The Challenge

The challenge was to create a cover for a dark fantasy romance that communicates witchcraft, magic and the character’s dangerous relationship with Death. The design needed to feel immersive and fantastical while still appealing to a commercial fantasy readership, without relying on a literal character illustration.

The Solution

I used lush botanical imagery to create a sense of an enchanted, mysterious world. The dense foliage frames the typography and gives the cover a slightly wild and magical quality, reflecting the witchcraft at the heart of the story. The dark background creates contrast and adds a sinister undertone, while the ornate serif typography gives the title a classic fantasy feel. Small hints of red and warm tones within the foliage add a subtle sense of danger and connect to the darker themes of death, violence and power.

The Result

The final cover feels rich, atmospheric and distinctly fantasy-led, while still having a strong commercial presence. The combination of dark tones, intricate botanical details and dramatic typography creates a mysterious visual identity that reflects both the magical and dangerous sides of the story. The foliage also gives the cover a tactile, almost illustrated quality, helping it stand out within the fantasy-romance market