Matt Straker

Matt Straker – Designer

Award-winning graphic designer, author and artist with 25+ years experience in cover design, layout, typography and illustration.

Overview

I’ve spent over 25 years in editorial design, working in fast-paced environments alongside writers, editors, and fellow designers. Visual storytelling has always been at the heart of my work, and I take pride in bringing clarity and impact to ideas.

I’ve art directed covers and interior designs for a wide range of subjects, including; current affairs, cookery, art, architecture, fashion, lifestyle, photography and sport.

Beyond designing and commissioning hundreds of covers, I’m equally passionate about page layout and typography, seeing it as an essential part of the reader’s experience.

In recent years, I’ve expanded my focus to children’s books, writing, illustrating, and designing stories for ages 2–10.

Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Design Economics Entertainment Photography Political Science & Current Affairs Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English
Awards
  • Award of Excellence, Portfolio European Newspaper Award
  • Award of Excellence, Visual Display European Newspaper Award
  • Award of Excellence, Special Pages European Newspaper Award
  • Award of Excellence, Inside Pages European Newspaper Award
  • Cover Design, Business & Trade, The Maggies
  • Best Cover Design, Interior Magazine, Magazine Publishers Awards
  • Designer of the Year, Urbis, Magazine Publishers Awards
  • Cover Design, Qantas Media Awards

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2019 — Present
I specialise in editorial design, including cover concepts, illustration and interior layouts.

Tate

Mar, 2018 — Jan, 2020 (almost 2 years)
At the Tate art galleries, I oversaw the design studio’s work for exhibition design and graphics, print design and corporate publications. We also worked on the brand guidelines, commercial projects and marketing campaigns.

The Guardian

Jun, 2012 — Oct, 2016 (over 4 years)
At The Guardian, I designed covers and interiors for ebooks, brochures, magazines and newspapers. I oversaw production of projects across both print and digital, taking responsibility from concept to delivery. I was also brand guardian for visual identities, leading on creative development and design consistency.

AGM

Jan, 2010 — May, 2012 (over 2 years)
At AGM, I art directed covers and interiors for architectural, landscape and design magazines. Working closely with editors and the production team, I led the overall creative direction for the company.

APN New Zealand

Jan, 2004 — Jan, 2010 (about 6 years)
At APN, I designed covers and interiors for magazines and newspapers as well as redesigning multiple titles across the company’s portfolio.

The Independent

Sep, 1997 — Nov, 2003 (about 6 years)
At The Independent, I designed hundreds of covers and interiors for magazines and newspapers. This work covered a wide range of topics, from art to travel to education and current affairs.

Portfolio

Wobbly Wilbur Learns To Fly

Straker, Matt

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
The Owl Called Jack

Straker, Matt

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
The Snowman Who Lost His Nose (And Found A Friend)

Straker, Matt

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Hang On!!!: A Christmas Story

Straker, Matt

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Not Sure

Straker, Jack

Independently published

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design
The Mystical Planet of Horses

Straker, Jack

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design

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