Leah Springate

Leah Springate – Designer

Award-winning Book Designer with ~20 years in-house experience. I approach design with originality, imagination and depth.

Overview

About Me:

I bring proven creative output and specialist design knowledge developed and strengthened over my nearly twenty years of experience working in-house in the Design department at Penguin Random House Canada.

In that time I designed books across all categories and imprints in a wide variety of genres—from complex cooking and lifestyle books to literary fiction; from biographies and memoirs to beautifully illustrated picture books—creating eye-catching, effective covers and thoughtfully crafted interiors.

Throughout my years in publishing, I acquired a thorough understanding of what it takes to succeed in an increasingly competitive and saturated marketplace.

My skills include:

• Mac-based Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Photoshop and InDesign)

• Typography

• Extensive experience in cover, jacket, and interior design, layout, and file preparation.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented when meeting deadlines and working within budgets

• Adaptable and thoughtful, with strong communication

Clarity and communication are key. I work with the client to establish the direction, message, and marketability of the project. A concise brief is the best tool to keep the project on track for a successful outcome. My ultimate goal is to fulfill the client's vision with a book that stands out on the shelf and exceeds expectations.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences
Fiction
Historical Mysteries Literary Fiction Picture Books Poetry
Languages
English
Awards
  • Alcuin Society Book Design Award, 2011
  • Alcuin Society Book Design Award, 2019
Certifications
  • AOCA, Ontario College of Art & Design
  • Certificate in Publishing, Ryerson University

Work experience

Penguin Random House Canada

May, 2007 — Aug, 2021 (over 14 years)
As an in-house designer I worked with briefs and manuscripts across the entire breadth of the company's many imprints to produce cover concepts and interior designs to the approval of all stakeholders. I implemented feedback from multiple departments to produce a final covers and interiors that met their specific goals. When required I directed photo shoots both in-studio and remotely. I hired illustrators, and gave direction and feedback from roughs through final art. I created maps, diagrams and illustrations for inclusion in books where required. I created final files to meet production requirements and deadlines.

Self-employed

Jan, 2023 — Present
Combining my years of experience in Book Design and my Printmaking practice honed over decades, I design and produce hand-printed, small-edition goods in my home studio for my private press, Mammoth Hall. For the freelance market I have designed art catalogues, exhibition posters, and collaborated with authors on poetry broadsides. In every case, it is my goal to provide the best visual solutions that are unique, creative, compelling; on time and on message.

Portfolio

A Generous Meal: Modern Recipes for Dinner

Flynn, Christine

Penguin Canada

Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
The Invisible Bear

Metzger, Cecile

Tundra Books

Book Interior Design
A New Leaf: Growing with My Garden

Simonds, Merilyn

Anchor Canada

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design
Folk

Mooney, Jacob McArthur

McClelland & Stewart

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Parasitic Oscillations: Poems

Anand, Madhur

McClelland & Stewart

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
The Dyzgraphxst

Lubrin, Canisia

McClelland & Stewart

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design

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