Cindy
(She/Her)
Illustrations, Book Covers & Interior Art
My name is Cindy Tran and I am an illustrator based in Lancaster, PA.I love to paint dreamy, colorful scenes and subjects, and my biggest style inspiration comes from gouache and watercolor paint.
As a Vietnamese American, I take pride in my heritage and use the hard work and legacy I've inherited from my parents to inform my work ethic and workflow. I’m passionate about doing what I love while also helping to create a more colorful world with greater POC and LGBTQIA+ representation!
I'm also a deep lover of music and all things lovely, pretty, and magical! Music plays a huge part in my daily life so I often have work that’s inspired by different albums and song lyrics. You’ll find my style to be quite dreamy, floral, and celestial in nature and it’s all thanks to the anime I grew up with, like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura.
Even
(They/Them)
Illustrations, Book Covers & Interior Art
Hello! I am Even (pronounced ee-ven), and I am an illustrator with a strong passion for bringing stories to life through emotionally driven artwork. I graduated with an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Illustration from Sheridan College and have worked professionally as a poster designer, alongside creating and illustrating my own stories. I work both digitally and traditionally with oil paints and ink, and I’m always exploring new ways to bring ideas to life. I am constantly aiming to create artwork that stands out, and with a background in marketing, I bring a strong sense of brand and audience, creating artwork that not only looks good, but grabs attention. Because people do judge books by their covers, and I fully intend to make that an author’s advantage.
Lumaris
(She/Her)
Illustrations & Book Covers
I'm a non binary (they/she) fantasy illustrator based in the midwest; I love bringing to life characters and stories by and for indie authors. I’ve been making art and posting online for over 15 years, having roots in ye olde DeviantART. I’ve worked with a range of clients from indie authors to TTRPG players and GM’s. On the side I write my own books, my personal work largely derived from them. Writing gave me the inspiration to learn to illustrate; and as I developed my skill set, I found I enjoy working with others to bring their visions to life as well.
Molly
(She/Her)
Illustrations, Book Covers & Interior Art
Molly is a California-based illustrator, avid reader, and lover of fantasy. She studied animation and visual development in college so she has a soft spot for bright colors and bold expressions. Her goal is for clients to be just as excited as she is about the artistic process. When she’s not working on art commissions, she’s busy reading a good book or petting someone’s dog at the park.
After Molly obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2015, her first foray into the professional art world included setting up an Etsy Shop. She loves designing merchandise that fits perfectly in someone’s home, whether that be stickers, art prints, or pins.
Molly is excited for new opportunities and the chance to bring an author’s story to life with her artistic skills.
My Lan
(She/Her)
Book Covers, Interior Art & Maps
Hola! My name is My Lan Khuc, and I am a designer and illustrator based in the UK with a special love for book covers (which is not surprising, seeing that I grew up being an absolute bookworm). I specialise in fantasy and contemporary romance, but I am open to any interesting projects that require breathtaking illustrations.
Whenever I can, I explore different art styles or creative solutions to bring worlds to life. Not two books are the same, so I believe that my covers shouldn’t be either. However, despite my flexible style, you will find that I steer towards vibrant colours, defined silhouettes and expressive characters.
Book Now!
Custom character art, promotional illustrations, and merchandise-ready artwork for indie authors who want their stories to feel unforgettable—on and off the page.
Illustration is one of the most powerful ways to deepen reader connection.
Whether you’re revealing beloved characters for the first time, creating artwork for a preorder campaign, building a visually cohesive author brand, or designing merchandise readers will obsess over, custom illustration helps your story live beyond the book itself.
At Hawthorn & Aster, our boutique illustration team creates emotionally driven, genre-aware artwork tailored specifically for indie authors. From dreamy romantasy portraits to painterly gothic scenes and whimsical animation-inspired artwork, we pair authors with artists whose aesthetic aligns with both their story and audience.
Every illustration is created with storytelling, presentation, and reader engagement in mind—because memorable visuals don’t just look beautiful, they help readers emotionally invest in your world.
✨ Illustration Services We Offer
Our artists create a wide variety of custom illustration work, including:
Character Illustrations
Author Portraits
Couple & Group Artwork
Scene Illustrations
Character Sheets & Expression Studies
Promotional Artwork for Launches & Social Media
Merchandise Artwork (Bookmarks, Stickers, Prints, etc.)
Reader Magnet & Bonus Content Artwork
Whether you’re looking for something soft and romantic, dark and atmospheric, bold and expressive, or clean and marketable, our team offers a wide range of artistic styles to suit your project.
🎨 Meet Our Illustration Artists
Our illustration roster includes artists specializing in fantasy, romance, romantasy, YA, paranormal fiction, and emotionally driven character work.
Cindy (Starting at $100+) — Dreamy watercolor and gouache-inspired artwork with witchy, artsy, anime-adjacent aesthetics.
Even (Starting at $400+) — Dark, emotive, painterly illustrations with gothic atmosphere and strong emotional storytelling.
Lumaris (Starting at $85+) — Striking fantasy and romantasy-inspired character artwork with expressive, cinematic compositions.
Molly (Starting at $55+) — Bold, colorful, animation-inspired illustrations with strong facial expression, body language, and emotional energy.
Each artist offers different specialties, workflows, and deliverables. Please review individual artist pages for detailed pricing, licensing, and portfolio examples.
📚 Perfect For:
Character reveals and social media promotions
Launch graphics and preorder campaigns
Reader magnets and newsletter incentives
Author branding and website visuals
Bookmarks, stickers, prints, and merchandise artwork
Special editions and collector-style extras
Fantasy, romantasy, romance, paranormal, YA, and sci-fi storytelling
🛠️ What’s Included
Because every artist approaches their process differently, deliverables may vary slightly depending on the illustrator and project scope. Illustration services may include:
Custom character or scene artwork
Collaborative concept development
Sketches, roughs, and composition planning
Color and lighting studies
High-resolution export files
Print-ready formatting for approved usage
Collaborative revisions throughout the illustration process
Some artists may also offer:
Merchandise adaptation formatting
Promotional graphic support
Alternate crops or social media sizing
Commercial-ready illustration packages
Please review each artist’s individual page for exact package inclusions and available add-ons.
💸 Pricing & Booking
Illustration pricing varies depending on:
Complexity
Character count
Background detail
Intended usage
Commercial licensing
Artist style and rendering level
Projects currently begin around $55+, with more complex painterly scene illustrations and commercial artwork ranging significantly higher depending on scope.
To begin:
Select your preferred artist and submit your deposit through the storefront. From there, project details, invoicing structure, licensing, and remaining payments will be coordinated directly according to the artist’s preferred workflow and availability.
Not sure which artist best fits your project? We’re always happy to help match you with the right creative fit for your genre, tone, and visual goals.
🔒 Please Note
To protect both authors and artists:
Illustration services are custom artwork and are non-refundable once work has begun.
Commercial usage and licensing policies vary by artist.
Turnaround times depend on artist availability, complexity, and revision scope.
Some artists may decline projects outside their preferred genres or artistic specialties.
Authors are responsible for ensuring all provided references and materials are properly licensed and owned.
At Hawthorn & Aster, we believe illustration should feel intentional, emotionally resonant, and tailored to the story it represents—not mass-produced or forgettable. Every piece is created collaboratively, with care for both the author’s vision and the artist’s craft.
Custom illustrated book covers for indie authors who want readers to feel something before they even open the first page.
A beautiful cover does more than catch attention—it tells readers what kind of emotional experience they’re about to have.
At Hawthorn & Aster, our illustrated cover team specializes in creating visually striking, genre-aware covers designed specifically for indie authors. Whether you’re publishing a cozy fantasy romance, a sweeping romantasy epic, a gothic paranormal, or a contemporary rom-com, we work to pair you with an artist whose style complements both your story and your market.
Our boutique studio model allows authors to access a carefully curated roster of artists with wildly different aesthetics, ensuring your cover feels unique to your book—not templated or trend-chasing.
From painterly fantasy illustrations to clean contemporary romance covers, every project is built with storytelling, discoverability, and emotional impact in mind.
✨ What We Offer
Our illustrated cover artists create:
Ebook Covers
Paperback Full Wraps (Front, Spine, Back)
Hardcover Dust Jackets
Audiobook Covers
Series Branding & Cohesive Cover Sets
Each artist brings their own strengths, style influences, and creative process to the table, allowing us to support a wide range of genres and visual aesthetics while still maintaining the polished, professional quality Hawthorn & Aster is known for.
🎨 Meet Our Cover Artists
Our illustrated cover team includes artists specializing in everything from atmospheric fantasy to whimsical romance and emotionally driven character art.
Cindy (Starting at $500–$800+) — Gouache and watercolor-inspired designs with dreamy palettes and expressive character, anime-inspired work.
Starting at $400–$1000+
Even (Starting at $400–$500+) — Dark, emotive, painterly illustrations with gothic and dramatic storytelling appeal.
Lumaris (Starting at $500–$850+) — Striking fantasy and romantasy cover design with emotionally impactful compositions.
Molly (Starting at $200–$600+) — Bold, colorful, animation-inspired artwork with expressive character acting and high emotional energy.
My Lan (Starting at $400–$955+) — Clean, polished, highly marketable illustrated covers ideal for romance, rom-com, contemporary, and YA fiction.
All artists offer a combination of ebook, full wrap, audiobook, paperback, and hardcover cover options depending on the project.
📚 Perfect For Genres Like:
Romantasy
Fantasy
Paranormal Romance
Dark Romance
Cozy Fantasy
Contemporary Romance
Rom-Com
Young Adult Fantasy & Romance
Sci-Fi Romance
Monster Romance
Character-Driven Fiction
🛠️ What’s Included
Because every artist works differently, deliverables may vary slightly depending on the illustrator and package selected. However, illustrated cover services may include:
Custom illustrated cover artwork
Typography and title integration
Concept sketches and rough compositions
Color and lighting studies
Collaborative revisions
Print-ready export files
Files formatted for ebook, paperback, hardcover, and/or audiobook platforms
Some artists also offer:
Interior illustration add-ons
Series branding
Illustrated merchandise assets
Custom typography upgrades
Special edition formatting
Please review your chosen artist’s individual page for exact package details, licensing information, and workflow expectations.
💸 Pricing & Booking
Illustrated cover pricing varies based on:
Complexity
Character count
Background detail
Format needs
Licensing and commercial usage
Artist experience and style
Projects currently begin around $200+, with premium fully illustrated wraparound covers reaching $1000+ depending on scope.
To begin:
Select your preferred artist and submit your deposit through the storefront. From there, project details, invoicing structure, and remaining payments will be coordinated directly according to the artist’s preferred workflow and availability.
If you’re unsure which artist is the best fit for your project, we’re always happy to help guide you toward the right creative match.
🔒 Please Note
To ensure the best possible experience for both authors and artists:
Illustrated covers are custom artwork and are non-refundable once work has begun.
Commercial licensing and usage terms vary slightly by artist.
Turnaround times depend on artist availability, project complexity, and revision scope.
Some artists may decline projects outside their preferred genres or artistic specialties.
Authors are responsible for ensuring all provided references, stock assets, and creative materials are properly licensed and owned.
We believe illustrated covers should feel intentional, emotionally resonant, and tailored to the stories they represent—not mass produced. Every project is approached with care, collaboration, and respect for both the author’s vision and the artist’s craft.
Custom interior illustrations for indie authors who want their books to feel immersive, collectible, and unforgettable from the very first page.
A beautiful reading experience doesn’t stop at the cover.
Interior artwork adds atmosphere, personality, and emotional texture throughout your book—transforming it from simply a story into something readers want to hold onto, display, and revisit. Whether you’re creating a special edition hardcover, an illustrated fantasy novel, or simply want subtle visual details woven into your pages, custom interior artwork can elevate the entire reading experience.
At Hawthorn & Aster, our boutique illustration team creates thoughtfully designed interior artwork tailored specifically for indie authors. From elegant chapter headers and decorative motifs to emotionally driven scene illustrations and full-page artwork, every piece is designed to complement your story while remaining cohesive with your book’s branding, genre, and tone.
✨ Interior Artwork Services We Offer
Our artists create a wide variety of custom interior illustration assets, including:
Chapter Headers
Scene Separators & Decorative Dividers
Spot Illustrations & Decorative Motifs
Character Illustrations
Interior Scene Illustrations
Full-Page Illustrations
Illustrated Spreads
Narrative Artwork for Special Editions
Whether you’re looking for minimal and elegant design elements or richly illustrated storytelling moments, our team offers a range of artistic styles to help your interiors feel polished, immersive, and uniquely yours.
🎨 Meet Our Interior Artwork Artists
Our interior illustration roster includes artists specializing in fantasy, romance, romantasy, YA, gothic fiction, and collectible special edition aesthetics.
My Lan (Starting at $60–$130) — Clean, polished interior artwork designed to remain elegant, readable, and cohesive within book layouts.
Starting at approximately $60–$130 USD
Cindy (Starting at $100+) — Soft watercolor and gouache-inspired decorative interiors with florals, food illustration, and dreamy painterly accents.
Molly (Starting at $105+) — Whimsical, expressive illustrations featuring romantic emotion, symbolic props, fantasy elements, and dramatic storytelling moments.
Even (Starting at $75–$350+) — Dark, painterly interior illustrations ranging from decorative accents to fully illustrated pages and narrative scenes.
Each artist offers different specialties, workflows, and formatting preferences. Please review individual artist pages for exact package inclusions, pricing structures, and available add-ons.
📚 Perfect For:
Special edition hardcovers and collector editions
Kickstarter and crowdfunding campaigns
Deluxe paperback interiors
Illustrated fantasy and romantasy novels
Chapter transitions and visual pacing
Immersive worldbuilding and atmosphere
Reader keepsake editions and premium print projects
🛠️ What’s Included
Because every artist approaches interiors differently, deliverables may vary slightly depending on the illustrator and project scope. Interior artwork services may include:
Custom chapter headers and scene separators
Decorative motifs and spot illustrations
Character and scene artwork
Print-ready high-resolution files
Bleed-safe and interior-ready artwork formatting
Collaborative revisions throughout the illustration process
Artwork designed to remain cohesive with your cover branding and visual identity
Some artists may also offer:Narrative illustration planning
Special edition visual direction
Optional formatting integration support
Expanded illustration packages for deluxe editions
Please note: unless otherwise specified on the artist’s individual page, interior artwork services include illustration assets only and do not automatically include full interior formatting or typesetting.
💸 Pricing & Booking
Interior artwork pricing varies depending on:
Complexity and rendering level
Illustration quantity
Black-and-white vs. full color artwork
Full-page vs. spot illustration needs
Commercial licensing and intended usage
Artist experience and specialization
Projects currently begin around $60+, with large-scale illustrated interiors and collectible edition packages ranging significantly higher depending on scope.
To begin:
Select your preferred artist and submit your deposit through the storefront. From there, project details, invoicing structure, licensing, timelines, and remaining payments will be coordinated directly according to the artist’s preferred workflow and availability.
Not sure which artist best fits your project? We’re always happy to help guide you toward the right creative match for your genre, tone, and interior vision.
🔒 Please Note
To protect both authors and artists:
Interior artwork services are custom illustration work and are non-refundable once work has begun.
Commercial licensing and print usage policies vary slightly by artist.
Turnaround times depend on artist availability, revision scope, and project complexity.
Authors are responsible for ensuring all provided references and materials are properly licensed and owned.
Interior artwork is intended to enhance and support the reading experience while remaining functional within print and ebook layouts.
At Hawthorn & Aster, we believe interior artwork should feel intentional, immersive, and emotionally resonant—not decorative for decoration’s sake. Every illustration is created collaboratively, with care for both the reading experience and the story being told.
Custom illustrated fantasy maps for indie authors who want their worlds to feel immersive, memorable, and alive beyond the page.
A beautifully designed map does more than show geography—it deepens atmosphere, strengthens worldbuilding, and helps readers emotionally connect to the world they’re exploring.
At Hawthorn & Aster, our illustrated map services are designed specifically for indie authors creating fantasy, romantasy, speculative fiction, and worldbuilding-heavy stories. Whether you’re crafting sprawling kingdoms, dangerous wildernesses, hidden cities, or lore-rich political landscapes, custom map artwork helps transform your setting into a tangible part of the reading experience.
Our current map artist, My Lan, creates fully custom, hand-illustrated fantasy maps tailored to the tone, history, and aesthetic of your world. No templates. No copy-paste assets. Every map is built from the ground up to feel unique to your story.
✨ What Makes These Maps Different
These maps go beyond simple layout and navigation.
Each design is created with storytelling in mind, incorporating visual details that help communicate the culture, atmosphere, and emotional tone of your world. Depending on your project, maps may include:
Symbolic landmarks
Unique city and environmental design
Creatures and hidden storytelling elements
Historical or era-inspired illustration styles
Decorative flourishes and fantasy motifs
Visual cues tied to lore, politics, or magic systems
The result is a custom fantasy map that feels immersive, intentional, and cohesive with your book’s overall branding and worldbuilding.
🗺️ Map Options & Pricing
Greyscale Maps
Single Page: $660–$690 USD
Full Spread: $860–$890 USD
Color Maps
Single Page: $790–$820 USD
Full Spread: $1070–$1090 USD
Final pricing may vary depending on:Complexity
World size and detail
Illustration style
Additional decorative elements
Commercial usage requirements
📚 Perfect For:
Fantasy and romantasy novels
Epic fantasy and lore-heavy stories
Special edition hardcovers and collector editions
Kickstarter and crowdfunding campaigns
Illustrated books and premium print projects
Indie authors seeking immersive, custom world maps
🛠️ What’s Included
Completely original, hand-illustrated map artwork
Unique cities, landmarks, and environmental design inspired by your worldbuilding
Story-driven visual details and symbolic elements
Collaborative consultation and creative direction
High-resolution, print-ready export files
Artwork tailored to match your book’s tone and aesthetic
💸 Booking & Workflow
To begin:
Select the Illustrated Fantasy Map service and submit your deposit through the storefront. From there, project details, timelines, invoicing structure, and final scope will be coordinated directly with the artist based on your worldbuilding needs and project complexity.
Authors are encouraged to provide:
World descriptions
Rough sketches (if available)
Lore notes
Visual references
Existing branding or cover artwork
The more context provided, the more cohesive and immersive your final map can become.
🔒 Please Note
Fantasy maps are fully custom illustration projects and are non-refundable once work has begun.
Turnaround time varies depending on project scope, revision rounds, and artist availability.
Commercial licensing and usage policies may vary depending on intended use.
Authors are responsible for ensuring all provided reference materials are properly licensed and owned.
At Hawthorn & Aster, we believe fantasy maps should feel like extensions of the worlds they represent—not generic filler pages. Every map is created with care, storytelling intent, and deep respect for the worlds indie authors spend years building.