Good things happen when stories are given time to unfold. Steven C. Rose’s book The Portals of Bastards began as a quest to research his family lineage, tracing ancestors all the way back to the 1500s. Across centuries of history—through kings, crusaders, farmers, Vikings, and religion—his story uncovers the choices and sacrifices that shaped generations.
When Steve reached out to Cosmic Design, he needed a book cover that could capture this sweeping family journey. As a book cover designer for self-publishing authors, I wove together historical symbolism, layered textures, and visual storytelling to create a cover that spans eras while sparking curiosity. Each element was carefully chosen to reflect the depth of his narrative and resonate with readers who appreciate epic, multi-generational stories.
Though Steve’s series will remain a private collection for his family, collaborating on his five book series was an incredible opportunity to bring history to life through design. I’m honored to have been selected to tell his families stories that will continue to inspire.
