50 Books for Summer | Editorial Illustration for The Guardian

I created the cover and two spot illustrations for The Guardian’s Saturday Culture section, bringing their 50 Books for Summer feature to life. This was a wonderful opportunity to work with one of the UK’s leading newspapers on editorial content that celebrates reading and literary discovery.

Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk. An editorial illustration for The Guardian featuring a dark-skinned woman reading in a sunny garden. She is holding an open book that resembles a fan while sitting under a lemon tree. The scene captures a tranquil outdoor reading moment.
Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk
Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk
Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk
Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk
Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk
Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk

The brief called for a visual approach that felt fresh and inviting – capturing the energy of summer reading through bold colors, playful characters, and fun compositions. My goal was to create a cohesive visual story across the series that worked for both the main cover and the supporting spots, evoking the simple pleasure of slowing down with a good book on a warm day.

Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk
Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk
Summer reading: the 50 hottest new books for a great escape by Monsie Monika Jurczyk

If you need editorial or publishing illustrations that bring summer stories and literary worlds to life, reach out. Let’s collaborate! 

Aperol Spritz 3-2-1 Rule: animated vector illustration of an Aperol cocktail with motion, geometric shapes, and playful minimalist design by Monsie
Come through! A girl riding an electric scooter, wearing polka dot socks, with her hair blowing in the wind, creating a dynamic and lively scene.
Everyday Struggle illustration by Edinburgh-based illustrator Monsie. Colorful vector art depicting relatable daily life moments with bold humor and character design exploring everyday challenges.