Natasha MacKenzie - Designer
A coffee addicted book designer helping authors and publishers bring their stories to life! Go on, judge a book by it's cover...
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Overview
Hi! My name is Nat - originally from Canada but finding my way around the industrial streets of Manchester -
I absolutely love designing book covers. I've been art directing and designing eye-catching book covers across a range of genres, for the past five years. My work has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Spine Magazine, and I have been honoured to design the covers for some award winning books.Before I became a book designer, I studied graphic design and upon obtaining my degree I went back to complete my Masters in Publishing with UAL in London. My love of books (and of reading!) is what pushes me to keep developing my skills as an artist. I care about the stories I design for – without them I would not be able to do what it is I do. Every great design, begins with an even better story.
Having such an eclectic design background and skill set - creating and implementing region wide marketing campaigns, working with established and new companies to develop brand identity, and designing book covers across a range of genres - has allowed me to create not only stunning, but effective work for my clients be they publishing houses or self-published authors. I am able to look at design from a multitude of angles ensuring that what you get is not only a striking piece of art, it will fit perfectly within your market and be a complete embodiment of your work, and of you.
I could not imagine doing anything else, and because of that I genuinely put everything I can into my work. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with Q's, ideas, or just a chat! I look forward to chatting with you about your story, and how I can bring it to life.
Services
Languages
English
Fiction
Action & Adventure
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult
Certifications
- Masters in Publishing
- Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design & Illustration
Awards
- 2007, 3rd Place Emerging Designer Award, WCFW
- 2009, Best Design Award, WCFW
Work experience
Book Designer & Illustrator
Self-employed
May, 2017
–
Present
(almost 6 years)
As a book designer, I design fiction covers that are not only striking and eye catching, but are truly representative of the authors work. Working on illustrated titles I take ownership for all stages of the design process, from initial concept through to page layout, image profiling and manipulation, to preparation and final handover to production.
Art Director
Self-employed
April, 2015
–
April, 2019
(about 4 years)
Pretty & Inked Magazine is an alternative lifestyle and tattoo magazine based out of North America. I was responsible for overseeing each issue released from initial concept to final print production and distribution, and everything in-between. I managed a staff of 5 while commissioning writers, photographers and designers to assist with completion. My role also involved market research, project management, photo shoot design, budget and cost analysis, print and distribution, as well as networking and negotiation.
Lead Graphic Designer
Promoworx
March, 2013
–
October, 2016
(over 3 years)
As a lead graphic designer, I created effective, striking and intelligent design work within a limited time frame. Working with various companies across a broad range of industries, and across the UK, I assisted in the overall development and production of their brand. With a specialisation in brand development, I worked with numerous start ups helping them release their companies overall identity, fine tuning their brand guidelines. I have worked on a multitude of projects from small scale, such as business cards and promo materials, to large scale, such as poster print, vehicle wraps, and cross country campaigns.
Portfolio (8 selected works)
The Devouring Gray
Christine Lynn Herman
For fans of Stranger Things, Riverdale and The Raven Cycle. Can a group of teenagers hold back the otherworldly horror that stalks the woods? On the edge of town a beast haunts the woods, trapped in the Gray, its bonds loosening... Uprooted from the city, Violet Saunders doesn’t have much hope of fitting in at her new school in Four Paths, a town almost buried in the woodlands of rural New Yor... read more
The War in the Dark
Nick Setchfield
A genre-defying page turner that fuses thriller and speculative fiction with dark fantasy in a hidden world in the heart of Cold War Europe.Europe. 1963. And the true Cold War is fought on the borders of this world, at the edges of the light.When the assassination of a traitor trading with the enemy goes terribly wrong, British Intelligence agent Christopher Winter must flee London. In a tense... read more
The Spider Dance
Nick Setchfield
A genre-defying page turner that fuses thriller and speculative fiction with dark fantasy in a hidden world in the heart of Cold War Europe. THE TRUE COLD WAR IS FOUGHT ON THE BORDERS OF THIS WORLD, AT THE EDGES OF THE LIGHT. It’s 1965 and Christopher Winter is trying to carve a new life, a new identity, beyond his days in British Intelligence. Recruited by London’s gangland he now finds himse... read more
Green Valley
Louis Greenberg
Chilling near-future SF for fans of Black Mirror and True Detective. When Lucie Sterling’s niece is abducted, she knows it won’t be easy to find answers. Stanton is no ordinary city: invasive digital technology has been banned, by public vote. No surveillance state, no shadowy companies holding databases of information on private citizens, no phones tracking their every move. Only one place st... read more
DC Comics novels - Batman
Christa Faust, Gary Phillips
Adapting what may be the most popular of graphic novels, by the edgy Hard Case Crime author, adding layers and exploring the nature of morality. A tragic, unnamed engineer-turned-criminal is immersed in chemicals that disfigure him bizarrely, driving him mad and thus giving birth to the Joker. While the insane criminal is imprisoned, Batman and Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) patrol Gotham City toget... read more
Firefly
Nancy Holder, James Lovegrove
The first original novel tying into the critically acclaimed and much-missed Firefly series from creator Joss Whedon.The Battle of Serenity Valley was the turning point that led the Independents to their defeat at the hands of the Alliance. Yet the Browncoats had held the valley for weeks against all odds, before being ordered to lay down their arms. Command stated they refused to send in airp... read more
DC Comics novels - Harley Quinn: Mad Love
Paul Dini, Pat Cadigan
The definitive story of Harley Quinn by her co-creator, Paul Dini, and Pat Cadigan, revealing the secrets of her history even as she seeks to kill Batman.When she was only seven years old, Harleen Quinzel witnessed her father being beaten up by thugs, and then arrested by the police. That night she ran away to the safest place she could think of: Coney Island amusement park. But there, pursued... read more
Strange Ink
Gary Kemble
Spine-chilling horror in the vein of Joe Hill. After moving into a new house, journalist Harry Hendrick wakes up with tattoos that aren’t his... When washed-up journalist Harry Hendrick wakes one morning with a hangover and a strange symbol tattooed on his neck, he shrugs it off as a bad night out. But soon more tattoos appear: grisly, violent images which come accompanied by horrific nightmar... read more
Natasha has 69 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
This is my third collaboration with Natasha. Every time she is insightful, sensitive to my requests, and creative. I am so fortunate that I found her to design my covers. I highly recommend her!
Tanya Ross, March 2023
Nat is absolutely fantastic to work with. She is always willing to answer questions and help in any way. But most of all she is so passionate about her work and yours. She takes into account so much information to make sure she is creating something you love for something you've worked hard for.
Eleanor MacLachlan, February 2023
There is no one else I rather have as my book designer than Nat. She is absolutely amazing! I love her ideas and seeing my creations come to life with her work. She is second to none!
Emily Whelly, January 2023
She always knocks it out of the park. Repeat customer.
Roy Done, December 2022
Working with Natasha has been a pure joy--my 5th book designed by her magical hands releases tomorrow and I'd be nowhere without her talent and artistic eye, not to mention Natasha's kindness and professionalism.
If you need a cover designer that truly gets it and understands the needs of an indie author, Natasha is the one!
Dixon Reuel, November 2022
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