Portfolio
: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/164/164383/attachment_164383062 "I always enjoy creating seamless wraparound covers because they become even more immersive when the book is opened.
For this horror novel, I chose a dark color palette to create a mysterious, unsettling atmosphere. The boy is the main focal point because the story centers on his striking green eye, allowing it to immediately capture the reader's attention and spark curiosity.
Rather than using a plain divider for the spine, I incorporated a cemetery gate column to create a natural transition between the front and back covers while reinforcing the eerie mood.
Every element of this cover was illustrated completely by hand. No AI-generated content or stock images were used. As an illustrator, I believe every story deserves original artwork that reflects its unique identity. My goal is to create covers that are not only visually compelling but also exclusive works of art crafted specifically for each author's 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
"Nero was absolutely fantastic. He has a brilliant eye and vision. He was wonderful to work with. He will be my first designer to reach out to when it comes to my next book. Thank you"
LarZues
reviewed 10 days ago
"Thank you so much Eric :) "
Nero Bernales
responded 10 days ago
"I like Nero's style; it's very good at setting a distinctive tone and feel to the design."
r7oofficiaw
reviewed 16 days ago
"Thank you so much sir :)"
Nero Bernales
responded 16 days ago
"I’ve worked with Nero on a number of projects now and the work is consistently superb. "
peter.f.chrir
reviewed about 2 months ago
"Thank you so much sir :) "
Nero Bernales
responded about 2 months ago
"It's my second project with Nero, and I'm happy with the illustrations like last time!"
sabrina.bechle5
reviewed 2 months ago
"Thank you so much, Sabrina! I’m so excited for the next one :)"
Nero Bernales
responded 2 months ago
"The contact with Nero is great. I love all the pictures!"
sabrina.bechle5
reviewed 5 months ago
"Thank you so much Sabrina :) "
Nero Bernales
responded 5 months ago