Frank Schätzing books design

Design for the Russian editions of Frank Schätzing’s science fiction novels The Swarm and The Tyranny of the Butterfly, published by Dom Istoriy.

The cover concepts were developed to reflect the scale and complexity of Schätzing’s futuristic worlds, combining detailed creature illustrations, photo collage techniques, and digital retouching into immersive visual compositions. The design approach focuses on building a balance between scientific precision and a sense of the unknown. Layered imagery, carefully controlled color palettes, and fluorescent accents create a futuristic atmosphere, while custom typographic details — including the technological display typeface Conthrax paired with Circe for supporting text — strengthen the connection to science fiction aesthetics.

The covers were designed as tactile printed objects with extended flaps, special finishes, soft-touch lamination, and UV varnish, transforming the books into collectible editions where image, typography, and material qualities work together.