Josh Tufts

Josh Tufts – Designer

Illustrator for MG and YA publishing with a passion for captivating characters and emotionally driven narrative storytelling.

Overview

Professional designer and illustrator, Josh is a commercial artist from Ohio with skills in 2D and 3D design. Notable clientele include FX, Elevate Pictures, Llewellyn Worldwide Publishing, Delta Airlines, and General Motors.

Emotionally driven human-interest stories, either on their own or elevated through fantasy, science-fiction, or through a historical lens are key ingredients that drive his storytelling.

His work has merited inclusion into Vol.25 Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Art, as well as winning the President’s Choice Award from the Florida Authors & Publishers Association (“Nel Adora and the Swamp Witch”). He has also been nominated for awards, such as the Carta Awards Best Tarot Deck for his illustrations for “Cirque du Tarot” by Leeza Robertson (Llewellyn Publishing).

When he’s not working, you’ll find him cooking, baking, or spoiling his dog.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Fantasy Middle Grade Short Story Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Art Children’s Non-Fiction
Languages
English
Awards
  • Florida Authors & Publishers Association President’s Choice Award (Upper Elementary Children’s Books) “Nel Adora and the Swamp Witch” (2022)
  • Carta Awards Nominee Best Tarot Deck “Cirque du Tarot” (2022)
  • Published in Spectrum 25 The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art Flesk Publications (2018)
Certifications
  • B.F.A in Illustration and Design from Columbus College of Art & Design (Magna Cum Laude)

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2016 — Present
Illustrator for the Middle Grade and Young Adult genres with experience in visual development for Film and TV. My professionalism, project management, and devotion to client satisfaction have consistently earned me 5 star reviews.

Llewellyn Publishing

Sep, 2020 — Dec, 2021 (over 1 year)
•Commissioned to illustrate 78 tarot cards •Worked directly with Editor and Author to develop informed illustrated concepts and refine accordingly •Cirque du Tarot quickly became a tarot sensation and was nominated in 2022 for “Best Tarot Deck” in the Carta Awards

Pawn Creative

Aug, 2018 — Dec, 2019 (over 1 year)
•Worked with FX to develop pre-visualization and preliminary storyboards for TV. Shows include It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (season 13), What We Do in the Shadows (seasons 1 and 2), Better Things, and Lil’ D •Developed initial sketches and boards using project briefs, swiftly acted on feedback from FX and art director to polish final concepts for presentation •High quality of work and swift response time led to me being a requested artist repeatedly by show producers

Elevate Pictures

Sep, 2017 — Aug, 2018 (11 months)
•Developed early storyboards for two short films while coordinating between producer and art directors •Created original character art, environment concepts, and poster illustrations. Produced artwork in a timely manner in a deadline oriented environment

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Jun, 2016 — Dec, 2017 (over 1 year)
•Illustrated a children’s educational activity book to nurture a love of local nature and developing environmental awareness •Planned project timeline, researched subject matter, demonstrated problem-solving in visual development and successfully justified conceptional and directional design to Art Director and Creative Director

Josh has 18 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tanner W.

Tanner W.

Mar, 2023

His art speaks for itself! Easy to work with and a great final product. Hire him!
Katrina L.

Katrina L.

Feb, 2023

Josh does a great job producing illustrations and working with changes.
Katrina L.

Katrina L.

Aug, 2022

Josh has always been pleasant and helpful which makes it so nice to work with him. He produces great work.
Harvey W.

Harvey W.

Feb, 2022

Josh was amazing every step of the way. I absolutely adore the finished product and would recommend him to anyone wanting a beautiful, one of a kind book cover!
Katrina L.

Katrina L.

Jan, 2022

Great work again!

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