Just as writers are capable of imagining fictional worlds full of mythical creatures and awe-inspiring landscapes, fantasy illustrators are the ones who bring these visions to life. Their work transports readers to realms where dragons soar, enchanted forests breathe, heroes embark on epic quests, and damsels in distress are saved from treacherous beasts.
The best fantasy illustrators conjure incredible visuals from storytelling, using every brushstroke to evoke wonder and awe. In this list, we’re diving into the talents of ten fantasy artists whose creations go beyond mere static art — pulling readers into worlds rich with detail, emotion, and magic.
1. Miha Brumec
Miha Brumec, a digital illustrator from Slovenia, specializes in intricate fantasy book covers that capture the imagination. Inspired by childhood readings of The Hobbit and years of RPGs and fantasy games, Brumec found his calling as a fantasy artist in adulthood. His illustration work encompasses a range of sub-genres, including high fantasy, urban fantasy, and dark fantasy — as shown above. Brumec also holds an MA in History and English from the University of Maribor, allowing him to infuse his illustrations with historical authenticity and mythological depth. His fascination with world mythology and historical archetypes lends an added layer of detail to his creations, making them not only visually stunning but also thematically rich.
2. Miguel Figueiredo
Miguel Figueiredo blends a formal education in Fine Arts with a deep knowledge of human anatomy and landscape design, giving his figures a distinctive realism. However, Figueiredo has recently been experimenting with a cartoon-inspired style, adding a playful touch to his illustrations that enriches their appeal. Figueiredo enjoys collaborating with global clients, and his recent work includes "cheeky bites," a web series with comedic writer Nicholas Maffe. His portfolio extends to educational book illustrations, musical artwork, and video game art, showcasing his versatile skill set in fantasy illustrations of all stripes.
3. Kurt Huggins
Kurt Huggins is a classically trained illustrator who brings fantastical and imaginative worlds to life with depth and precision. Huggins skillfully balances the strange and whimsical with timeless composition techniques, using color, shape, and form to anchor the wildest ideas in a vivid reality. His art spans genres like epic fantasy, dystopian adventure, horror, and space opera — all infused with dynamic, character-driven storytelling that elevates drama and emotion. Each illustration captures movement and atmosphere, with carefully applied shading and colors that make it feel like these characters are truly inhabiting their worlds.
4. Paris Ioannou
Paris Ioannou is a seasoned 2D artist with over a decade of experience in the video game industry and freelance illustration. He’s crafted vibrant artwork for a diverse range of clients, from best-selling authors and major publishers to indie and AAA game studios. Reminiscent of trading cards, Ioannou’s illustrations are recognizable by their striking contrasts, with bright colors and dramatic dark tones that bring fantasy worlds bursting to life. His work integrates dynamic elements like fire and visual magic, adding a sense of enchantment and intensity to each piece. Dedicated to quality storytelling, Ioannou values strong communication and collaboration with clients, ultimately aiming to engage audiences in rich, remarkable works.
5. Daniel Katz
As a fantasy illustrator, Daniel Katz takes the unique (and compelling) approach of using oil paints rather than pure digital design. With a background from the Columbus College of Art & Design, Katz combines his immense technical skill with nuanced visual storytelling. His versatile portfolio includes everything from everyday characters and serene landscapes to terrifying monsters and intense action scenes. Katz’s oil paintings are celebrated for their richness, conveying subtle emotions in characters and lush landscapes with a watercolor-like softness. He is available for commissions, inviting serious inquiries for projects that aim to explore complex narratives and immersive worlds.
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6. Cathleen McAllister
Cathleen McAllister is an accomplished illustrator with over a decade of experience spanning publishing, animation, and gaming. Her impressive client list includes major publishers like Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, and Penguin Random House, as well as renowned animation studios such as Warner Bros. Animation and Dreamworks. Her work appeals beautifully to young audiences, carrying an enchanting quality in the vein of wholesome animation like Over the Garden Wall. Yet McAllister’s versatility also allows her to adapt to various styles, from detailed scientific illustrations to whimsical fantasy — though the latter is her primary area of artistic expertise.
7. Reece-Alexander N-P
With over a decade of experience across concept art, graphic design, and asset creation, Reece-Alexander Norris-Paterson specializes in bringing complex ideas to life through striking artwork. His expertise encompasses multiple genres, including epic fantasy, military science fiction, steampunk, and dystopian fiction. Norris-Paterson’s dedication to visual storytelling and commitment to excellence ensures that each project not only matches, but enhances the work’s impact, offering his clients covers and illustrations that truly resonate with readers.
8. Rachel Ross
Known for her client-centered approach and incredibly detailed artwork, Rachel Ross values clear communication and collaboration — ensuring that both author and artist are aligned throughout the creative process. She is adept at conveying key messages through visually compelling artwork, tailoring each piece to the unique vision of her clients. Her art — much of it intricate tarot cards — demonstrates a particular flair for detailed outfits and decorative elements. For those in search of a fantasy illustrator to create character designs or even more dynamic scenes, Ross is the artist for you.
9. Sofía Sanz
Sofía Sanz is an accomplished Spanish illustrator with over seven years of experience in publishing, specializing in fantasy, romance, horror, and cyberpunk. Her approach to illustration is deeply informed by her background as a published author, with titles like Aquelarre Omega and El Ser Amado under Valhalla Ediciones. This dual perspective gives her a great understanding of what writers seek in visual storytelling, allowing her to bring characters and themes to life in a way that resonates with both readers and authors. Her workflow is efficient and collaborative; she begins with an initial sketch, which she refines based on client feedback, ensuring satisfaction at every stage.
10. Dali Wu
With over 11 years in the visual arts and a robust academic background, Dali Wu has built a remarkable portfolio that extends across continents and artistic styles. Her works — distinguished by their breathtaking hand-painted quality, vibrant colors, and lifelike detail — blend Eastern and Western aesthetics across both traditional and digital mediums. Wu’s artistry has earned her 35 awards, extensive publication in art journals, and collaborations with notable organizations such as Disney, Tencent, and Tsinghua University Press. Today, Wu works with an international client base, crafting illustrations that bring fantastical worlds to life with a level of realism and artistic depth that is simply unparalleled.
About the author
Savannah Cordova is a writer from London. Her work has been featured in Slate, Kirkus, BookTrib, DIY MFA, and more. She loves reading and writing short stories, and spends much of her time analyzing literary trends into the ground. You'll often find her with an iced vanilla latte, a book, and a furrow in her brow.
