Illustration Trends in Book Publishing 2018

Top 5 Best Selling Concepts

Our researchers and sales teams keep a close eye on the latest design and
illustrations trends in publishing!

Here are our top 5 best selling concepts for 2018 so far- inventive takes
on these concepts should sell well to publishers…

Retro Figures

We’re seeing a few covers evoking vintage posters from the 20s, 30s and beyond.
These are appearing on period fiction but also in fantasy and dystopia…

Mythology

Illustrations using mythic archetypes are being used for some very impactful designs,
especially in fantasy fiction. Crowns, swords, armour and pagan motifs are recurring
themes! 

Aerial Perspectives

In both photographic and illustrated covers there is a real trend for aerial and overhead
views, often using a divide between two colours or textures – sea and sand, for example,
or grass and trees…

Silhouettes

Silhouettes are an enduringly popular illustration trend in publishing, as they allow
for 
strong contrasts and a natural backdrop for copy.

Hidden Shapes

There are some beautiful creative concepts on book covers where one shape is formed
from another, or where an image can be two things at once!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hope you find these trends inspiring!

 

Arcangel