Helen Chapman, Designer in London, UK

Overview

I have 15 years’ worth of publishing experience working across a huge range of books from best-selling picture books, beautiful large non fiction titles, big brands, graphic novels, YA fiction covers and adult non fiction / fiction covers.

I've worked for publishers including Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury, Bonnier, SPCK and most recently I was Senior Designer at Little Tiger Press, in the picture books team. Since going freelance I've had the pleasure of working with clients such as DK, Walker, Wonderbly and Arcturus.

Over my years working in publishing, I have discovered many things about myself but I know that I am truly passionate about producing beautiful books. I love a challenge and enjoy coming up with solutions to the trickiest of constraints.

I'm available for full book projects, covers, packaging, art directing etc and I would love to speak to you about any projects you might need a designer on.

Services

Cover Design

Typography

Book Interior Design

Production Management

Non-Fiction

Children’s Non-Fiction

Fiction

Middle Grade Picture Books

Languages

English

Work experience

Freelance Book Designer

N/A

May, 2024 — Present

I'm available for full book projects, covers, spreads, packaging, art directing etc

Senior Picture Book Designer

Little Tiger

May, 2022 — May, 2024 (about 2 years)

I managed and worked across many titles with a mix of adding to existing series and developing stand-alone titles. Working closely with our editorial team we’ve found brilliant illustrators and produced some beautiful books.

Senior Designer (Harry Potter)

Bloomsbury

Aug, 2018 — May, 2022 (over 3 years)

My role was to produce high quality designs across all forms of the Harry Potter publishing. As well as my Potter responsibilities I looked after many of the top YA/ Fantasy authors by producing boxsets and coming up with series redesign ideas. We won the British Book Design and Production award for Brand /Series Identity for the last books in the series - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Senior Designer

SPCK

Nov, 2017 — Aug, 2018 (9 months)

Working across the different imprints SPCK has to offer I was able to work on fiction & non fiction cover design, Children's book and even stationary and branded products.

Designer

Templar & Big Picture Press (Bonnier)

Apr, 2016 — Nov, 2017 (over 1 year)

Working across the Templar picture book, non fiction and the Big Picture Press list I worked on a massive spectrum of projects.

Picture Book Designer

Penguin Random House

Apr, 2011 — Apr, 2016 (about 5 years)

I worked on all projects in the color department from illustrated picture books to treasuries, novelty, the occasional graphic novel/ fiction books and custom projects