Lorna Murphy - Designer
Children's book illustrator specialist for over 10 years/ all-genre book cover designer based in UK and Spain.
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Overview
I'm a professional illustrator/book cover designer/indie-publisher specialising in children's books. I graduated with an MA at Cambridge School of Art in the UK and have been a freelancer since for over 10 years. In that time, I've worked with both commercial and independent clients worldwide to create illustrations and book covers that stand out from the crowd for both fiction and non-fiction titles.
So:
...have you written a great story for young readers that you want to bring to life in a full-colour illustrated picture book?
Or perhaps your story is for slightly more advanced readers: an early reader or chapter book and you need a great cover and illustrations for each chapter?
Or maybe you've written a novel in another genre and you want something different for your cover to make it stand out in the listings. A hand-rendered illustrated cover might be just what it needs.
Or perhaps you just need some guidance on your story, creating a picture book or the whole self-publishing process.
Whatever your project, whatever stage you are at - with my knowledge and experience, I can help.
I will guide you through the process from original idea to finished book if required or any stage in-between.
We'll be in constant contact throughout our collaboration and together we'll create a book you can really be proud of, and can't wait to share on book launch day.
So:
...have you written a great story for young readers that you want to bring to life in a full-colour illustrated picture book?
Or perhaps your story is for slightly more advanced readers: an early reader or chapter book and you need a great cover and illustrations for each chapter?
Or maybe you've written a novel in another genre and you want something different for your cover to make it stand out in the listings. A hand-rendered illustrated cover might be just what it needs.
Or perhaps you just need some guidance on your story, creating a picture book or the whole self-publishing process.
Whatever your project, whatever stage you are at - with my knowledge and experience, I can help.
I will guide you through the process from original idea to finished book if required or any stage in-between.
We'll be in constant contact throughout our collaboration and together we'll create a book you can really be proud of, and can't wait to share on book launch day.
Services
Languages
English
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Middle Grade
Mystery & Crime
Picture Books
Romance
Thriller & Suspense
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Children's - Non-fiction
Certifications
- BA Illustration
- HND Graphic Design
- MA Childrens Book Illustration
Work experience
freelance illustrator / designer
Home
July, 2011
–
Present
(about 9 years)
Over the years I’ve been a librarian, artist, writer, picture book critique-r, book designer, published illustrator, indie-publisher and award winner - I think it’s fair to say: I know books! For almost a decade, I have been helping indie-publishers around the world create beautiful books they can be proud of and their readers love. Though I specialise in children’s book illustration, I also design covers for all genres. Every project is unique with all designs tailored specifically to your needs.
Portfolio (13 selected works)
Who's Stu?
Lorna Murphy
When old Snake laughs at Stu for not knowing what colour he is, Stu feels so silly. So he turns to his friends to help him find out and learns so much more along the way. A book about friendship and identity for young readers.
Eddie the Careful Cat
Lorna Murphy
When fearless cat Eddie has yet another accident he decides enough is enough. No more adventures for him!. But what exactly does a daredevil like Eddie do when he can’t be daring? A fun picture book for all ages.
Norman Snodgrass is an unlikely hero. Clumsy and overweight, he spends his time trying to avoid being teased by his Poggle classmates. When he loses the school pet, Norman reluctantly sets off to find Spong inside the strange Green Planet where rocks move and insects do the weirdest things.Along the way, he meets a mysterious Professor and discovers that deadly perils threaten his world. Soon,... read more
Spirit Quest (The Legend of Skyco Book 1)
Jennifer Frick-Ruppert, Lorna Murphy
Skyco, an Algonquin boy, is heir to the great chief Menatonon, but he has much to learn before he can take his place within the tribe. He studies with the shaman Roncommock, who teaches him how to enter the spirit world and communicate with spirits and other animals, while he also learns practical skills of hunting, fishing, and starting a fire from other men in his village. But learning to th... read more
Cora ROMhat
Elaine Abrol
A 13- year-old alien on a secret mission. Robots from another planet. Talking dogs. A kidnapping. A poop-eating bin lorry. An ice-cream man who thinks he's a pirate. A bonkers mice-obsessed granny. The local zoo. Put them together and what have you got? The sci-fi helter-skelter story of Cora ROMhat who comes to Earth seeking revenge but who finds herself in the middle of a dangerous adventure... read more
Tales of Deserts and Demons
Faiz Kermani
HONORABLE MENTION (YOUNG READER CATEGORY) IN THE READER VIEWS LITERARY AWARDS. In the hostile environment of the ancient deserts, magic still exerts its power over mankind. In these three Arabian nights-inspired tales, travellers find themselves at the mercy of the dangerous demons that hide in these barren expanses. Enter an enchanted world of fate, fear, fortune and foolishness.
To Catch a Butterfly
T. M. Payne
Stevie Buchanan's family has a secret.Catherine Stone has a secret.Stevie knows nothing. Catherine knows everything.Set between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, this is the story of an innocent life thrown into the deep.When their worlds collide and the real truth is laid bare, no one could have imagined how very dark the secret really is.As Stevie grows from a curious little girl into a stron... read more
My Family
Ceri Kerrison-Perfect
Not all families have a Mummy and Daddy. Jacks family is different. He wants to tell you about his family and about all the other kinds of family there are.
Maisie's Mountain
Lorna Murphy
Maisie loves things and just can't stop collecting them. Very soon she'll run out of room to put them. What will happen then? A humorous bedtime tale for younger readers about having too much stuff. Do you have a little hoarder in your family? Then read on..
Flying Alan: The Listen Lesson
Hardman, Andy, Murphy, Lorna
The Springboard Book
Lorna Murphy
Poo! What IS That Smell?: Everything You Need to Know About the Five Senses (Science Sorted)
Lorna Murphy, Glenn Murphy
Poo! What is That Smell?
My Last Summer On The Moon
Sung-Jin Kang
It's the summer of 2058 and Austin Larson is on the runway at Casablanca Spaceport. He thinks he's heading for a very ordinary few weeks visiting his father on the Moon. But even though Lunar City is no playground for a thirteen year-old, friendship, adventure and life-changing discovery await... My Last Summer on the Moon is a sci-fi, coming-of-age adventure. A story of discovery set in the n... read more
Lorna has 4 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I can't say enough about Lorna Murphy. The communication was excellent! The illustrations were excellent! Formatting was excellent! She went above and beyond to help me with my first book and was an incredible experience. I hope to use her talent again in the future. Thank You so much Lorna.
Terry Bushey, August 2020
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Reply from Lorna Murphy
It would be my pleasure to work with Lorna Murphy on any project. She is very professional, yet personable. Lorna has great insight and brings an emotional approach to her work that was perfect for my children's book. The little nuances, such as Lily's room and her little dog - using nature to reflect the mood, etc., is quite extraordinary. She also went to great lengths and a great deal of (u...
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Carol Winner, October 2019
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Reply from Lorna Murphy
I’m absolutely delighted with the illustration that Lorna has produced and she has been a delight to work with. Really appreciated the honest advice and her patience with me as a first-time publisher. Thanks again Lorna.
Sue Bough, June 2018
Reply from Lorna Murphy
Lorna is very skilled and talented, and I enjoyed working with her.
Dayna Anderson, August 2017
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