Gareth Southwell - Designer
Swansea, UK
Experienced illustrator and published author specialising in hand-drawn/mixed media book illustration and cover design.
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Overview
I'm an experienced illustrator and writer based in the UK. I've been freelance since 2003, since when I've worked for a number of high profile clients, providing illustrations for books (covers and interior illustrations), magazines, and other media. I'm also a published author of popular philosophy (occasionally illustrating my own texts), so I understand the publishing and design process from both sides. I don't use stock photos, and all my covers start off as traditional, hand-drawn illustrations, which I then combine with digital methods to give a unique look that'll help your book stand out. Whether you are a self-published author or a fellow industry professional, I'll try to accommodate your budget. Please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements.
Services
Languages
English
Fiction
Classics
Cozy Mysteries
Humor & Comedy
Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Education & Reference
Philosophy
Political Science & Current Affairs
Self-help & Self-improvement
Work experience
Freelance Illustrator and Writer
Self-employed
November, 2003
–
Present
(about 16 years)
Portfolio (11 selected works)
Cricket's Greatest Rivalry
Simon Hughes
From the William Hill Award-Winning Author of A Lot of Hard Yakka comes Cricket's Greatest Rivalry: A History of the Ashes in 12 Matches by Simon Hughes.A fast-paced, distinctive history of the iconic, 137-year-old cricketing rivalry between England and Australia published in the year of back-to-back Ashes contests.No other sport has a fixture like the Ashes. From the early 1880s the rivalry b... read more
What Would Marx Do?
Gareth Southwell
Have you ever wondered what Kant might have to say about your addiction to social media? Or whether Plato would be able to help resolve your constant arguments about what to watch on TV? Or if Hobbes would agree to feed your pet hamster while you're away on holiday?When it comes to the really important questions, who better to ask than the greatest political minds in history, with What Would M... read more
A Beginner's Guide to Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil
Gareth Southwell
A concise and very readable summary of Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil, geared toward students embarking on their studies and general readers. It is an ideal companion for those new to the study of this challenging and often misunderstood classic. Offers clear explanations of the central themes and ideas, terminology, and arguments Includes a glossary of difficult terms as well as helpful bio... read more
What Would Keynes Do?
Tejvan Pettinger
Have you ever wondered what Adam Smith would have to say about you playing the lottery? Or whether Jeremy Bentham could cure your hangover (through economics)? Ever pondered over what Milton Friedman might get you for Christmas?By comparing and contrasting what the greatest economists of all time would have to say about 40 questions from your everyday life, What Would Keynes Do? will help you ... read more
What Would de Beauvoir Do
Tabi Jackson Gee, Freya Rose
Ever thought about what Tinder advice Naomi Wolf would give you?Ever wondered what Andrea Dworkin would think about your Brazilian wax? Or what Mary Wollstonecraft would think about the 'fairy-tale' weddings you're always invited to? Using 40 everyday questions and problems as springboards for exploring the theories and concepts of the greatest feminist theorists of all time, from the pioneeri... read more
What Would Freud Do?
Sarah Tomley
What Would Freud Do? uses the key ideas of more than 80 psychological thinkers, past and present, to shine new light onto today's everyday problems. Ever wondered what a great therapist like Freud or Jung would have to say about your horrible boss, your phone-checking addiction or an occasional wish to cheat on your partner? Ever wished someone would explain why you sometimes act like an idiot... read more
What Would Nietzsche Do?
Marcus Weeks
What Would Nietzsche Do? uses the key ideas of more than 80 philosophical thinkers, past and present, to shine new light onto today's everyday problems.Ever wondered if Schopenhauer could fix your broken heart? How Heraclitus might help you if you lost your phone? Given the chance, would Foucault leave the toilet seat up?With sections on Relationships, Self and Identity, How to Live, Art and A... read more
Philosophy: Key Themes
J. Baggini, G. Southwell
Philosophy: Key Themes is a beginner's guide to understanding and critiquing philosophical arguments. Each chapter introduces one of the major themes in philosophy. Baggini's approach combines explanation with summary while encouraging the reader to question the arguments and positions presented.
The Good Brexiteers Guide to English Lit
John Sutherland
What is Nigel Farage’s favorite novel? Why do Brexiteers love Sherlock Holmes? Is Philip Larkin the best Brexit poet ever? Through the politically relevant sideroad of English Literature, writ large, John Sutherland quarries the great literary minds of English history to assemble the ultimate reading list for Brexiteers. Brexit shook Britain to its roots and sent shockwaves across the world. B... read more
Gonzo Global Inc.
James Weitz
When Gonzo, a young and inexperienced Mexican businessman, comes up with a half-baked business plan to export Mexican tap water to the USA and sell it as a laxative, hilarity ensues. Will democratically enacted U.S. regulations help prevent a race to the bottom? Can Gonzo's wise and weary business-savvy uncle work behind the scenes to help avert disaster? (And what to put in a press release??)... read more
Defective for Hire: A Nigel Comedy Mystery
D. R. Lowrey
Half the town thinks Nigel is an imbecile; they learned it from the other half. But if he were to unravel a murderous scheme, might he rise to, say, moron status?Possible, but the townsfolk scoff at this Englishman who chose New Antigua, Texas for an “early semi-retirement.” Such things don't happen without a defect. But Nigel had a reason. His wife, Annie—policewoman, former marine, native Ne... read more
Gareth has 5 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
really great creative interpretation!
Ruby Peru, November 2019
Gareth Southwell really understood the project I was working on and had valuable insight into the market I was writing for. I'm very pleased with the final product he created and the collaboration effort was very smooth also. My thought when I saw my first mockup was, it sure pays to hire a professional. Highly recommended.
Lisa Sinervo, September 2019
After an in depth communication between myself and Gareth, I got the sense he really understood the direction this work needed to go. I was very pleased with the overall designs.
Timothy Baldwin, July 2019
I loved working with Gareth. He took my input, added his artistic skills and experience, and created a really fun and unique cover. I couldn't have asked for a better collaborator. I'll definitely be using him for future installments of this series.
David Lowrey, July 2019
I thought Gareth did a great job! He paid close attention to what I told him about my book (which was a lot!), gave clear and appropriate feedback, and worked with me to create a professional cover that was both tailored to my genre and story, and that would be sure to catch a viewer's eye and interest. Very satisfied in all respects and I highly recommend him.
James Court, June 2019
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