Gareth Southwell - Designer
Experienced book illustrator and designer specialising in humour and satire, offering illustration, typsetting and cover design.
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Overview
I'm an experienced illustrator, book designer and writer from the UK. I've been freelance since around 2003, during which time I've worked for a number of high profile clients, providing illustrations for books (covers and interior pages), magazines, websites and other media. I'm also a traditionally published author of popular philosophy (occasionally also providing illustrations for publishers of my own books) and a self-published writer of fiction, so I understand the publishing and book production process from all sides.
I don't use stock photos, and my covers usually incorporate some form of illustration. I also offer book formatting (both print and ebook) and interior design, and I'm happy to provide free advice on blurb writing, book marketing, author platform, and other book-related matters.
Whether you are a self-published author or a fellow industry professional, I'll try to accommodate your budget. Please get in touch to tell me about your book and to chat about your requirements.
I don't use stock photos, and my covers usually incorporate some form of illustration. I also offer book formatting (both print and ebook) and interior design, and I'm happy to provide free advice on blurb writing, book marketing, author platform, and other book-related matters.
Whether you are a self-published author or a fellow industry professional, I'll try to accommodate your budget. Please get in touch to tell me about your book and to chat about your requirements.
Services
Languages
English
Fiction
Cozy Mysteries
Humor & Comedy
Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Education & Reference
Philosophy
Political Science & Current Affairs
Psychology
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Work experience
Freelance Illustrator and Writer
Self-employed
November, 2003
–
Present
(about 18 years)
Portfolio (19 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
Money Bags
Browne, Michael G.
Bronx Dharma: A Street Level View of Zen Buddhism
Duvinsky, Jerry
Cracking the Quantum Mystery
Seabrook, Garry
MUNKi (Merrywhile Book 2)
Southwell, Gareth J.
Pale Kings (Merrywhile Book 1)
Southwell, Gareth J.
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
Virtue (A Short(ish) Guide to Moral Philosophy Book 1)
Southwell, Gareth
Descartes's Dog: Animals, Machines, and the Problem of Other Minds
Southwell, Gareth
Gareth has 17 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Gareth is a star. I love his drawing style - just look at the covers of “Cocktails & Kicktails” - and his book design turned my simple attempt into something vibrant and appealing so that people’s reaction on opening the book is a really positive one. It was great fun working with him on the drawings as he tuned in perfectly to my sense of humour. He’d take my initial ideas and rather than fol...
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Hugh Stewart, December 2021
Reply from Gareth Southwell
Gareth is very knowledgeable in his field and professional in his work. We've had a smooth collaborate and a fruitful one. I'm very pleased with Gareth's work and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him as a cover and interior book designer.
Garry Seabrook, December 2021
Reply from Gareth Southwell
Working with Gareth was a pleasure. Not only is he an amazing artist, but he also gives solid advice and keeps you informed all the way. His process is thorough, flexible and I am thrilled with the results.
Clive Ashborn, August 2021
Reply from Gareth Southwell
Outstanding collaboration again, what an artist, designer, human being, a delight to work with and dripping with great ideas.
Michael Browne, August 2021
Reply from Gareth Southwell
Gareth did a really amazing job illustrating the cover of my book/journal. He took the time to ensure I was involved every step of the way, from the planning stage to the revisions. I truly felt looked after and he made the process of creating a book cover so enjoyable and stress free!
Thank you so much! I will definitely work with you again in any future projects!
Janine Baquir, June 2021
Reply from Gareth Southwell
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