Custom Ex Libris & Bookplate Illustration
A hand drawn bookplate created around your library, your interests, and the books you'll keep for years to come.
Your Library Already Has a Personality
I've always found it interesting that people rarely talk about their favorite book. They talk about the one they've read three times.
The one they inherited. The one that somehow keeps surviving every move, every clear-out, every "I should probably donate some of these."
That's usually where an Ex Libris begins. With the books that refuse to leave your shelf.
You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out
Most people think they need a finished concept before reaching out. You don't.
Some of my favorite commissions started with nothing more than: "I love ravens." or "I'd like something that feels a little Gothic."
That's enough. The interesting part isn't choosing the symbol. It's discovering why it belongs to your library in the first place.
If you already have a few ideas but can't quite connect the pieces, the guide to bookplate symbols and meanings might help you see them differently.
Let's Explore Your IdeaDifferent Libraries. Different Stories.
Take a look around. You might recognize a style, but you'll never find the same story twice.
Some Books Stay with You
Not every book earns a permanent place on the shelf.
The ones that do usually come with memories attached.
An Ex Libris doesn't make those books more valuable.
It simply reminds you why they stayed.
That's the kind of library I love designing for.
Bookplate Styles & Inspiration
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01
Vintage & Antique
Inspired by old bookplates, engraved illustrations, and the quiet charm of well-loved libraries.
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Botanical & Floral
Wildflowers, climbing vines, mushrooms, herbs, and plants that already have a place in your story.
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Heraldic & Coat of Arms
Family crests, shields, banners, and medieval influences, reimagined as something uniquely yours.
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Cozy Library Scenes
Bookshelves, candlelight, fireplaces, and the kind of reading corner that's hard to leave.
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Gothic & Dark Academia
Ravens, old stone walls, cathedral windows, forgotten manuscripts, and darker literary influences.
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Minimalist
Clean linework, thoughtful composition, and the confidence to let simplicity do the talking.
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Nature & Woodland
Forests, wildlife, rivers, mountains, and the landscapes people return to as often as their favorite books.
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Fantasy & Medieval
Castles, dragons, enchanted forests, and worlds that feel as though they've always existed somewhere beyond the page.
What Clients Say
Real feedback from real commissions.
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Aleksandra is a real professional and a delight to work with. As I didn't know what I wanted, she provided guidance to help me choose a theme for my bookplate, then demonstrated a clear understanding of my vision with an on-target sketch. She very quickly made all the minor changes I requested, delivering a polished, detailed, and enchanting design. I recommend her to anyone needing an author's bookplate!
C. Belargent Luxemburg -
This is the second time I've worked with Aleksandra on book illustrations. I came back after the first time because she was such a pleasure to work with and I was so happy with the work. This, the second time, has been even better. She is easy to work with, totally on top of the project and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that you're absolutely satisfied and delighted with the work - which I am 150%! - highly recommend her!
R. Grabel USA -
Working with Aleksandra was quite a pleasure. The sketching phase alone was a productive back and forth of ideas, where she created not one but two versions of a sketch to offer me multiple paths to choose from. She had good ideas to add to the design and was a good communicator. In the end I think the final result speaks for itself.
L. Klein Germany
Simple from Start to Finish
You don't need a polished brief before reaching out. A few ideas, a favorite symbol, or even a feeling is enough to begin.
Most commissions are completed within 5 to 10 working days, depending on the complexity of the artwork and any revisions along the way.
Before I begin the final illustration, you'll receive a sketch to review. It's much easier to explore ideas at this stage than after every detail has been finished.
Once we're both happy with the direction, I move on to the final artwork.
Discuss Your Idea-
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Share Your Idea
Tell me about the style, atmosphere, symbols, or imagery you want included in your personalized bookplate. -
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We'll Shape It Together
We'll talk through the idea, answer any questions, and make sure we're heading in the right direction before drawing begins. -
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Sketch Review
A first concept sketch is created for review so we can shape the composition and overall feel together. -
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Final Illustration
The artwork is refined with details, shading, and final adjustments until everything feels right. -
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Delivery
You'll receive the finished files, ready for stamps, embossers, labels, printing, or digital use.
Ready for Your Library
Once the illustration is finished, it's yours to use however you like. Turn it into a stamp, an embosser, printed bookplates, or simply frame it as a piece of artwork.
You'll receive clean, high-resolution files that are ready for printing, along with the source files if you ever need them later.
Still deciding whether to design one yourself or commission an artist? Before you do, it might be worth reading our comparison of DIY vs custom ex libris bookplates. It covers the pros, the limitations, and what to expect from each approach.
What's Included with Every Commission
Every commission is $100 and includes everything below. No add-ons, no surprise charges, and nothing locked behind a higher tier.
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Direct Communication
You'll work directly with me. No middlemen, no outsourcing.
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Drawn from Scratch
No templates, no recycled artwork, and no AI generated images.
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Sketch Review
You'll review the sketch before the final illustration begins, making changes quick and easy.
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Full Copyright Ownership
The finished artwork belongs entirely to you.
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Commercial Use
You can use our artwork commercially without licensing fees.
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Print Ready Files
Delivered in PNG, transparent PNG, PDF, and layered source files.
A Few Things People Often Ask
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That's completely normal. In fact, most commissions begin that way. A rough idea, a favorite symbol, or even a simple conversation is enough to get started. We'll shape the rest together.
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Whatever you have. It could be a rough sketch, a few reference images, a favorite symbol, or simply an idea you've had for years. You don't need a polished brief before reaching out. But having full concept is alright too
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Yes. You'll receive an initial sketch before the final illustration is completed, so feedback and adjustments can be discussed early in the process.
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Most bookplate illustrations are completed within 5-10 working days depending on complexity and revision rounds.
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Yes. The files are prepared for rubber stamps, embossers, labels, stickers, and professional printing.
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Yes. Full copyright ownership transfers to you after final delivery.
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You'll receive high-resolution PNG, transparent PNG, PDF, and layered source files, ready for printing or future use.
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Absolutely. Many people commission bookplates for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, or simply because someone they care about loves books.
Take the First Step
Tell me about your project, ask a question, or simply say hello. It's the easiest way to see where an idea could go.
Contact Aleksandra Ink