About Me

Hi! I’m an award-winning illustrator, book cover designer, and art director based in Queens, NY. Full time, I’m the Associate Art Director at Open Road Integrated Media overseeing all Sci Fi, Fantasy, and Horror, but over my past dozen years in publishing I’ve designed and illustrated hundreds of book covers across all genres, for authors from William Faulkner to William Shatner. On the side I do freelance work for various book publishers and editorial publications, including The Atlantic and Smithsonian Magazine.

I graduated summa cum laude and with Renée Crown University Honors from Syracuse University with a BFA in Illustration and a concentration in Printmaking. In my spare time you can catch me watching horror movies, re-reading The Wheel of Time, going for a super slow run in the park, practicing Italian, or having a beer at a post-hardcore show.

Awards & Recognition

  • Illustrators 68 (Society of Illustrators), Jury Selection

  • 3x3 Illustration Show No. 22, 2 Merit Awards

  • 3x3 Illustration Show No. 21, 2 Merit Awards

  • 3x3 Illustration Show No. 20, Distinguished Merit & Merit Awards

  • Communication Arts Illustration Annual 65, Shortlisted

  • Communication Arts Illustration Annual 64, Award of Excellence

  • American Illustration 43, 1 illustration Selected

  • American Illustration 42, 2 illustrations Selected

  • American Illustration 41, 1 illustration Selected

  • American Illustration 40, 2 illustrations Selected

  • American Illustration 39, 2 illustrations Chosen

  • American Illustration 38, 2 illustrations Selected

  • Syracuse University College of Visual & Performing Arts Scholar

Amanda Shaffer holding some books with her illustrations