CREATIVE: Sophie Donaj CLIENT: Harper Collins ROLE: 2D Illustration Sophie Donaj brings her signature bold linework and cinematic character work to the cover of Emily Hamilton's Ascendancy, the first entry in an epic queer cyberpunk space opera trilogy. Against a sweeping backdrop of deep space blues, pink atmospheric haze, and a ringed gas giant looming overhead, Smid renders protagonist Neev with striking presence, sword slung over her shoulder, freckled and unyielding, eve

CREATIVE: Alex Valentina CLIENT: Penguin Random House ROLE: 3D Illustration Alex Valentina brings his signature liquid, iridescent aesthetic to the cover of E.V. Woods' "The Ash Trials," conjuring a world of fading magic and forbidden love through deep purples, midnight blues, and glowing candlelight. Dripping candles frame a crystalline typographic treatment that feels simultaneously opulent and haunted, while wisps of violet smoke curl through the composition, evoking the g