Elisabeth Heissler

Elisabeth Heissler - Designer

Kenilworth, UK

20 years of experience in book design for academic, educational & fiction titles for Oxford University Press, National Geographic, etc.

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Overview

I am an experienced designer with a strong track record of producing sophisticated, engaging and appropriate design solutions for covers and internal content. I work closely together with my clients to bring my professional expertise and passionate approach to their project. I specialise in subtle typography and clear, minimalist design solutions, finding the right look for each project.

Whatever the genre of your book, high quality graphic design will make a crucial contribution to its position in the market. My role is to engage customer attention and enrich your readers’ experience. I will help your book to achieve its full potential and bring it to life.

Trained in Germany, I developed my love of logo design, typography and info design in Munich, where I worked for 10 years as a senior designer for a renowned design agency with responsibility for branding and logo developments across the cultural and service sector.
In 2013 I joined Oxford University Press and enjoyed five years with them designing the covers and interiors of a wide range of trade books, academic and higher education titles. I am proud to have provided the design for many high-profile titles, including The New Oxford Shakespeare and the award-winning Companion to Wine.
In 2017 I opened my own business and now include the OUP, National Geographic and numerous independent publishers among my clients.

Every project is different; every project is special. I am excited to learn about yours.
Languages
English
Fiction
Classics
Poetry
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Economics
Education & Reference
ELT
Physics & Chemistry
Travel
Works with
WordPress

Awards

  • Merit Award for Reference, New York Book Show 2015 Book Cover design for ‘The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations’ published by Oxford University Press 2014
  • Winner of the James Beard Book Award, 2016 Text design and cover design for ‘The Oxford Companion to Wine’ published by Oxford University Press 2015
  • FINANCIAL TIMES BEST ECONOMICS BOOKS 2020, Cover design for 'Bigger Government' published by Arolla Publishing

Work experience

Freelance Designer

Self-employed
July, 2017 – Present (over 5 years)

- cover and interior design for Oxford University Press, National Geographics and independent publishers.

- design and production services for both epub and print.

Designer

Oxford University Press
May, 2013 – July, 2017 (about 4 years)

- book cover design for text books, academic titles and trade books

- interior design for text books and academic titles

- production and project management in collaboration with editorial and marketing

Senior Designer

Kochan & Partner Design Agency, Munich
January, 1997 – July, 2012 (over 15 years)

- branding developments from concept to completion for clients in the service and cultural sector

- art direction and production management for annual travel catalogues

Portfolio (13 selected works)

The Oxford Companion to Wine 4/e (Oxford Companions)

Published in 1994 to worldwide acclaim, the first edition of Jancis Robinson's seminal volume immediately attained legendary status, winning every major wine book award including the Glenfiddich and Julia Child/IACP awards, as well as writer and woman of the year accolades for its editor on both sides of the Atlantic. Combining meticulously-researched fact with refreshing opinion and wit, The ... read more

Published in 1994 to worldwide acclaim, the first edition of Jancis Robinson's seminal volume immediately attained legendary status, winning every major wine book award including the Glenfiddich and Julia Child/IACP awards, as well as writer and woman of the year accolades for its editor on both sides of the Atlantic. Combining meticulously-researched fact with refreshing opinion and wit, The ... read more

Oxford Dictionary of Quotations

The first edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations was published in 1941 and for over 70 years this bestselling book has remained unrivalled in its coverage of quotations past and present. The eighth edition is a vast treasury of wit and wisdom spanning the centuries and providing the ultimate answer to the question, 'Who said that?' Find that half-remembered line in a browser's paradise... read more

The first edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations was published in 1941 and for over 70 years this bestselling book has remained unrivalled in its coverage of quotations past and present. The eighth edition is a vast treasury of wit and wisdom spanning the centuries and providing the ultimate answer to the question, 'Who said that?' Find that half-remembered line in a browser's paradise... read more

Research Methods for the Biosciences

Debbie Holmes, Peter Moody, Diana Dine, Laurence Trueman

Understanding Deviance: A Guide to the Sociology of Crime and Rule-Breaking

David Downes, Paul Rock, Eugene McLaughlin

An indispensable guide to the sociological theories behind crime, it outlines the principal theories of crime and rule-breaking, discussing them chronologically. Placing each theory in its European and North American contexts, the authors confront major criticisms that have been voiced against each theory, and construct defences where appropriate. Thoroughly revised and updated in its 7th edit... read more

An indispensable guide to the sociological theories behind crime, it outlines the principal theories of crime and rule-breaking, discussing them chronologically. Placing each theory in its European and North American contexts, the authors confront major criticisms that have been voiced against each theory, and construct defences where appropriate. Thoroughly revised and updated in its 7th edit... read more

Social Research Methods

Alan Bryman

This best-selling introduction to research methods provides students and researchers with unrivalled coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods, making it invaluable for anyone embarking on social research. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, Social Research Methods is packed full of engaging examples and practical tips to equip students with the tools and knowledge needed... read more

This best-selling introduction to research methods provides students and researchers with unrivalled coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods, making it invaluable for anyone embarking on social research. Bridging the gap between theory and practice, Social Research Methods is packed full of engaging examples and practical tips to equip students with the tools and knowledge needed... read more

Elisabeth has 23 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

H. Palmer-McNaught
It was great to work with Elisabeth in getting this rather complex textbook created. I am very pleased with the end result since a high sense of professionalism and expertise were brought to this project. I look forward to collaborating with Elisabeth again, given the patience she exercised throughout the process.

H. Palmer-McNaught, March 2023


Heather Levien
Elisabeth's work was just amazing. This was my first time through the self-publishing process, and to be honest, I was panicking as we went through it, but Elisabeth dealt with my fears as a consummate professional and delivered my materials punctually and without drama on her side. I am so glad to have worked with her.

Heather Levien, September 2022

Elisabeth Heissler
Thank you so much, I wish you every sucess with you book! All the best, Elisabeth

Reply from Elisabeth Heissler


T Gemmer
Elisabeth is an outstanding professional and was an absolute joy to work with. Highly recommended!

T Gemmer, September 2022

Elisabeth Heissler
Thank you for the kind review, absolute pleasure to work on that great project. All the best, Elisabeth

Reply from Elisabeth Heissler


Jess Glenny
Elisabeth created a beautiful design for my book cover. I'm very happy with it and would collaborate with her again.

Jess Glenny, September 2022


Don Berg
Elisabeth was great to work with in terms of professionalism and clear communication. I was looking for an illustrator and she seems to be more of a designer. Where original illustration was called for her work seemed more like an arrangement of pieces rather than a true drawing. This was indicated by some of the odd details that had to be worked out, such as a hand position that was unrealisti...
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Don Berg, September 2022

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