In the realm of urban fantasy, modern cityscapes blend seamlessly with ancient lore, and the cover is the reader’s first portal into that world. As we delve into the urban shadows and neon-lit mysteries, let’s shine a spotlight on the top urban fantasy book cover designers who masterfully bridge two worlds with every design. 

In this post, we’ll present the talented people behind some of the most iconic covers in the genre.

1. Gene Mollica

Gene Mollica, based in New York, NY, is a renowned digital artist who has been at the forefront of creating cinematic images for the publishing industry. With a career that boasts collaborations with major publishers like Random House, DelRey, Tor Books, and Harper Collins, Gene’s expertise lies in crafting covers that are both visually stunning and narratively compelling. His reputation for bringing characters and worlds to life is evident in his extensive portfolio, which includes works for notable authors such as Kevin Hearne, Ilona Andrews, and Joe Abercrombie. Offering a range of services from custom photography to typography, Gene’s holistic approach ensures that each cover is a masterpiece, making him a top choice for authors seeking impactful urban fantasy book cover designs.

2. Kim Dingwall 

Kim Dingwall, a distinguished designer based in Melbourne, Australia, has carved a niche for herself in the realm of urban fantasy book cover design. With over 16 years of freelance illustration and design experience, Kim specializes in fantasy book cover illustration, ensuring each cover encapsulates the heart of the story it envelops. Her approach is deeply collaborative; she immerses herself in the manuscript, extracting its essence to craft covers that resonate with the narrative. Recognized for her dedication, Kim has collaborated with major publishers, but cherishes the deep immersion and connection when working directly with authors. Her expertise spans character illustration, book cover design, and typography, making her a one-stop solution for authors seeking a harmonious blend of creativity and professionalism.

3. Rebecca Frank

Rebecca Frank, a Pittsburgh-based designer, is a luminary in the world of urban fantasy book cover design. With a style that’s described as bright, vibrant, and magical, Rebecca’s covers are tailored to captivate readers at first glance. Her expertise is further underscored by her accolades, including the 2020 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Cover of the Year RONE Award and the 2018 Grand Prize at the Midnight Sun Cover Contest. Rebecca’s approach to design is deeply collaborative, ensuring that each cover not only aligns with genre expectations but also stands out in a crowded marketplace. With a track record of working with bestselling authors and producing covers that have graced the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, Rebecca’s prowess in cover design is undeniable.

4. Candice Broersma

Candice Broersma, an award-winning fantasy illustrator based in Iowa City, IA, is a master at crafting new worlds through her designs. With over a decade of experience, Candice offers complete covers adorned with professional typography, marketing assets, and more. Her approach is deeply rooted in understanding the essence of a novel, providing clients with three sketches, revisions, and a polished book cover that stands the test of time. Eschewing stock photos, Candice’s artwork is one-of-a-kind, drawn digitally by hand using classical painting methods. Prioritizing world-building, compositional balance, and audience engagement, each of her covers is a premium piece of artwork that serves as an effective marketing medium, ensuring that authors’ stories are presented in the most captivating light.

5. Jake Clark

Jake Clark, a versatile designer based in Blacksburg, SC, has a profound passion for urban fantasy book cover design. His portfolio showcases a range of captivating covers, each echoing the essence of the stories they represent. With over a decade of experience, Jake’s designs are characterized by their unique blend of artistry and relevance to the genre. Notably, he has received accolades from satisfied authors who commend his professionalism, responsiveness, and unparalleled artistic vision. Jake’s commitment to understanding an author’s vision and translating it into a visual masterpiece sets him apart, making him a sought-after designer for those looking to make a lasting impression in the urban fantasy realm. 

6. Joshua Griffin

Joshua Griffin, a talented designer based in Melbourne, VIC, Australia, is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of urban fantasy book cover design. Specializing in Urban Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Dystopian, and Young Adult Fantasy, Joshua’s approach is deeply immersive, drawing inspiration directly from the manuscripts he works with. His dedication to authentically capturing the essence of a world and its characters is evident in his designs, which seamlessly blend artistry and narrative. Notably, Joshua offers a comprehensive ‘Starter Pack’ for self-publishing authors, encompassing illustration, cover design, exterior typography, and promotional images. With a keen eye for detail and a genuine passion for storytelling, Joshua Griffin stands out as a top choice for authors seeking impactful and resonant cover designs. 

7. Melissa Stevens

Melissa Stevens, an award-winning designer based in Maynardville, TN, is a beacon of creativity in the realm of urban fantasy cover design. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in fantasy and typography-based designs, creating covers that are both eye-catching and on-genre. Melissa’s accolades include multiple UTOPiA awards for Best Supernatural Book Cover and Best Book Interior, as well as recognition from RONE and The Book Fest. Her approach to design is holistic, ensuring that from the front to the back cover, readers are immersed in the world the author has crafted. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Melissa’s designs are a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field.

8. Hampton Lamoureux

Hampton Lamoureux, a Tampa-based digital artist and designer, is a standout talent in the realm of urban fantasy book cover design. With over a decade of experience, Hampton’s mastery of Photoshop has enabled him to craft visually stunning and narratively aligned covers for a diverse range of authors. His accolades, including the 2019 E-Book Cover Design Award Winner from TheBookDesigner.com, are a testament to his exceptional skills. Hampton’s approach is deeply collaborative, ensuring that each design resonates with the author’s vision. Whether it’s steampunk romance, vampire hunter tales, or zombie outbreaks, Hampton’s expertise ensures that every cover is a visual delight, capturing the essence of the story within.

In the ever-evolving landscape of urban fantasy, these designers stand as the gatekeepers, crafting the first impressions that draw readers into realms of magic and modernity. We hope this list gave you some inspiration for your next book’s cover.