James Pople - Designer
I am a non-fiction specialist, designing covers and layouts for photographic / illustrated books (reference, lifestyle, travel, pop culture)
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Overview
Based in Bristol, England, I have over 10 years of experience in the book publishing industry, and my portfolio spans many genres: art and design, history, reference, sport, music, archaeology, travel and more.
Designing covers and layouts for several large British publishers including Penguin Random House, Hachette, Quarto and Welbeck, as well as some independents and the occasional self-publisher, I have designed many non-fiction books from initial concept through to completion.
My favourite genres to work on are travel, food and drink and photography-led books, but I love to try new things, step out my comfort zone and explore diverse subject areas.
Outside of publishing, I produce material for small businesses, social enterprises and charities, often working with clients who focus on providing a positive social impact through their work.
My approach is to start every project with an open mind, research the subject well, and design books with a confident, bold use of colour, type and composition. I particularly enjoy adding the little details and applying those crucial finishing touches that really bring a book to life.
Designing covers and layouts for several large British publishers including Penguin Random House, Hachette, Quarto and Welbeck, as well as some independents and the occasional self-publisher, I have designed many non-fiction books from initial concept through to completion.
My favourite genres to work on are travel, food and drink and photography-led books, but I love to try new things, step out my comfort zone and explore diverse subject areas.
Outside of publishing, I produce material for small businesses, social enterprises and charities, often working with clients who focus on providing a positive social impact through their work.
My approach is to start every project with an open mind, research the subject well, and design books with a confident, bold use of colour, type and composition. I particularly enjoy adding the little details and applying those crucial finishing touches that really bring a book to life.
Services
Languages
English
Non-Fiction
Architecture
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Design
Entertainment
History
Photography
Sports & Outdoors
Travel
Work experience
Freelance Graphic Designer
Self-employed
October, 2016
–
Present
(about 6 years)
I design books for a variety of publishers, including Penguin Random House, Hachette, Quarto, Welbeck / Carlton, Eddison and Arcturus as well as some self-publishers.
Outside of publishing, I produce campaign material for Molly Scott Cato MEP (Green Party of England & Wales), SEO organisations such as Belu Water and Good Finance, along with branded content for start-up businesses.
Senior Art Editor
Carlton Books (now Welbeck Publishing)
January, 2011
–
July, 2016
(over 5 years)
I designed both book covers and layouts for a variety of non-fiction books for this independent publishing house. I worked predominantly across the reference and entertainment lists alongside editors, picture researchers and freelance creatives on subjects such as music, history, infographics, sport and popular culture.
Assistant Designer
Amberley Publishing
October, 2008
–
December, 2010
(about 2 years)
I worked initially as a graduate trainee after finishing University, before becoming an assistant to the main designer at this local history publisher. My responsibilities included cover design, typesetting and retouching of old photographs.
Portfolio (14 selected works)
London Craft Brewers Beers & Culture
Brad Evans, Jonny Garrett
Organized around London boroughs from North to South, East to West, every corner is full of hidden gems to discover. Find new favorite brews with descriptions of the best to taste at each location, and pairings notes to enjoy alongside food. Meticulously plotted and illustrated maps provide walking tour ideas to create the ultimate pub-crawl in each area. As well as the beer itself, this guide... read more
Unforgettable: Things to Do Before You Die
Clare Jones, Steve Watkins
In Unforgettable Things to Do Before You Die, two international travel writers and photographers draw on their years of experience to select their ultimate trips of a lifetime. This book will introduce you to a host of unusual and amazing activities to be done in fabulous destinations during a break of two weeks or less. Adventures include searching for pearls in Tahiti, dog-sledding through t... read more
Migration
Robin Cohen
While recognizing that distinctions between categories are often fuzzy, Migration covers many types of migrants including explorers, slaves, pilgrims, mineworkers, labourers, exiles, refugees, sex workers, students, tourists, retirees and expatriates. Cohen covers a long span of history and many regions and themes, giving context and colour to one of the most pressing issues of our time. The t... read more
Bruce Springsteen: The Stories Behind the Songs
Brian Hiatt
The legend of Bruce Springsteen may well outlast rock ’n’ roll itself. And for all the muscle and magic of his life-shaking concerts with the E Street Band, his legendary status comes down to the songs. He is an acknowledged master of music and lyrics, with decades of hits, from “Blinded by the Light” and “Born to Run” to “Hungry Heart,” “Dancing in the Dark,” and “The Rising.” In Bruce Spring... read more
With hundreds of incredible photographs, iconic album covers, and posters, History of Rock in the 1970s allows you to relive the greatest decade of music the world has ever seen in all its glory. Whether taking established genres to incredible places, or creating entirely new styles, the 1970s was undoubtedly the golden age of popular music, with supreme ingenuity and inspiration. What’s more,... read more
Tutankhamun: Egyptology's Greatest Discovery
Jaromir Malek
Tutankhamun puts the boy king's short life into context by describing and explaining the complexities of life in Ancient Egypt. Covering the work of earlier Egyptologists, it details the actual discovery and original expedition, drawing on the personal archives of Howard Carter himself. On 26 November 1922, Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. The world was entr... read more
Led Zeppelin: The Ultimate Collection
Chris Welch
This is the greatest tribute to the greatest rock band of all time. Led Zeppelin: The Ultimate Collection documents the incredible journey of four talented rockers on the path to musical glory, and reveals the stories behind all of their recordings. This weighty box set takes you closer than ever before to the heady days of the 1970s, with a deluxe illustrated book, a DVD, and 30 items of remo... read more
Get swept up in the beauty of our universe with this collection of spectacular images taken by today’s most powerful telescopes and orbiting probes. These breathtaking photographs both enthrall and inform as they capture the many wonders of outer space. Moving from the planets in our own solar system, to the Milky Way, to the far ends of the universe, it features images taken by Earth’s larges... read more
The Holocaust
Thomas Cussans
During the Holocaust, the Nazis systematically murdered more than six million Jews. This commemorative volume, published in association with Mémorial de la Shoah, France’s memorial museum on the Holocaust, strives to understand the historical context behind these unimaginable crimes. It extends from Jewish life before the Third Reich to the Allies' liberation of Europe, looking at the spread o... read more
Manchester City: The Official Illustrated History
David Clayton
Manchester City: The Official Illustrated History celebrates the illustrious history and modern dominance of one of English football's most storied teams. Few clubs can boast a story as dramatic and fascinating as Manchester City. This officially endorsed book, with the foreword written by manager Pep Guardiola, traces the club's history from its formation in 1880, the trials and tribulation o... read more
This informative work tells the story of the famous Liverpool musicians, from the band's formative days in Hamburg and Liverpool to the split in 1970. General Editor Brian Southall has gathered a team of experts to write about each era of the band's existence, examining what they were doing for each of their original 12 UK-release albums, from the simple, bouncy Please Please Me to the heavywe... read more
Geek Guide to Life
Mun Keat Looi (author) Colin Stuart (author)
Geek Guide to Life
Stats, Records & Rock 'n' Roll: Fine-Tuned Infographics to Rock Your World
Daniel Tatarsky, Ian Preece
A humorous, fascinating, and engrossing history of music told through 80 visually stunning infographics—the most popular information medium of the twenty-first century. Where does the money from Number One records go? What’s up with the “27 Club?” Which soundtrack composer won the most Oscars™? And how many records does a music fan listen to in a lifetime? With extensive research from around t... read more
Love video games? Here’s a huge countdown of the 100 greatest retro games of all time—along with developer interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and amazing facts and trivia! From platformers and puzzlers to shooters and racing games, this brilliantly illustrated book showcases the 100 greatest retro video games, as chosen by the experts at Retro Gamer magazine. It looks at everything from 8-... read more
James has 4 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I needed my photo quality to be improved, and James did a wonderful job increasing my photos’ resolution ! He was quick to respond to any of my concerns and was open to any changes I asked of the work.
Tumaris Hone, February 2022
Getting Maximum Bang For Your Bisques - this was my first book, so I was pretty green. I made a big mistake with the first designer I engaged. He sounded very good, and I liked his design, but he then proved completely inflexible. That was an expensive mistake. But, then I got lucky - I found James! Night and day!
It is impossible for me to praise James too highly. Massively creative, and star...
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Roger Mills, October 2021
I highly recommend James. His communication is prompt and consistent, and his work is superb. James provided me with cover options to choose from, all of which were of an excellent standard. James came up with creative ideas that I could visualise, and his cover provided me with a final product that I am proud of. James was adaptable to my deadline, which shifted slightly, and he supported me t...
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Neil Doherty, May 2021
It was a pleasure to work with James. He was able to get the cover done in record time as I was on a short deadline. The communication was great. He took the time to understand what I wanted to accomplish and he described in detail his work and kept me updated with the changes I requested. He had really creative ideas and I am really pleased with final product. I highly recommend him to an...
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John Bonilla, February 2021
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