Welcome to Spotlight Sunday!

Today I have a very talented guest and a lovely friend of mine: June from June Designs. I found her on Threads about half a year ago; we started following each other and talking about books and covers. Since then, I think we are our best supporters. She’s always encouraging me with my blog, and I do the same for her business. Let’s get into the interview.

1. What made you become a book cover designer?

I first got into book cover design during my two years working at a publishing house. I spent a lot of time using Photoshop there, and I found myself increasingly drawn to the cover design process. Something about combining visuals, storytelling, and reader psychology fascinated me, and I realized that creating covers was the part of the job I enjoyed the most. That’s what inspired me to pursue book cover design more seriously.

2. How long have you been doing this?

I’ve been working in the industry for about eight years in total, and I’ve been freelancing as a book cover designer for the past two years.

3. What’s your favorite cover style to design?

My favorite covers to design are fantasy and romantasy. I love the creative freedom these genres offer like from magical elements and powerful symbolism to atmospheric backgrounds and vibrant color palettes. There’s so much room to blend imagination with emotion, and I enjoy crafting visuals that instantly pull readers into the world before they even open the first page. Designing these covers feels like telling a story through art, which is why I’m always excited to work on them.

I love covers that strike the right balance between visual appeal and emotional impact

4. What makes a book cover interesting for you?

A book cover becomes interesting to me when it tells a story at first glance. I love covers that strike the right balance between visual appeal and emotional impact—something that makes the readers pause and feel curious. Strong composition, meaningful symbolism, thoughtful typography, and a clear connection to the book’s theme all draw me in. When a cover feels alive, hinting at the world and characters inside, that’s when it truly fascinates me.

5. Can you describe your process, in few steps?

My process is very simple:

– I start by gathering details about the story, like its themes, characters, tone, and any specific elements the author wants.
– Next, I create a rough concept or mood board to visually capture the vibe.
– Then I move into the actual design, working on composition, imagery, typography, and overall atmosphere.
– After that, I share the draft with the author for feedback and make revisions as needed.
– Finally, I polish the design and prepare high-quality files for print and digital use.

6. How familiar are you with the publishing industry?

I’m very familiar with the publishing industry. I started eight years ago as a production assistant, which gave me a strong foundation in the entire publishing process such as editing, layout, printing, and timelines. I later worked for two years inside a publishing house, where I gained hands-on experience with cover design and production standards. For the past two years, I’ve been freelancing as a book cover designer. So I understand what publishers and authors need, current market trends, and how to deliver professional, industry-ready files.

7. Do you think a full cover color should represent the story that is told told, or appeal to customer feelings?

I think a full cover color should do both. It needs to represent the story’s tone and mood, but it also has to appeal to the reader’s emotions. A good cover uses color intentionally, whether it’s dark and atmospheric for a thriller, soft and warm for a romance, or bold and vivid for fantasy. The right color palette can hint at the story while also grabbing the attention of the reader and making them feel something instantly. The best covers blend storytelling and emotional impact through color.

8. How do you see the inside of a book, from design perspective?

From a design perspective, the inside should feel clean, readable, and consistent. Interior design is more than placing text on a page, it’s about creating a smooth reading experience. I pay attention to spacing, margins, chapter headings, and overall layout so the design supports the story without distracting from it. A well-designed interior should guide the reader’s eye naturally and match the tone of the book, creating a cohesive experience from cover to final page.

9. Can you show us your favorite design?

By far, my faforite design is the cover I made for Soul Jumper, by Shalana Battles. It has sparks, it has that magical feel… I love it!

10. Where can people find you and your work?

This is my Linktre: https://linktr.ee/aljunedesigns

I personally love her work! If you need a cover designer, check June’s work. Her pricing is very affordable, and she will always put your vision first 🙂

Until next time, happy reading!