Cover Designers and Illustrators

Christian Book Cover Designers: 7 Talents Crafting “Holy” Artworks

In the vast expanse of literature, Christian books hold a special place, offering solace, guidance, and inspiration to countless readers. But before one delves into the profound messages within, it’s the cover that makes the first impression. A well-designed cover not only captures the essence of the content but also resonates with the spiritual journey of its readers. In recognition of this art, we’ve curated a list of the top Christian book cover designers who, with their creativity and passion, have transformed many spiritual narratives into good-looking books.

1. Steve Kuhn

Steve Kuhn is a seasoned designer with a remarkable portfolio that speaks volumes about his expertise in the publishing industry. With over two decades of experience, Steve has designed hundreds of books for renowned authors like Tony Evans, John MacArthur, and Josh McDowell. He’s also showcased his versatility by designing autobiographies for high-profile athletes such as Zach Ertz and Julie Ertz. Beyond his design prowess, Steve’s unique perspective as an author of four books gives him an empathetic understanding of the publishing process. Based in a small town, Steve promises big-city publishing house quality, ensuring that every book he touches looks as outstanding as the content within.

2. Mark Karis

Mark Karis is a distinguished graphic designer boasting over two decades of expertise, primarily in book cover design and typesetting. His impressive portfolio includes numerous covers for New York Times bestsellers across diverse genres such as Religion, Politics, Psychology, Academics, Biographies, and Fiction. Driven by a profound love for storytelling, Mark collaborates intimately with authors, translating their visions into captivating designs using a harmonious blend of typography, color, and imagery. His commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail ensures that each design not only meets but often surpasses the expectations of his clients, making their literary creations truly stand out.

3. Christian Rafetto

Christian Rafetto is a passionate Christian book cover designer dedicated to crafting exceptional books that contribute to the Kingdom of God. With nearly a decade of experience in the publishing realm, Christian’s expertise spans from cover design and art direction to marketing and acquisitions. His design philosophy is deeply rooted in storytelling, aiming to produce covers that can rival bestsellers in aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from classic book covers, minimalist design, and children’s illustrations, Christian’s designs are a testament to his literary influences, including renowned authors like C. S. Lewis, A. W. Tozer, and Charles Spurgeon. Residing in the Appalachian mountains of Pennsylvania, Christian’s work is a blend of his professional expertise and personal faith journey.

4. Rosemary Strohm

Rosemary Strohm is a designer who is deeply committed to excellence, with a keen eye for unique design details that make book covers stand out and get noticed. Her belief in the power of details is evident in her work, ensuring that every design element contributes to the overall narrative. With a rich background that includes serving as the Creative Director for Ascension Press, Rosemary has been instrumental in the creation of over 80 of the company’s most popular products. Her design philosophy is rooted in problem-solving, backed by compelling reasons for every creative choice. From classic literature to children’s books, Rosemary’s expertise ensures that every book she designs resonates with its intended audience, making her a sought-after talent in the Christian book design space.

5. Izabela Ciesinska

Izabela Ciesinska is an award-winning children’s book illustrator with a deep passion for her craft. From her earliest memories, she was captivated by pictures, leading her to explore the world of animation and eventually settling into illustration. Over the years, she has created art for various picture books, activity books, games, and films. Izabela takes immense pride in bringing authors’ dreams to life, understanding that she often handles the very dreams and stories they’ve carried for years. Her illustrious clientele includes Oxford University Press, M&M Filmz, and Concordia Publishing House. Among her accolades, she’s a Silver Winner/People’s Choice at the Creativepool Annual Awards 2022 and a Gold Medal recipient for “More Than Mud” at Readers Favorite 2015.

6. Kim Sponaugle

Kim Sponaugle is a gifted picture book illustrator and cover designer based in the serene farmlands of southern New Jersey. With a rich background in graphic design from AIPH, Kim embarked on her dream journey as a freelance illustrator in 2007. Since then, she has collaborated with both traditional publishers and independent authors, crafting enchanting children’s and middle-grade books. Kim’s illustrations are characterized by their emotionally expressive and whimsically lovable characters. Whether it’s a yellow clumsy dragon, a shy flower fairy, or a caring daddy hedgehog, her talent lies in infusing her characters with palpable emotion. Her favorite projects revolve around children’s adventures, fantasy tales, and Christian faith-based storytelling. Kim’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Story Monster Approved, CIPA EVVY Award, and the Gold Mom’s Choice award.

7. Jonathan Lewis

Jonathan Lewis is a dedicated book designer who believes that every good book deserves a cover that makes a stellar first impression. Specializing in the nonfiction market, Jonathan’s design philosophy revolves around the idea that a book’s cover is its first interview, and it should always be dressed to impress. He has collaborated with multiple publishers, including Redemption Press, Iron Stream Media, AMG Publishers, and Morgan James Publishing, to name a few. With a commitment to helping authors escape the “self-published stigma,” Jonathan ensures that each book he designs not only looks professional but also resonates deeply with its target audience. His work is a testament to his belief in the power of design to elevate a book’s presence in the market.

In the realm of Christian literature, the fusion of profound messages with visually arresting covers creates an unparalleled reading experience. As we honor these exceptional Christian book cover designers, let’s remember that their artistry not only beautifies our bookshelves but also amplifies the soul-stirring messages within.