Francis Kenney

Francis Kenney – Designer

Designer with 20+ years of experience in creating fresh, witty jackets & interiors—designing a visual brand to bring your story to life.

Overview

Hello! I’m a book cover and interior designer with 20+ years in publishing, which basically means I’ve spent two decades turning blank pages into books people actually want to pick up. I’ve done it all, from sketching wild first ideas to polishing print-ready files that sail through production without a hiccup. Along the way I’ve learned the sweet spot between creative flair and market know-how — designs that look great, sell well, and make authors proud.

Working with me is collaborative, imaginative, and always focused on your vision. I’ll listen, throw in ideas you might not have considered, and keep things moving without the drama. Whether you want a sharp, witty jacket, a clean and stylish interior, or a full design makeover for your publishing list, I’ve got you covered. Expect good humour, quick turnarounds, and a designer who cares as much about your book as you do. If you’re nearby, coffee’s on me!

Services
Non-Fiction
Business & Management Education & Reference Political Science & Current Affairs Sociology
Languages
English
Awards
  • TAA Textbook Awards 2021, Most Promising New Textbook Award
  • TAA Textbook Awards 2017, Textbook Excellence Awarded for appearance and design.
  • British Book Design & Production Awards 2014 - Winner 'Best use of Cross Media'

Work experience

Sage Publishing

Dec, 2005 — Dec, 2024 (about 19 years)
Senior Design Lead and Art Director for SAGE's book and multimedia products.

Self-employed

Jan, 2005 — Present
I’m a communication designer and art director based in London, with over 20 years of experience in publishing. I create fresh, witty jackets and interiors—designing a visual brand that brings your story to life. Beyond the page, I’ve art-directed and animated hours of video marketing and data-driven graphics.

Portfolio

International Relations: Theories in Action

Zimmermann, Hubert

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Illustration
Racism and Media

Titley, Gavan

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Typography
Industrial Marketing

Fotiadis, Thomas

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Typography
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Consumer Activism: Promotional Culture and Resistance

Lekakis, Eleftheria J

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Typography
The New Marketing: How to Win in the Digital Age

Burgess, Cheryl

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Typography
Sustainable Marketing: A Holistic Approach

Peterson, Mark

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Illustration
Managing Events: Real Challenges, Real Outcomes

Quick, Liz

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
This is Sociology: A Short Introduction

Woodman, Dan

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Illustration
Sexualities and Society: An Introduction

Todd, Megan

SAGE Publications Ltd

Cover Design Illustration

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