Mark Zug is a renowned fantasy and science fiction illustrator whose work is deeply influenced by the Brandywine tradition of N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, and J.C. Leyendecker. After leaving art school, he built his portfolio while working as a machinist and assisting on western novel covers. He became a full-time freelance artist in 1992, with his first major publication being I, Robot: The Illustrated Screenplay in 1994.

Since then, Zug’s art has appeared on book covers by Tanith Lee, Diana Wynne-Jones, and Timothy Zahn, and across major franchises like Magic: The Gathering, World of Warcraft, Dune, and Star Wars. He’s also known for illustrating Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap and TodHunter Moon series. His work has earned several honors, including the Jack Gaughan, Chesley, and Illie Awards.