Rafal Kucharczuk

Rafal Kucharczuk – Designer

Book cover designer, artist - AFA graduate. For me, covers are more than just product packaging, it's a form of art, a pocket-sized poster.

Overview

I'm a multidisciplinary designer and artist with more than 200 books produced, among them many bestsellers.


When it comes to book cover design I'm very strict about my workflow, I'd always read the manuscript in full ( it takes time but it's worth it), I make research in the field of book genre and try to design a piece that fits but stands out in that genre. The process always starts with old-school composition sketches/ concept notes, then hand-made unique typography work, digital refining, print production, and sometimes promotional materials or cover animation.


Fiction, Sci-fi, and animated covers are my specialties, but I started my covers journey with business books and recently got into history books. I'm open to exploring new genres, writing styles, and artistic techniques.


I'm proud to say that the book called "Król" is the silver prize-winner of the KTR contest in the design section. It was also listed among the most valuable book covers in 2017 by the biggest Polish bookstore chain EMPIK also Polityka Magazine and many others. My covers were appreciated and published in various design albums in Poland and abroad.


While working with book covers I try to stay true to my nature - the collage. As you see below, it comes in various effects, in general, my style oscillates around retro. I love books and the value that they bring. Designing them is always a reward.


Services
Non-Fiction
Art Design
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Dystopian Fantasy Historical Fiction Magical Realism Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English
Awards
  • KTR silver design award
  • Polish Graphic Design Award
  • Best music Cover Award

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2015 — Present

Portfolio

The Forest of Damned Souls

Tully, The Sinister Mind of

Pax Americana

Parker, Chris

Birdy

Hardt, David

Towarzyszu moj

Julija Jakowlewa

Wieczny Grunwald

Szczepan Twardoch

Cholod

Szczepan Twardoch

Pokora

Szczepan Twardoch

Alameda: A novel

Cochron, Steven J

Krol (Polish Edition)

Twardoch, Szczepan

Slonce narodu

Kuba Wojtaszczyk

U stop Montmartre

Britta Rostlund

Lód. Tom 3

Jacek Dukaj

Krolestwo (Polish Edition)

Twardoch, Szczepan

Snieg

Orhan Pamuk

Balia przez Amazonke

Dorota Suminska

Barszalona

Aga Sarzynska

Ten kraj

Anna Arno

Pokora

Szczepan Twardoch

Lekcje anatomii doktora D.

Wojciech Engelking

Czlowiek znikad

Wojciech Engelking

Kult (Polish Edition)

Orbitowski, Lukasz

Fajrant

Andrzej Muszynski

Rafal has 22 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Steven C.

Steven C.

Sep, 2024

Pinned
This was the second time I had worked with Rafal. He is prompt and brings a clear vision to the project. His insistence on reading the whole manuscript is unique to him. Other artists I've worked with in the past want only the summary and the writer to bring a collage of pictures to walk them through the process. Rafal gets your story and then creates unique, amazing original art that only your...
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Myles M.

Myles M.

May, 2023

Pinned
Rafal is a genius, and I can't wait to work with him again in the future. I had a tricky assignment: a genre-bending novel that combined elements of dystopian, thriller, and procedural fiction, all while dealing with the topics of sexuality and kink. Rafal dove in, quickly coming up with a host of beautiful cover directions based on a thorough reading of my manuscript. The direction we settled...
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Helen M.

Helen M.

Feb, 2023

Pinned
Rafal has been a dream to work with and his designs are amazing! I'm super happy I went with him, that he drew themes from the book and used that to come up with the artwork. I'd highly recommend him to anyone who needs a book cover!
Todd N.

Todd N.

Feb, 2025

It is a significant leap of faith to hire someone to design a cover for all the effort that goes into writing a book (in my case, a collection of stories and poems). Rafal's commitment to reading the draft and his ability to deliver a visualization of its essence exceeded my expectations. I had a concept in mind, but he offered an even better idea (presenting multiple options). From there, he c...
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Rafal K.
Thanks Todd, really appreciate it!
Cameron H.

Cameron H.

Sep, 2024

Incredible. Rafal will ask to read your work to understand what it is you are trying to achieve. Then he will create art to bring your words to life. I have already arranged for my second cover to be done by Rafal.

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