narrative and style, while sharing my insights regarding best practices in the editorial industry.

Versatility and Innovation

No two books are alike, and neither are my designs. I create visuals that are as unique as your stories using a wide array of mediums: 3D, photography, painting... you name it!

Hire a Bookworm Nerd!

I am an avid reader that loves to read fantasy novels, philosophical manifestos and everything in between. Regardless of what you've written, I know how to present every genre.

Convinced? Hire Me As Your Freelance Book Cover Artist!

Ready for the bluelines? Use the form below to get in touch for quotes and availability. Share the insights of your project with me and I will hit you back in 24-48h with a realistic quote and schedule. For best results, contact me:

  • 2+ weeks ahead for licensing existing artwork
  • 3+ months for custom commissions

Because great cover designs take some time – and because my schedule is usually full months in advance, claim your spot before the presses roll!

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First Contact

Get in touch with me with the basics of the project you want to commission, preferably with budget and deadline. I'll get back to you with some questions to settle a rate and a date of delivery.

Contract & Deposit

We sign a Licensing Agreement with the terms of the license alongside the payment of the deposit, either via SEPA Bank Transfer or Paypal, after we have agreed on a project briefing and direction.

Art & Design

I create your custom book cover artwork and designs for your project and send them for preview when they are around 90% completion, so you can offer some reasonable feedback and corrections if they're needed.

Files & Payment

When the art is done, I create any derivative designs and printing layouts, depending on your needs. After payment is completed, everything is sent to you. Now is your time to show it to the world!

    Looking for something else besides Custom Book Cover Designs?

    cover art design for cds and vinyl by mario nevado art

    Music Cover Arts

    I create cover art for music bands with a passion. Whether you are in need of a cover that speaks for your music, or are going to release a special edition that includes detailed booklet illustrations, merch design and stage elements, I’m an expert in making images that introduce music to their audiences.

    Custom Poster Designs for Film thumb

    Promo Posters

    My art also finds its place in poster design, especially for film and theater plays. Present your release to the world in a way that makes justice to all the hard work your team put into it, while making your audience know they are in for a true work of art before they even take a seat.

    Cover Art Licensing for Music bands, Books and Wall Art by Mario Nevado ART

    Art Licensing

    Browse my comprehensive back catalog of illustrations to find the perfect fit for your project: My signature blend of dark surrealism and vibrant color palettes will make your next book, music album or film standout amongst the crowd. Limited budget? Tight deadlines? Licensing is the option for you!