David Leahey

David Leahey – Designer

Illustrator and designer with many years of experience, specializing in the science-fiction and fantasy genres.

Overview

I am an experienced freelance illustrator and book cover designer. I specialize in the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres but can apply my skills to any and all genres. For the last few years I have predominantly been working in book cover design and illustration and have worked with a broad range of clients from across the globe.

I am friendly, communicative and love to collaborate with clients throughout the design process to deliver the best possible outcome. I can create stand-alone illustrations for any project, whether it be a trading card, book cover, interior illustrations or comic books. I am also a qualified Graphic Designer and love to blend elements of design and typography into my work. If you are on a limited budget and need a complete cover design I am more than happy to deliver the full package from start to finish.


Please find below a full breakdown of all the service I offer:

- Book cover design (including print and e-book)
- Book cover illustration
- Interior illustration
- Comic book illustration (cover & interior)
- Map design
- Typography (custom and semi-custom)
- Advertising material (including social media banners)

I also provide ad hoc art and design services, so if you require something not listed above please feel free to ask.
Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Comics & Graphic Novels Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Historical Fiction Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Young Adult
Languages
English
Certifications
  • HND - Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design
  • ND - National Diploma in General Art & Design

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2013 — Present
I have been providing freelance illustration and design services for a diverse range of clients.

Portfolio

Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Illustration
Blood Animus

McKeon, Kyle

Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
LEO & FANG

Edward A. Stabler

Ty Hopefin shares a rental house on the outskirts of Washington, DC with two fellow millennials. When the friendly cat who roams his cul-de-sac succumbs to a recently discovered virus, he trie... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Traveling Monsters

Lunamir, S.A.

Cover Design Illustration Typography
Mercury Rising

Greene, R.W.W.

Cover Design Typography
Cover Design Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Pandemonium: Devourer of Souls is a short dark fantasy with a satirical side to it. Tired of the same old cliched hero? You're in luck. You won't find many people, human or otherwise, that fil... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography
The Clintons have extensive ties to Moscow. It is the key to understanding modern developments in America: Uranium One, Hillary's Server, the witch hunt against Trump, the Awans, the Clinton F... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Inspired by the novel 'Betrayal' this short (8 page) graphic novel will be part one of a trilogy that asks the fundamental question - what punishment does an emperor mete out when the man he a... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography

David has 80 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Mindy L.

Mindy L.

Apr, 2025

Dave is extremely talented and very professional. He was collaborative and gracious/accommodating to my requests and changes. I'm very pleased with my cover! If you end up working with Dave, I do recommend asking up front very clearly about his design process (how many rounds of black and white e...
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David D.

David D.

Apr, 2025

Outstanding workmanship, service, and professionalism. David went above and beyond on every project, with an end product that I couldn't be happier with. Highly recommend!
David D.

David D.

Mar, 2025

Amazing artist and designer with accomodating service at a fair price. I've already referred David to two friends and would highly recommend him to anyone who's looking for an inventive and skilled professional. 5-STARS!!!
Lamar G.

Lamar G.

Mar, 2025

Totally unexpected and the final product blew my mind. Now I'm confident I can sell some copies of this book because I hired a professional to do the book cover versus my sorry attempt at trying to use AI to do it and me getting all the parameters wrong. David will go above and beyond what yo...
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Marlena M.

Marlena M.

Feb, 2025

Dave was a fantastic help! I learned so much in this process and with his help. He gave fantastic options, including the one I ultimately selected and was patience when I needed more time to get him the information he needed. He responds pretty much within a 24 hour window or shorter, unless it...
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