Marie O'Shepherd

Marie O'Shepherd – Designer

Senior Art Director & Book Designer of illustrated/photographic books including bestsellers. Specialising in non-fiction and cookbooks.

Overview

Senior graphic designer, art director, and food aficionado, I have directed and designed more than 50 titles including MasterChef Green and bestselling Chefs at Home, which featured lockdown recipes from the UK's leading chefs including Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.

I design a broad range of non-fiction books with a speciality in cookery - oh yes I eat very well! I create timeless interiors and eye-catching covers, perfectly tailored to the target market and brief. My design-style is versatile and I dive into each new project with fresh eyes and enthusiasm.

Having worked in-house at Bloomsbury UK for 5+ years I am skilled at ensuring book covers and interiors are equally striking for international markets. The majority of my books have been translated into multiple languages and successfully sold internationally under the same design.

As an art director I commission the most exciting creatives in the industry including photographers, illustrators, food and prop stylists. I believe in forging strong creative teams, as this makes for formidable ingenuity.


I work closely with each client to make sure you get a product and service you are entirely happy with, and as stress-free as possible! If you need me I'd love to hear from you, and I always bring edible treats (if in-person!)
Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits DIY & Crafts Education & Reference ELT Health & Wellbeing Home & Garden Nature
Languages
English
Certifications
  • Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication, London College of Communication
  • MA Arabic & Middle East Studies, University of Edinburgh
  • PGCE+QTS Qualified Secondary School English Teacher
  • CELTA Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2021 — Present

Absolute Press/Bloomsbury Absolute

Dec, 2015 — Mar, 2021 (about 5 years)

Managing the design workflow, art directing all titles and designing the majority of our books, managing the junior designer.

Lexis English, Byron Bay, Australia

Oct, 2013 — Aug, 2015 (almost 2 years)

Highly proficient language teacher - this experience gives me great skill in designing educational resources. I designed all my own resources and left for future teachers.

Evelyn Grace Academy

Jul, 2011 — Jul, 2013 (about 2 years)

English teacher and debating coach - I designed many resources from scratch for future students and teachers to make use of.

Self-employed

Sep, 2009 — Dec, 2015 (about 6 years)

Print design, book design, logo design, websites.

Marie has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lizzy S.

Lizzy S.

Oct, 2022

Marie was lovely to work with and held my project to an excellent standard-I never worried that this would not turn out beautifully or professionally. She was flexible and prompt and definitely had a personal touch. Would definitely work with her again.
Regina T.

Regina T.

Dec, 2021

This is the second time I have worked with Marie. She is a joy to work with and a real creative talent!
George M.

George M.

Oct, 2021

Marie continues to be a big help with this project. Being my first book I needed some extra hand holding so to speak. Marie is the consummate professional in so many ways. I will definitely work with her again on future manuscripts.
Marie O.
Thank you George, a brilliant client and a joy to work with! Hopefully we can work together in future. Best of luck with publication.
Regina T.

Regina T.

Aug, 2021

Working with Marie was fabulous! Talented, easy to work with, timely, accessible, I can't say enough good things about her! I will definitely be visiting her again when I work on book 2!
Marie O.
Thank you Regina, what kind words. It's been a pleasure, you've been such a great client. I'd love to work with you again - here's to book 2!