Fiona Barden

Fiona Barden – Designer

A published children's illustrator with a bright and bold graphic style. I love bringing that extra fun spark to your characters.

Overview

When you work with me, you're getting a dedicated and creative partner for your children's illustration needs. With a rich background in bringing stories to life through captivating visuals, I'll infuse your projects with a strong, unique graphic style, combining bold colors and expressive characters. My previous experience in creating books for Kidsbooks Publishing, Really Decent Books, Little Hippo Books and iSeek Creative ensures age-appropriate designs. I'm adaptable, professional, and always open to collaboration, making your vision come to life seamlessly.

I live on the outskirts of the National Forest, in Staffordshire, UK. When I'm not drawing or creating colourful characters, I can usually be found wandering amongst the trees or walking by the river with my 2 border collies. I find the closeness to nature a constant source of inspiration for my illustrations.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2014 — Present
Freelance illustrator and designer working within children's publishing, art licensing and small business branding. Publishing clients include Little Hippo Books, Really Decent Books, iSeek Creative and Kidsbooks Publishing.

Burton and South Derbyshire College

Jan, 2007 — May, 2014 (over 7 years)
Working within a vibrant Brand and Communications Department designing high impact marketing materials for internal and external communications. Lead designer on redesign of the College logo and the subsequent re-branding exercise inc. college website. Liaison with print agencies providing print ready artwork and ensuring print was delivered to schedule. Providing art direction and project management on outsourced materials. Pivotal team member in marketing campaigns, most notably Winner of the national FE First Awards Best 14-19 Student Marketing Campaign 2008.

Staffordshire Libraries

Mar, 2002 — Nov, 2007 (over 5 years)
Working within the Children's Services team I got to see the books that were popular with the children themselves (and their parents!). This has really helped me to see what makes a successful, eye-catching book.

Portfolio

Chasing Fireflies: French Edition

Nicole, Jordyn

PENELOPE PUBLISHING LLC

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Chasing Fireflies: Spanish Edition

Nicole, Jordyn

Penelope Publishing LLC

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration
Made with Reedsy
Sometimes

Farrell, Lori

Cover Design Illustration

Fiona has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Brentford M.

Brentford M.

Oct, 2025

Thankful! I am so thankful I chose Fiona. This was my first children's book. I was afraid I would be a pain in the butt to Fiona, because I had no earthly idea what I was doing in hiring an illustrator. All I knew was, I needed one. Fiona not only listened to me, she HEARD me. She is soooo patien...
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Fiona B.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute joy bringing your story to life, and I truly appreciate the trust you placed in me. Collaborating with you and bringing your characters to ...
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Yasmin L.

Yasmin L.

Sep, 2025

Fiona has been excellent to work with—always responsive and proactive. She asked insightful questions and raised thoughtful considerations that I hadn’t even thought of, which really strengthened the design. From the very beginning, her communication was clear and collaborative, and she consisten...
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Sylvia M.

Sylvia M.

Nov, 2024

This was my first time editing an illustrated book. Fiona was an absolute delight to work with. I loved watching my words come to life through her drawings. ❤️
Fiona B.
Sylvia was a pleasure to work with and I loved helping make her book a reality.
Lori F.

Lori F.

May, 2024

Working with Fiona was such a great experience! She was helpful, thorough and so very talented. I cannot Wait to work with her again!!!

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