Arch Apolar
A Sketchbook Childhood
From an early age, Apolar—known to fans today as the illustrator of the celebrated Thai edition of Harry Potter—found comfort and expression in drawing. Inspired by his father’s passion for art, he carried a sketchbook with him everywhere. Art was his companion through childhood, even though he also dabbled in sports and other pursuits.
His creative path took a temporary turn when he enrolled in the architecture program at Chulalongkorn University. While architecture required precision and practical craftsmanship, it left little room for pure artistic exploration. “I kind of stopped drawing,” Apolar admitted. “It was all model-cutting and technique.”
It wasn’t until his fourth year that a conversation with someone who had studied at a top-tier American university—where alumni had gone on to work for Disney and Pixar—reignited his passion. He decided to pursue a creative field beyond architecture, beginning by compiling a portfolio. To share his growing body of work, he created a Facebook page under the name "Apolar." It was the beginning of something extraordinary.
A Bedtime Story Becomes Destiny
Apolar’s connection to the world of Harry Potter began long before he was commissioned to illustrate it. He still remembers the first time his father read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to him at bedtime when he was nine years old. That story introduced him not only to the magic of J.K. Rowling’s world but also to the imaginative visuals of Mary GrandPré, whose artwork had shaped the series for Thai readers.
“It opened new doors to unlimited imagination and creativity,” he said. And yet, never in his wildest dreams did he think he would one day be asked to reimagine the series himself.
When the opportunity arrived, it came with both excitement and responsibility. Apolar poured his heart and soul into the project, determined to craft a series that would act as “a love letter from fan to fan.” Every detail—every face, every shadow, every structure—was created with reverence, intention, and a deep emotional connection to the books that had defined his childhood.
Stylized Yet Timeless
As he began designing the covers, Apolar wrestled with a central question: What should the Harry Potter of today look like?
He didn’t want a cartoony look, nor did he want hyper-realism. Instead, he aimed for balance—a semi-realistic, stylized style that could appeal to both children and adults. Inspired by Mary GrandPré’s original kid-friendly illustrations, he infused his work with the warmth of that same visual legacy, while also introducing a refined sophistication.
He turned to the Golden Age of Illustration for inspiration, referencing the timeless styles of J.C. Leyendecker and Norman Rockwell. “I wanted these books to look like they were designed at a particular time, yet still have a timeliness to them,” he explained. To achieve this, he researched vintage textures, used handcrafted techniques, and ensured his digital illustrations retained a natural, tactile feeling—like oil-painted book covers of the past.
Structure, Detail, and Hidden Magic
Architecture never fully left Apolar’s mindset. It became the backbone of his design strategy.
He structured each cover like a scene within a doorway—framing the artwork with elements that invited readers to step inside. “When you design things architecturally, you have a plan wherein you divide a space into smaller spaces,” he said. “And then in these smaller spaces, you can fit even smaller details.”
That planning allowed him to hide dozens of Easter eggs in every cover and chapter illustration. Details that only a true fan could spot. The front cover connects to the back. Characters in one corner are echoed in another. Favorite locations are transformed with fresh magic. It’s a treasure hunt for fans, and each book becomes more layered the longer you look.
A Local Touch
Working in collaboration with international publishers and Thailand’s Nanmee Books, Apolar was given a rare opportunity: to incorporate Thai elements into a beloved global series.
He handled the opportunity with care and grace. For example, on the cover of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the famous “Platform 9 ¾” is labeled with Thai numerals. The Hogwarts crest on Harry’s robe clasp also subtly reflects Thai script, blending cultures in a respectful and inventive way.
“I was worried people wouldn’t like it,” he admitted. But the fusion was well-received. The result was a Harry Potter series that felt international but also intimately Thai—a true celebration of global fandom.
Cover by Cover
Each of Apolar’s covers was carefully considered, designed to highlight key moments, characters, and themes.
Philosopher’s Stone: A blend of Hogwarts and the Hogwarts Express, with Thai symbols woven in. The magic begins here.
Chamber of Secrets: The Burrow and the flying Ford Anglia take center stage, while young Tom Riddle’s dark shadow creeps into view.
Prisoner of Azkaban: Dementors swirl in the foreground, Buckbeak takes flight, and eagle-eyed fans might spot professors leaving the Three Broomsticks—a scene Harry overhears from under the Invisibility Cloak.
Goblet of Fire: The Triwizard Tournament and Quidditch World Cup collide in a vibrant spectacle. Ludo Bagman makes a cameo in his Wasps robes.
Order of the Phoenix: The Ministry of Magic unfolds in detail. Fudge and Percy Weasley are present, and the magical architecture echoes the tension of the story.
Half-Blood Prince: The glowing storefront of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes contrasts with the eerie Inferi in the foreground. Draco's secretive plotting with Borgin is tucked into a dark corner.
Deathly Hallows: A culmination of everything before it—Shell Cottage, the Gringotts dragon, Neville’s bravery, and the haunting contrast between young Tom Riddle and Voldemort’s final form.
Hints, Symbols, and Double Meanings
Beyond the covers, Apolar’s chapter art is filled with intricate symbolism and visual storytelling.
One standout is his portrait of Dumbledore, framed in such a way that the flame from his wand forms the shape of Fawkes the phoenix—who simultaneously doubles as Dumbledore’s beard and moustache. Flip the image upside-down, and it reveals even more: Fawkes’ head subtly materializing from what first looked like shadows.
This kind of layered symbolism is quintessential Apolar—thoughtful, detailed, and intentionally open to interpretation.
A Gift for the Next Generation
For Apolar, this project was more than just professional—it was personal.
He wanted his Harry Potter illustrations to feel like a gift to fellow fans. Something nostalgic yet fresh, classic yet modern. He designed his boxset and illustrations not as a literal scene-by-scene retelling, but as "moving scenarios" that merged multiple fan-favorite moments into a unified visual journey.
“I wanted it to be like a love letter from fan to fan,” he said. “A version full of memories... a special gift that only fans could appreciate.”
In the end, his illustrations became just that—a heartfelt tribute to the books that shaped him, created by an artist who knew their magic firsthand.
A Frame Within a Frame
Every Apolar illustration feels like peeking through a window—into Hogwarts, into the Burrow, into the heart of Harry’s world. It’s a world of tiny details, hidden meanings, and heartfelt homages. His covers aren’t just beautiful; they’re layered with love, legacy, and lore.
In a fandom built on connection, imagination, and storytelling, Apolar has added his own chapter—one that bridges cultures, generations, and artistic traditions.
He never imagined he’d be entrusted with Harry Potter. But in doing so, he’s reminded readers that sometimes the best magic is the kind created not just with wands, but with pencils, memory, and heart.