Gemma Steward – Designer

I have worked on a variety of different formats including activity books and kits, novelty (flaps, plush, pop-ups, wheels) and picture books. More recently I have worked within non-fiction as a designer on a series of Lift-the flap books. I have now completed over 40 titles across this range. I have also worked on several titles for an educational publisher.

I have many years experience in briefing/commissioning illustrators and working closely with editors and agents. I take pride in creating design layouts with concise, informative briefs and I enjoy sharing ideas and developing projects with the talented illustrators, authors and editors I am given the opportunity to collaborate with.

I am a fast, creative problem solver and I have experience of working to tight deadlines. I love to sketch out scamps as part of the briefing process, conducting picture research and balancing text with imagery in the very early stages so that ideas can be discussed, tweaked and refined before an illustrator is briefed. I am always on hand for further direction and guidance once a brief is delivered. Once colour artwork is received, I am adept at making necessary adjustments, with the ability to mimic many art styles for alterations. I have a good attention to detail for creating Acrobat print ready files with knowledge of also how to supply dielines or any secondary processes.

I am fully set up in my home studio but I live a commutable distance to London for hybrid roles, part-time in-house cover or one-off meetings.