7 Book Cover Designers To Watch In 2026

Among various artistic expressions, the art of book design is often overlooked. From the 16th century to modern times, books were sold as unadorned objects with plain bound boards or simple leather, and wealthy buyers were able to arrange their own permanent bindings. Walking into a bookstore today means facing a kaleidoscope of competing visual strategies. A minimalist sans-serif screams next to a maximalist illustration, a metallic foil catches the light next to a matte texture. From the days of custom-bound books to today’s market-driven designs, book cover creation has undergone incredible changes. In 2025, that evolution has surfaced in a wave of bold, experimental, and truly stunning designs. As we ring in the new year, here are seven book designers to keep an eye on.

1. Janet Hansen

   Currently art director of Alfred A. Knopf and Everyman’s Library. Janet Hansen-Brand I discovered my love for design while attending Visual Arts. For Janet Hansen, one of the great joys of book design is the freedom to creatively tackle a wide range of subjects and ideas. This is on display on the cover of Michael Clune. breadIn this work, a fragmentary collage of classically styled figures floats above a stark black-and-white mug shot. It’s a memorable blend of imagery and texture, a testament to the designer’s passion for his art.

   

2. david pearson

   
   Specializes in designing mainly printed matter, david pearson Captivate with his vivid and distinctive book covers. Pearson has been commissioned by a variety of clients, including Wes Anderson. new york times and founder of the V&A. book cover review. One of his standout accomplishments this year was with Joe Brainard. i remember — The composition, in which letters are repeated and staggered against a black background, is reminiscent of a digital code and at the same time reminds us of the fragmented and exploratory nature of memory.

   
   

3. linda fan

   linda fan Book cover designer based in New York. Her work attracted a lot of attention. It’s a cover she created during the Black Lives Matter movement. printed matter It was housed in the Whitney Museum of American Art. She is currently an art director at Pantheon Books, part of Penguin Random House. In 2024, she gained attention with her Kaveh Akbar cover song. Martyr!last year she explored text as a central design element. Vauhini Vara’s Her Cover searchCo-created with Andrew Leclair, readers are immersed in the story even before they open the book.

   

4. Alicia Tatone
   

   Based in New York, Alicia Tatone Freelance illustrator, designer, and art director. She created collages and graphic designs for clients. new york times, atlantic ocean, wired and gay magazine. Tatone enjoys working in a variety of mediums and is interested in everything from painting to lettering. Her work with Robbie Arnotts evening The oversized yet elegant title letters, looming large over a collage of misty greenery and canyon-like terrain, cleverly create a sense of wild and intense drama.

   
   

5. math monaghan
   

   Art director and book designer at Simon & Schuster math monaghan Based in New York City. His design work and interviews are print In addition to magazines, it was also featured in Spine’s Book Covers We Love. casual optimistand LitHub’s Best Book Covers of the Month. Rose Keating on the cover strange personMonaghan chose a vibrant two-tone palette. The interplay of bright red and striking royal blue lettering emphasizes the central floral motif with brave contrast and great precision.

   
   

6. clay smith
   

   Currently working as a designer for Simon & Schuster, clay smith It is famous for its atmospheric and unique book covers. You may remember her designs from Rebecca K. Riley. Greta and Valdinwith the iconic lime motif. Meanwhile, in 2025, one of her most attractive works was the cover of Eliana Ramage. go to the moon and come back. Here, Smith places glowing letters above a starry sky, framing an erupting volcano in an unusually cozy yet spectacular manner.

   
   

7. jack smith
   

   Based in Dublin, jack smith Works as a freelance graphic designer. Smith’s work is already highly acclaimed. Faber, creative review and that’s good Among other things, he was named Designer of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2024. For Lucas Schaefer The SlipSmith balanced newspaper-like typography with layered photography and bright orange panels that cut through the composition. Here, images and text are cleverly pushed in different directions, creating a sense of movement and impact.