Custom Ex Libris & Bookplate Illustration

Most Common Questions

• What is an ex libris illustration or bookplate illustration?

  An ex libris bookplate is a personalized illustrated label placed inside a book to mark ownership. The phrase "ex libris" is Latin for "from the books of." It is usually paired with the owner's name and a custom illustration. The tradition dates back over 500 years. Famous artists including Dürer, Rockwell Kent, and Escher all designed bookplates. Modern custom bookplate illustrations can be printed as stickers, produced as rubber stamps, or converted into book embosser plates.

• What is the difference between ex libris and bookplate?

  They mean the same thing. "Ex libris" is the traditional Latin term. "Bookplate" is the common English word. Both describe a personalized illustration placed inside a book to show ownership. You'll also see "from the library of" used interchangeably. Whether you search for a custom ex libris design or a personalized bookplate illustration, you're looking for the same thing.

• Do people still use bookplates?

  Yes. Custom bookplate designs are experiencing a strong revival. Book collectors, home library owners, and readers who want to personalize their collections are driving the trend. Authors use signed bookplates for book signings, limited editions, and reader events. A signed bookplate lets an author personalize copies without being physically present at every bookstore. BookTok and bookstagram communities have fueled renewed interest. Personalized bookplates have also become one of the most popular gifts for book lovers. Perfect gift for birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, and holidays.

• What should be on a bookplate?

  A bookplate typically includes the phrase "Ex Libris" or "From the Library of" followed by the owner's name. This is paired with a custom illustration. Popular imagery includes botanical and floral designs, animals like owls or cats, armorial and heraldic crests, coat of arms, cozy library scenes, monograms, and personal symbols. The best custom bookplate illustrations reflect the owner's personality and reading identity.

• Where do you put a bookplate in a book, and what size should it be?

  Bookplates go on the inside front cover of a book. Sticker bookplates are typically around 3" × 4". Rubber bookplate stamps range from 1.5" × 1.5" to 2" × 3". Book embosser plates are usually 1.5" to 2" in diameter. Your custom bookplate illustration is delivered as a vector file. That means it scales to any size without losing quality. One design works across all formats.

• How do I get a custom bookplate made?

  Start by commissioning a custom bookplate illustration. Describe your vision to a bookplate artist. The artist hand-draws the design from scratch. Once you receive the digital files, take them to a rubber stamp maker for a bookplate stamp. Send them to an embosser manufacturer for a book embosser plate. Upload them to a sticker printer for adhesive labels. Or print them at home. The illustration file is the master. Every physical format is produced from it.

• How much does a custom bookplate illustration cost?

  A custom bookplate illustration at Aleksandra Ink costs $70. That's a flat rate. It includes the complete hand-drawn illustration plus all source files: PNG, transparent PNG, PDF, Adobe Illustrator, and layered source file. Full copyright ownership is included. For comparison, design agencies charge $200–$300 for similar custom bookplate design work. Budget freelancers offer $20 versions that are often AI-generated or traced from templates. Pre-made bookplate stamps with generic designs range from $13–$50 at retailers.

• How long does a custom bookplate commision take?

  Most custom bookplate commissions are completed within 5–10 working days. The first sketch is typically ready within 3–5 days. After you review and provide feedback, the bookplate artist refines the design and delivers the final files. Rush delivery may be available. Contact to discuss your timeline.

• What information does the bookplate artist need from me?

  Describe the style you want. Vintage, botanical, heraldic, modern, gothic, fantasy, or anything else. Mention specific imagery or symbols. Animals, florals, crests, library scenes. Provide the text to include. Usually your name with "Ex Libris" or "From the Library of." Share any reference images that capture the feeling you're after. The more detail you provide, the closer the first sketch matches your vision for your personalized bookplate.

• Do I own the custom bookplate design? What rights do I get?

  Yes. Full copyright ownership transfers to you upon completion and final payment. You can reproduce, modify, and use the custom bookplate illustration commercially. No restrictions. No additional fees. The design is yours permanently.

• Can I use my bookplate design to make rubber stamps, embossers, and stickers?

  Yes. All of them, from one set of files. Your custom bookplate illustration comes with transparent backgrounds, clean line work, and vector formatting. Take the files to any rubber stamp maker for a bookplate stamp or self-inking library stamp. Send them to an embosser manufacturer for a book embosser plate. Upload them to a sticker printer for adhesive bookplate labels. You can also use them for letterpress prints, personal stationery, or framed wall art.

• Is a custom bookplate illustration worth it compared to a template or AI design?

  Template bookplates cost $5–$15. But they are shared designs. Hundreds of buyers use the same artwork with different names. AI-generated bookplate designs look decent at a glance but fall apart in production. Inconsistent line weights. Blurred details. Text that distorts at small sizes. Stamp makers and embosser manufacturers need precision that AI cannot deliver. A hand-drawn custom bookplate illustration costs $70 and is yours alone. It's designed with intentional line work, proper layer separation, and production-ready formatting for all physical formats.

• Are custom bookplate illustrations good gifts for book lovers?

  Custom bookplate illustrations are one of the most meaningful personalized gifts for bibliophiles. A personalized bookplate designed around someone's interests becomes part of every book they own. A favorite animal. A botanical theme. A family crest. A literary motif. It's a book lover gift that grows more personal with every volume added. Popular occasions include birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, graduations, teacher appreciation, and holiday gifts.

• Do bookplates devalue books?

  For rare and antique books, adding a bookplate can affect resale value. However, historically significant bookplates by known artists can actually increase collectibility. For personal collections, a custom bookplate illustration adds sentimental and aesthetic value. Most modern book collectors view personalized bookplates as a sign of a curated, well-cared-for library.

• What famous artists have designed bookplates?

  Bookplate design has attracted renowned artists for centuries. Albrecht Dürer created ex libris in the 1500s. Aubrey Beardsley designed them during the Art Nouveau era. Rockwell Kent produced iconic modernist bookplates. M.C. Escher created several. Marc Chagall and Eric Gill contributed as well. Commissioning a custom bookplate illustration places you in an artistic tradition spanning over 500 years.

• Can I create my own bookplate, or should I commission one?

  You can create simple bookplates using template tools like Canva, Avery, or Book Brush. But template designs are generic. They are shared among thousands of users. And they often don't translate well to rubber stamp or embosser production. For a truly personalized bookplate that reflects your identity, works across all physical formats, and stands as original art, commissioning a hand-drawn custom bookplate illustration from a professional bookplate artist delivers results no template tool can match.

• What is a signed bookplate, and how do authors use them?

  A signed bookplate is a custom bookplate that an author signs and inserts into copies of their book. Bookstores and publishers use signed bookplates to sell "signed editions" without the author needing to visit every location. Authors commission a custom bookplate illustration with their name and book-related imagery, then sign a batch and ship them to retailers. Readers value signed bookplates as collectible items. For authors, a hand-drawn custom bookplate design elevates the presentation far beyond a plain printed label.