George Stevens

George Stevens – Designer

Highly experienced and award-winning book designer. I specialize in non-fiction covers and layouts.

Overview

I'm a dad, husband, and an award-winning book designer with 15 years of industry experience. I spent twelve years building and leading the design team of a publisher of business, entrepreneurial, and self-help books. In 2019, I began working for myself, serving clients in need of publishing, branding, and general design services.

I have designed hundreds of covers, layouts, and interior graphics over the years, covering just about any subject. My work has appeared all over the world—in book stores, on television, and even once projected on the side of the Chrysler Building. I've designed books of just about any kind you can imagine, including:

• Business
• Memoirs
• Motivational
• Fiction / novels
• Kids books

Working with me guarantees two things: a low stress experience and a stellar product. I pride myself in being a creative partner, not just a creative resource. In my experience, empathy is the most important ingredient in a successful designer-client relationship, so I make sure to embrace the goals of every project I take on.

When not designing, I'm playing guitar or mandolin out on the Charleston, SC music scene. I'm also an avid runner, a happy husband, and father to a beautiful daughter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly can you design my book?

A: I'm a big believer in momentum and pacing, but publishing projects need to be given adequate time for iteration, fine-tuning, and quality assurance. To that end, my standard is to allow 3-6 weeks for an individual cover or layout design project, and 6-10 weeks for a full book design that comprises both. These are general estimates; your project will receive its own timing estimate based on your needs and the nature of the project.

Q: When I work with you, what will be asked of me?

The most successful projects are always a collaborative effort. Of course, you can depend on me for creative execution and project management. I welcome and encourage steady communication, and I will lean on you for opinions and direction as needed.

Q: How do you arrive at your rates?

I estimate every project uniquely, as no two book projects are the same. My rate is reflective of my 15+ years experience in the book design industry, and the depth of personalized support and management that I bring to my projects. If you are seeking a quick, transactional collaboration I am likely not your best bet. With me, you are investing in someone who will work at a steady pace to generate quality design, communicate quickly and thoroughly, answer your questions, address sudden needs that might arise, and provide a high-value experience that will encourage you to confidently go forth and publish!

Q: How soon might you be able to start on my project?

I typically schedule projects 1-2 months in advance of kickoff. However, I can occasionally start sooner, so don't hesitate to ask if you're working against a specific deadline.

Q: What's your favorite joke?

I read a great book on the process of drying out grapes. It was all about raisin awareness.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Health & Wellbeing Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English
Works with
Squarespace
Awards
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Book Design (2015)
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Book Design (2016)
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Book Design (2018)
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Book Design (2019)
  • AMA Spark Award: Best Logo Design (2019)

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2019 — Present

I own and operate my own freelance practice, specializing in book design, branding design, and general print graphic design.

Advantage | ForbesBooks

Nov, 2007 — Sep, 2019 (almost 12 years)

I served as a graphic designer and eventual creative director for this leading publisher of business and self-help titles.

George has 25 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Sheila B.

Sheila B.

May, 2023

George was great to work with! I had never done this before he was great at providing options and guidance!
George S.
Thank you Sheila, it was a pleasure working with you!
Kirkland J.

Kirkland J.

Mar, 2023

I can't say enough about how much George Stevens helped me in the development of my book. George is a brilliant designer who will bring your vision to life via his inspired and professional design of both the cover and the interior pages of your book. And unlike many other designers, George will stay with you every step of the way, helping you to perfect your work of art and turn it into a mast...
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George S.
Jeff, thanks so much for the kind words. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the collaboration, and am proud to have helped you share your expertise with a market that needs it! Congratulations on ...
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kim D.

kim D.

Feb, 2023

My first book turned out to be complicated -- (I don't do simple) -- and required a designer who could create an experience with the text, graphics, and instructions that felt doable. What I ask of my reader is to change -- and the book layout needed to make the reader feel it is possible. George understood the deliverable. Accessible. Instructional. Engaging. Striking. George and I worked coll...
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George S.
Kim! What a privilege it was to work on this book. You are a testament to a successful process, because YOU made the book design better by being collaborative, engaged, and recognizing your importa...
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Mary H.

Mary H.

Nov, 2022

Working with George was a joy. He's extremely creative and designed a cover that I'm very proud of. He's patient, communicates quickly, and listened carefully to my thoughts, producing a beautiful cover. He also formatted my book, which I never could have done by myself. When the pictures that I'd sent electronically weren't clear enough, I sent the originals to him. He scanned them and made s...
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George S.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Mary. Your project was very special to me and I feel lucky to have been a part of it. Your book is on my coffee table! Hope we are able to celebrate your succe...
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Scott J.

Scott J.

Oct, 2022

George nailed it. He has an excellent process, listened to all of my inputs and preferences, and his "first draft" was 99.99% of what I was looking for. Fantastic artist.
George S.
Thank you Scott -- it was an absolute pleasure to work on your project and you were a great collaborator!