Learn to paint incredible fantasy book illustrations with issue 256 of ImagineFX

ImagineFX 256 cover image by Fernanda Suarez
Fernanda Suarez's magical duo star on our cover this issue (Image credit: Fernanda Suarez)

In this month's ImagineFX we focus on the art of the fantasy book cover, where magical creatures, swords and sorcery, heroic warriors and more take centre stage. Our wraparound cover comes from Fernanda Suarez, originally created for Laura E. Weymouth's magical novel Steel & Spellfire.

Not only that, there's a behind-the-scenes look at Netflix anime series Sakamoto Days, a deep dive into the world of creating picture books, plus all the usual in-depth tutorials, inspiring galleries and plenty more in another bumper issue!

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Inside the latest ImagineFX

Spreads from ImagineFX 256

Paint magical book covers with Fernanda Suarez (Image credit: Future)

Cover artist Fernanda Suarez gives a step-by-step guide on how she created her enchanting cover for Steel & Spellfire. Follow along to get to grips with her workflow and try out Fernanda's free custom Photoshop brushes included in our resources download!

Spreads from ImagineFX 256

Inside advice for a career in picture book illustration (Image credit: Future)

Ever wondered how picture books are made? Our panel of illustrators share their stories, including some sage advice to help you start and succeed in the genre.

Spreads from ImagineFX 256

Behind the scenes of Netflix anime series Sakamoto Days (Image credit: Future)

Netflix has adapted a growing number of manga into full on anime, with one of the latest being assassin series Sakamoto Days. We spoke to character designer Yo Moriyama to find out how he managed the transition and introduce you to the show's kooky cast.

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A face-filled sketchbook from Choro Choi (Image credit: Future)

Guerrilla Games artist Choro Choi shares her skeletal-inspired sketchbook, filled to the brim with fascinating faces and quirky characters based on Korean culture.

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A stately creative space revealed (Image credit: Future)

Illustrator Jo Rioux opens the doors to her beautiful victorian home studio, revealing how she developed her workspace and why she's a reformed clutterbug.

Spreads from ImagineFX 256

Paint a mixed-media warrior (Image credit: Future)

Carlos Cabrera takes you through the process of combining different media – in this case beatiful watercolour and markers – to create rich and vibrant character art.

That's not all, with plenty of artwork to get you inspired, more training interviews and expert reviews to be had.

We hope you enjoy the issue!

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Rob Redman
Editor, ImagineFX

Rob Redman is the editor of ImagineFX magazines and former editor of 3D World magazine. Rob has a background in animation, visual effects, and photography.

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