Emma Oatley – Designer

Hello, pleased to meet you!

I'm Emma, a freelance graphic designer with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design. I specialise in children's book design, with 14 years' experience working with publishers, licensed brands and independent authors.

Throughout my career I've designed a wide range of children's books, including fiction, non-fiction, readers, activity books and educational titles for publishers including Buster Books, Penguin, Scholastic, Oxford University Press, Pearson and Macmillan. I've also worked on licensed publishing series with brands like DreamWorks, Marvel and Moshi Monsters, creating engaging, fun page designs that capture young readers' attention while working within established brand guidelines.

I love the process of bringing a manuscript to life, transforming words and illustrations into books that children will enjoy exploring. Whether it's establishing a clear visual hierarchy, creating engaging layouts or ensuring every page feels balanced and inviting, I enjoy the challenge of making each book its very best.

I'm super friendly, reliable but professional. I'm easy to work with and I understand the publishing process from first layouts through to final proofs. I enjoy collaborating closely with authors, editors, illustrators and publishers, always aiming to make the design process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Alongside book design, I also create original illustrations and artwork, giving me the flexibility to develop supporting graphics, icons, decorative elements and other bespoke assets where a project calls for them.

If you're looking for an experienced children's book designer, I'd love to hear about your project!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ TESTIMONIAL ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Emma is wonderful to work with - she poured a huge amount of skill and care into the book and delivered draft PDFs and final files to us on time and to a very high standard. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her!”

- Frances E Deputy Editor at Buster Books