Ed Simkins

Ed Simkins – Designer

Hi, I'm Ed and with 25 years of publishing experience as a designer, illustrator and art director, I'm looking forward to working with you!

Overview

Hi, I'm Ed, a designer, illustrator and art director with 25 plus years of publishing industry experience. I have a passion for books and have designed covers and interiors for a large range of Children's and Adult non-fiction titles. My main areas of experience are in education, the natural world, science, technology and the arts.


I believe in a clean and simple approach that gets to the essence of the subject and the author's intention. If you check my portfolio you will see a range of approaches and styles that demonstrate my abilities to work across a range of styles and subjects; from the natural word to movies, science to art and music. I can bring this skill to interpret your brief so you get the best possible design for your project whatever your budget.


I’ve spent my career communicating and collaborating with illustrators, agents, editors and writers so I know what it takes to work together to get the job done. I look forward to hearing from you and turning your ideas into a top quality product.



Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference Math & Science
Fiction
Cozy Mysteries Plays & Screenplays Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English
Awards
  • 2014 Society of Authors educational award for The World in Infographics: Animal Kingdom
  • Short listed for Blue Peter best book with facts 2014 for The World in Infographics: Animal Kingdom

Work experience

Tall Tree Ltd

May, 2002 — Jun, 2023 (about 21 years)

I joined this book packager at its inception and in over 20 years produced 50+ non fiction titles for children and adults. Duties included overseeing a team of designers and working closely with editors, authors and illustrators. I was instrumental in setting a strong, graphical design style for the award winning World in Infographics series for Wayland Books.

Self-employed

Jun, 2023 — Present

I provide freelance design and illustration services to the UK publishing industry. Expert in Adobe Creative cloud and excellent freehand and digital illustration skills

Marshall Editions

Aug, 1996 — May, 2000 (almost 4 years)

Working with a small design and editorial team to produce children’s illustrated non fiction books. Duties included picture research, development and initial layout drawing. DTP layout using Indesign, Quark Xpress and Photoshop. Commissioning illustrators and attending photo shoots.

Portfolio

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Where is the Solar System's biggest mountain? Which planet is hot enough to melt metal? Where would you find the largest desert on Earth? Find out about the record-breaking features on our pla... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
What is the oldest building in the world? How big is the largest space station? How tall are the biggest skyscrapers? Find out all about the brilliant buildings that set world records—from the... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design

Ed has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Leah E.

Leah E.

Sep, 2024

Ed is a professional and really helped execute on my vision, even when my vision wasn't that clear.
Claudia M.

Claudia M.

Sep, 2024

Really Awesome to work with Ed!!!
Kristen R.

Kristen R.

Sep, 2024

Working with Ed was very easy and stress free. He is very responsive and his illustrations were exactly what I needed to make my book resonate with young readers. Highly recommend.
Ed S.
Thanks Kristen, it was great to get to work on your project

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