Bespoke Book Illustration & Gothic Narrative Design — Frankenstein (Hipkiss Publishing)
Frankenstein illustrated book cover
A New Vision for Frankenstein: Drawing the Gothic Soul
This project began with a very open commission from Stephen Hipkiss from Hipkiss Publishing for a complete series of illustrations for Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. I initiated the idea myself, presenting Stephen Hipkiss with the vision of publishing Frankenstein as a personal endeavour with the core objective to illustrate the book and stay true to the original text and the era in which it was written.
The Challenge: Reclaiming the Gothic Narrative
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has been overshadowed by decades of pop-culture tropes. The challenge of this self-initiated project—eventually commissioned by Hipkiss Publishing—was to reclaim the novel's original Gothic atmosphere. I sought to move away from Hollywood clichés and instead create a visual world rooted in the text's emotional intensity, requiring a style that felt both historically grounded and modernly dramatic.
The Solution: A Master-Inspired Visual Language
Drawing inspiration from the dramatic chiaroscuro and expressive linework of masters like Goya and Rembrandt, I developed a series of visceral illustrations that highlight the "human" horror of the text. By combining traditional paper roughs with digital Photoshop execution, I achieved a handcrafted feel with production-level precision. My role extended beyond illustration into Product Design, where I specified high-end production details including Spot UV finishes, Pantone yellow accents, and hardbound cloth finishes. This collaboration positioned Hipkiss Publishing as a leader in bespoke, collector-grade editions.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is out now, featuring illustrations inspired purely by the author's writing.
Published by: Hipkiss Publishing House
Commissioned by: Stephen Hipkiss
Printed in Australia by: Ligare Book Printers
Order your copy today at: www.hipkisspublishinghouse.com
