Portfolio
:format(webp)/99designs-contests-attachments/164/164559/attachment_164559615 "The goal for this book cover was to create a retro vintage feel while keeping the design clean, timeless, and uncluttered.
I chose a warm vintage orange as the dominant color to evoke nostalgia, with a rotary phone as the central object, an iconic symbol that instantly transports the reader back in time.
To make the design unique across the entire book, I wrapped the phone cord around the spine, seamlessly connecting the front and back covers into one continuous composition.
The entire cover was hand-drawn and illustrated from scratch, with no AI-generated elements or stock images. Every detail was carefully crafted to balance simplicity, storytelling, and visual impact.
If you're looking for a custom hand-drawn book cover or illustration, feel free to message me anytime. I'd love to help bring your vision to life.")
:format(webp)/99designs-contests-attachments/164/164405/attachment_164405144 "Here is another seamless wraparound cover I created for a low fantasy novel. Every element was illustrated completely by hand, creating a continuous scene that transitions from a lush forest on the back cover to a dry, desolate landscape on the front, reflecting the story's world and atmosphere.
The sword, mist, and architecture are key elements of the novel. Instead of placing the sword in the ground, I designed it to pierce the letter D in the title, creating a unique interaction between the typography and illustration. The massive tree trunk on the spine serves as a natural divider, making the transition between the front and back covers feel seamless.
Everything was hand drawn—no AI-generated elements or stock images were used. I believe every book deserves original artwork that is crafted exclusively for its story.")
:format(webp)/99designs-contests-attachments/164/164249/attachment_164249435 "The client provided an initial sketch to communicate the vision for the book cover. From there, I transformed the concept into a fully hand-drawn painted illustration.
What the client loved most was the more dynamic perspective, the fantasy-inspired hand-painted style, the color palette, and the overall composition that brought the scene to life.
If you're looking for a custom, hand-drawn painted book cover for your next project, feel free to message me directly. I'd be happy to help bring your story to life.")
:format(webp)/99designs-contests-attachments/164/164226/attachment_164226827 "This is a hand-drawn style art. If you want this kind for your future book cover. Message me anytime.")
:format(webp)/99designs-contests-attachments/164/164161/attachment_164161511)
:format(webp)/http://s3.amazonaws.com/projects-files/208/20851/2085112/f06f6a41-cc21-45e9-a820-b9bf3533d219.jpg "Beautiful children’s book illustrations designed to bring stories to life. If you’re looking for this style for your upcoming book, message me anytime, let’s discuss your project and turn your vision into reality :)")
:format(webp)/http://s3.amazonaws.com/projects-files/209/20957/2095760/0d552a74-30f3-4d87-b8cc-b998d56b8e48.jpg)
:format(webp)/http://s3.amazonaws.com/projects-files/205/20518/2051838/0edaad95-5d1c-48e7-9b39-bd721a016ac3.jpg "Lumina the Firefly is a children’s book illustration project that teaches personal growth in a fun and meaningful way.
If you’re looking for this kind of illustration style for your future children’s book, feel free to message me directly. I’d love to help bring your script to life.")
:format(webp)/http://s3.amazonaws.com/projects-files/205/20518/2051838/a85551b1-830b-4cc7-90ad-cf5475a4245a.jpg "Lumina the Firefly is a children’s book illustration project that teaches personal growth in a fun and meaningful way.
If you’re looking for this kind of illustration style for your future children’s book, feel free to message me directly. I’d love to help bring your script to life.")
:format(webp)/http://s3.amazonaws.com/projects-files/205/20504/2050479/12f1865d-255b-4622-a2ae-b930db0d4356.jpg "Here’s one of my projects for a Bible curriculum for kids, based on stories from the Bible. This postcard illustration shows Jesus arriving in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The illustrations are fully hand-drawn and designed to be kid-friendly.
If you’re interested in this style for a future children’s book or any children’s illustration project, feel free to message me or invite me directly to a project. I’d be happy to discuss the details and help bring your book to life :)")
:format(webp)/http://s3.amazonaws.com/projects-files/107/10762/1076234/61d7f58e-771d-4df9-ac21-60e55c1444a3.jpg "Cover page of a children's book \"Xi Lan Ka Pu\" that I illustrated.
Message me if you like this style for your future books and we can discuss it through 1 to1 project :)")
:format(webp)/http://s3.amazonaws.com/projects-files/173/17371/1737183/a8fd7bc9-5613-495a-b916-d8e9a34d7703.jpg "This is for the upcoming children's book. Do you like this type of illustration? Invite me directly through 1-to-1 project and let's make it happen :)")
About
Hi, I am Nero Bernales from the Philippines. I am a digital painter and book-cover specialist. I love digital painting because it expresses my emotions and brings my imagination to life.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. ( Proverbs 3:9-10 ).
Country:
Philippines.
Member since:
November 11, 2014
Reviews
"great work as always!"
Raquelwhiting
reviewed 2 days ago
"Thank you Raquel :) "
Nero Bernales
responded 2 days ago
"Absolutely amazing! I am in love with the cover. Nero was very patient with me and would make changes when I asked. Also, very kind and professional. Will be coming back for future covers!"
Anonymous client
reviewed 3 days ago
"Thank you so much Scarlett for the wonderful feedback ❤️
I look forward to creating more covers together in the future :)"
Nero Bernales
responded 3 days ago
"I love the illustrations! Easy to work with!"
Jewish Children's Museum
reviewed 19 days ago
"Thank you so much :) "
Nero Bernales
responded 19 days ago
"Always a pleasure to work with Nero. Very talented !"
kimmerstond
reviewed about 1 month ago
"Thank you Kim and excited to work for Leo Goes to the Beach :) "
Nero Bernales
responded about 1 month ago
"Nero has outstanding skills in creating atmosphere and looking at every detail. The quality of his work is exceptional."
dj-junkeJ
reviewed about 2 months ago
"Thank you Daniel :) "
Nero Bernales
responded about 2 months ago