Mandy Norman - Designer
London, United Kingdom
A children's book designer, specialising in fiction and non-fiction. I have over 20 years experience, with a safe pair of hands and big ears
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Overview
I've been a children's book designer for over twenty years, working on a variety of different genres, including fiction, non-fiction and licensed character brands such as Winnie-The-Pooh, Thomas the Tank Engine and Roald Dahl.
I design anything from book covers to text layouts, marketing materials and branding. As well as creating images using photography and typography, I have also worked with and art directed many illustrators over the years, including David Roberts, Ross Collins and Mark Beech. My publishing clients have included Penguin Random House, Editions Didier, Hinkler, Faber & Faber, Quercus, Egmont and Harper Collins. However, most importantly, I've worked with individuals to help realise their book projects, guiding them from the manuscript stage through to final product, which is both satisfying and exciting. See the Extraordinary Exploding Frog below as an example.
Producing your book for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, as you navigate the terminology and stages, but I would be glad to help you through this process, keeping to both budgets and schedules and listening to your requirements, hence my reference to a safe pair of hands and big ears!
Languages
English
Fiction
Adventure
Children's - Middle Grade
Children's Picture Books
Classics
Comics & Graphic Novels
Crime & Mystery
Historical Fiction
Literature
Non-Fiction
Calendars
Children's Books (Non-Fiction)
Work experience
Art Director and Designer
Self-employed
July, 2005
–
Present
(over 13 years)
My publishing clients have included Penguin Random House, Editions Didier, Hinkler, Faber & Faber, Quercus, Egmont and Harper Collins.
I've also worked with and art directed many illustrators over the years, including David Roberts, Ross Collins and Mark Beech to name but a few.
Portfolio (12 selected works)
Spartacus Spartacus was one of the most iconic and unusual figures of the history of the Roman empire. He fought back against the Roman system of slavery, and inspired thousands of other slaves to join him and rebel. This narrative biography gets deep into the gripping and dramatic chain of events. Full description
Put Out the Light
Terry Deary
Put Out The Light is a thrilling tale following the adventures of two groups of children during World War II.
Seven Sorcerers
Caro King
Nin had never liked Wednesdays, but this one took the biscuit. On this Wednesday she woke up to find that it was raining buckets and that her brother had ceased to exist. Nin realizes she is the only person to remember Toby because whoever took him is about to make her disappear too. Enter Skerridge the Bogeyman, who steals kids for Mr. Strood. With his spindle, he draws all memories of Nin ou... read more
The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones
Will Mabbitt
Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones
Nessie the Mannerless Monster
Ted Hughes
Peter the Penguin Pioneer
Daren King
Peter the Penguin Pioneer Fresh from a jungle trip, Peter, his exuberant assistant Punky and their friend Harold discover their beloved ice-skating rink has been over-populated with some dubious-looking penguins. Determined to weasel them out and return their rink to its former glory, Peter and Punky embark on an adventure...
Science Quest: Lost in Space
Dan Green
Be a hero! Create your own adventure to make your way safely home! When ground control sets you a thrilling mission, you're keen to rise to the challenge. Can you navigate through the solar system, solving planetary puzzles to find your way back home? Science Quest: Readers must use their problem-solving skills and scientific knowledge to navigate through four thrilling adventures, learning mo... read more
Maddigan's Fantasia
Margaret Mahy
In a time not far from our own, a colourful group of travellers braves the twisting, unpredictable landscape of a world trying to remake itself years after near-destruction. They are the magicians, clowns, trapeze artists and musicians of Maddigan's Fantasia, healing the injured land with wonder and laughter. When three mysterious children join the Fantasia - children with uncanny abilities an... read more
Maphead
Lesley Howarth
If you could go anywhere--do anything--where would you go? What would you do? This is the dilemma facing MapHead, a boy from a parallel dimension called the Subtle World. On his own without his father for the first time, he materializes in a parking garage in Rubytown. He is soon drawn to the Stamp family, for whom, he feels, he has a vital task to perform. But what? And how? Maphead quickly m... read more
Want to create dazzling DIY origami decorations? The Zap! Extra Pretty Origami Decorations is for you! Packed with everything you need to create nine simple origami models and turn them into incredible works of art, this kit contains a 48-page book with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, 50 sheets of patterned origami paper, 10 mini craft pegs and 10 metres (32 ft) of paper twine. A fan... read more
New and Collected Poems for Children
Carol Ann Duffy
Mandy has 1 review
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Communication
Mandy is absolutely marvellous! She is creative, attentive, patient, friendly, persistent, hard-working, knowledgeable and has very high standards. This is not surprising given that she is one of the top designers in publishing and has worked on many best-selling children’s books (She modest too!). In short, a total professional! Being an indie author can be a lonely journey, it has been a won...
Read moreGary HAQ, June 2018
Thanks ever so much Gary! This has put a smile on my face today. It was a pleasure to work with you too. I really enjoyed the project and wish it every success! I shall await book two.
Reply from Mandy Norman
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