Published Works
Over the years, in between providing art and creative direction for major entertainment properties, Philip Straub has created cover and interior artwork for a wide range of bestselling and beloved titles across the fantasy, science fiction, children’s, and young adult genres. His published work includes the complete cover series for The Maze Runner by James Dashner, iconic illustrations for Dungeons & Dragons, and imagery for George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. He has also contributed art for World of Warcraft, illustrated the cover for The House of Power by Patrick Carman, and created multiple pieces for National Geographic, among many other publications. Each project offered a unique opportunity to visually distill a world, character, or moment into a single compelling image—balancing narrative essence with bold market presence.
Below is a small selection of Philip’s published work.
Philip Straub created several illustrations for the National Geographic cover story “Before New York” (September 2009), which reimagined the natural landscape of Manhattan as it existed in 1609, prior to European settlement. As part of the Mannahatta Project, the article combined science and art to reconstruct the island’s original ecosystems. Straub’s paintings brought this vision to life, depicting lush forests, winding waterways, and thriving wildlife—offering readers a vivid glimpse into the untamed beauty that once defined what is now New York City.
National Geographic: Before New York
Atherton: The House of Power is a dystopian novel written by Patrick Carman. Set in the future, it is about Edgar and Samuel, two boys who live on the fictional world of Atherton: an artificial planet created by the child prodigy scientist Dr. Harding.
Atherton: The House of Power
The Maze Runner Series
Philip Straub created the cover art for all four books in The Maze Runner series by James Dashner, helping visually define one of the most popular dystopian franchises of the last decade. Each painting was crafted to capture the tension, mystery, and evolving scale of the story—from the claustrophobic fear of the Maze to the sweeping desolation of the Scorch. These covers played a key role in shaping the series’ visual identity and connecting readers to its world at first glance.
The World of Ice and Fire
Philip was honored to be invited to create both cover and interior illustrations for The World of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. While the final cover design went in a different direction, Philip’s painting of Dragonstone—originally intended for the cover—was featured as the book’s endpapers. Philip also created an interior illustration of Chroyane, the legendary ruined city shrouded in mystery. Both pieces were crafted to reflect the grandeur and forgotten histories that define Martin’s world.
Philip created two cover illustrations for The Living by Matt de la Peña, as well as the cover for its sequel, The Hunted. A blend of thriller, adventure, and social commentary, The Living explores themes of race, class, and survival, and was honored with the Pura Belpré Award for its portrayal of the Latino experience. The covers were designed to reflect the tension, urgency, and emotional depth at the heart of the story.
The Living Series
Written by Peter Hamilton, Great North Road is a standalone story that takes shape in what starts as a not too distant, not too unrecognizable 22nd Century.
Great North Road
World of Warcraft
Several years ago, Philip created a few illustrations for World of Warcraft. Depicted here is Lordaeron located in the northern most continent of the Eastern kingdoms.
Philip Straub contributed cover and interior illustrations to more than 25 children’s books in collaboration with renowned author and illustrator Mercer Mayer. His work helped bring to life beloved series including Little Critter, Little Monster, and Critters of the Night. These illustrations combined storytelling charm with imaginative detail, supporting age-appropriate themes while nurturing visual curiosity in young readers.