How I Commissioned My First Romantasy Artwork (& Why I’m Obsessed)

I don’t know about you all, but I’ve been seeing character artwork for books everywhere lately. Especially stunning illustrations of beloved romantasy couples. It’s such a fun, visual way to connect with readers (and to celebrate artists!).

As someone who works in Art Rights in publishing, I’ve always been passionate about supporting creators. I’ve been bookmarking artists for years, dreaming of the day it was my turn to commission a piece to celebrate a book deal announcement. But then, I had a breakthrough.

Why wait for a new book deal? I already have books out on the shelves. So, I decided to commission art for one of my novels.

First Step: Choosing the Story

When I considered which book to start with, the answer felt obvious: my fan-favorite series, The Timely Death Trilogy.

I chose Minutes Before Sunset, the first book in the trilogy: a dark rural romantasy set in a small Kansas town with a secret magical war at the center. It’s filled with forbidden love and that haunting twilight energy I always associate with the Midwest.

So naturally, I knew what kind of vibe I wanted for the art.

Second, The Vibes:

I wrote down a few words before I even started looking for an artist:

Secret meetings under a willow treeForbidden love and quiet dangerHaunting rural romance aestheticSoft light, dark magic, Midwest sky

Once I had that pinned down, I flipped through my bookmarked artists on Instagram. I looked for styles that could capture both beauty and angst, with an emphasis on the delicate balance between light and shadow that defines Minutes Before Sunset.

I reached out to four different artists, asking for quotes, sharing reference photos, and explaining the tone of the story. They were all incredibly talented, and I hope to work with every single one of them someday.

But one artist in particular—whose use of light and emotion stopped me mid-scroll—just fit.

Once we signed a contract, she got to work. She sent me two line sketches, both beautiful. I picked the one that just felt right. She began to color. And then —

BAM. Final art.

Thank you so much, Talita! Give Talita a follow here. 

Finally, Seeing My Characters Come to Life:

Seeing Eric and Jessica brought to life for the first time was honestly magical.

Anyone who’s read the Timely Death trilogy knows how important the willow tree is to them both. It’s Eric’s safe place, and eventually, it becomes theirs. A quiet sanctuary even in the middle of a war. I love how the artist captured that.

Some of my favorite details? 

Jessica’s sword is bigger than Eric’s. She’s such a force. (And she’s always been the one who fights first.)She’s leaning on him, but he’s too scared to touch her back (because he’s terrified of what loving her could cost).The light under the willow is soft, almost sacred. The world outside is dusk. Their magic is swirling together, but hers (the purple) is more prominent, almost embracing him. 

It’s so them.

And This Is Why Book Art Matters

Commissioning this piece reminded me that book art isn’t just marketing; it’s storytelling through another medium. For readers, it’s a window into the world (either a celebration of the characters they already love or a sneak peek for those who are just now jumping in). For authors, it’s a way to reconnect with the heart of their story.

There’s something beautiful about seeing your characters—the ones who’ve lived only in your head and on your pages—finally standing under that willow tree, swords at their sides, caught between light and dark.

That’s the magic of art. 

Your Turn!! 

Have you ever commissioned artwork for your book or your favorite story? What do you think about this growing trend of authors and readers celebrating books through art?

And if you’re familiar with my books, which character or scene would you love to see next?

Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

~ SAT 

Read Minutes Before Sunset for Free now!

Dark Rural Romantasy | Forbidden Love | Small-Town Magic & Shadow Wars!