Leo Hartas

Leo Hartas – Designer

I am an experienced illustrator of children's and fantasy books. I am friendly, efficient and offer design and professional quality art.

Overview

My work has been published in over a dozen countries. My books The Apartment Book and Haunted Castle are regarded as children's classics. I illustrated the two middle grade series Adventure Island and Sam Silver. I also worked on the Tweenies books for BBC Worldwide. I have worked for many children's magazines including Horrible Histories and Scoop. I also enjoy illustrating fantasy and illustrated the original Dragon Warriors RPG games and the Fighting Fantasy series of game books. I also specialise in creating illustrated maps for fiction and non-fiction.


My clients include, amongst many others: Dorling Kindersley, Random House, Fickling Books, Puffin Books, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Walker Books, Orion Children's Books, Templar, Tango Books, Ilex Press, Award Publications, Parragon, Harper Collins.


I worked in-house for a year at Walker Books which gave me an inside knowledge of how the traditional publishing industry works. More recently I have been working on a series of self-published books with my co-writer, Amanda Boulter, about the adventures of a Viking boy and his dog, Little Moose and Wolfie. We have also built a personalised children's book website where customers can personalise books online and have a unique beautifully printed book sent to them. These experiences have given me an understanding of the process of self-publishing from the initial concept through to design, production, publishing, advertising and marketing.


I am fluent in traditional media, digital art and desktop publishing. I was brought up on the South coast of England and now live in Tintagel in Cornwall, of King Arthur fame.


I find inspiration in exploring the beautiful coastline and secret coves. Occasionally I also enjoy dressing up as a Dark Ages warrior and running around a field in Devon. (LARPing)

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Fantasy Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English
Awards
  • Macmillan Children's Books
Certifications
  • Master of Arts Illustration and Editorial Design Distinction
  • BA Hons Illustration 1st Class

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 1983 — Present

Portfolio

How to become an Undercover Pirate...1) Have a pirate captain as your ancient ancestor2) Find a message in a bottle and a magic gold doubloon3) Get whisked back in time to join a pirate crew4)... read more
Illustration
Apartment Book

Leo Hartas

Illustrates a day in the life of an apartment building by showing activities going on in different units at various times between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.
Illustration
Put yourself at the heart of the story… War is brewing between the kingdoms of Sidonia and Glorianne, a war waged for control of the territories of the New World. Galleons laden with gold ply ... read more
Illustration
When the famous whistling caves fall silent and treasure goes missing from the castle on the cliffs, Scott, Jack, Emily and Drift the dog try to solve the mystery.
Illustration
Little Moose and his dog Wolfie are having fun and loving life!This unique book contains over 45 delightful black and white drawings and inspirational sayings that will appeal to everyone from... read more
Illustration
In this heart-warming tale, a lost little mouse finds love, friendship and family for Christmas. A lovely rhyming story with beautiful illustrations and a classic feel. The story begins ... re... read more
Illustration
Haunted Castle

Leo Hartas

Young readers are in for the fright of their lives as they help Jodie and Johnny search for their Uncle Barnaby in the monster-filled halls of Grizzlemyst Castle, but only one symbol path lead... read more
Illustration

Leo has 16 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Gordon B.

Gordon B.

Aug, 2024

Nothing but praise for Leo. His artwork was exactly what I wanted. He consulted and contributed to our project. I have no hesitation in recommending him and have high hopes of working with him again.
Stuart O.

Stuart O.

Aug, 2024

Leo was great to work with. He was faster than I expected and his feedback was excellent. I am very happy with the final result and will definitely use Leo for future projects.
Susan B.

Susan B.

Jul, 2024

Leo was professional as always.
nicole S.

nicole S.

Jun, 2024

Our collab hasn't quite ended yet but I didn't want to wait and have this time out. Leo has been so great to work with so far. He created a map for me and will be doing the formatting as well! Very happy so far!!!
Rhonwen S.

Rhonwen S.

May, 2024

It's been a great pleasure working with Leo. The cover he designed for my book is wonderful - just perfect for the genre and better I could ever have imagined. Everyone I have shown it to has given positive feedback and I'm sure it will be a great asset for attracting the attention of potential customers. As a beginner in self-publishing, I really appreciated Leo's calm and reassuring approac...
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