Larsson McSwain

Larsson McSwain - Designer

New York, NY, USA

Book Designer and Illustrator specializing in Children's Publishing. Currently at Candlewick Press.

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Overview

I'm an artist originally from Shreveport, LA, currently living and working in Brooklyn, NY.

My art is fresh but familiar- reminiscent of something classic while never feeling stale. I am forever striving to push elegant simplicity through composition, shape, and color. Through illustration, I provide unique solutions that push and satisfy each project's specific needs. Bringing visuals to the written word is my strong suit.

I am currently a Designer at Candlewick Press working in children's publishing. There, I design book covers, interiors, and assorted materials to bring the book to life, visually. I am also a freelance illustrator. I am also a painter, doodler, and printmaker (to varying degrees of technical success).

Prior to Candlewick Press, I was a Designer at Random House Children's Books, a division of Penguin Random House.
Languages
English
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Literary Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Short Story
Themes & Motifs
Young Adult

Certifications

  • BFA Illustration - Ringling College of Art and Design

Awards

  • Society of Illustrators Student Competition 2016
  • Society of Illustrators Student Competition 2017
  • Illest of Illustration, Ringling College of Art and Design, FL 2016
  • President's Award: Best of Ringling 2016

Work experience

Designer

Candlewick Press
March, 2022 – Present (about 1 year)

Designer

Penguin Random House
August, 2020 – August, 2021 (about 1 year)

Freelance Designer

Penguin Random House
September, 2017 – August, 2020 (almost 3 years)

I work in Children's Publishing at Penguin Random House- specifically with Middle Grade, Paperbacks, and Young Adult. While I'm in the office, I design covers, interiors, and dust jackets.

Freelance Illustrator

Self-employed
May, 2017 – Present (almost 6 years)

Portfolio (8 selected works)

1-2-3 Scream!

Ginns, R. U., Espila, Javier

Snow Struck

Courage, Nick

Larsson has 1 review

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Esther Lawton
Larsson produced amazing work which really captured what I was looking for and had a life of its own as well. All the illustrations I requested were stunning, original and of very high quality. He really listens and adapts to feedback and communicated really well and respectfully throughout our collaboration. I couldn't recommend him more highly. Thank you Larsson!!

Esther Lawton, July 2018

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