Nikki Ellis

Nikki Ellis – Designer

Experienced book designer, specialising in non-fiction. 15 years designing for publishing houses worldwide, including Penguin and Chronicle.

Overview

I am a graphic designer specialising in book design and art direction. I have over 15 years experience in the publishing industry, creating books for publishers worldwide such as Penguin, Harper Collins, Chronicle, Quadrille and Hardie Grant Publishing.


I create striking covers and interiors page layouts for non fiction and illustrated books on a range of subjects including cookery, craft, fashion, wellbeing and humour.


The variety in the genres of the books I've worked on over the years, have ensured I don't have a formulaic design and I don't use the same font over and over again. Each one of my covers and interiors is bespoke, adapting to the brief and target audience. I have a keen eye for international design too, ensuring the vast majority of the books I design have been sold to international publishers all over the world and the design works successfully for the translated text.


I regularly commission a wide range of illustrators and photographers to collaborate on projects to ensure we create something unique. I have worked with some of the industries finest photographers in my capacity as an art director, assembling creative teams and providing moodboards with my vision.


Please get in touch if you would like to collaborate and create something special!

Services
Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Design DIY & Crafts Fashion & Textiles Home & Garden Nature Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English
Awards
  • British Book Design and Production Awards Finalist
  • Stationer's Award for Excellence
Certifications
  • MDes in Typography and Graphic Communication from Reading University

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2019 — Present

Origination and creation of book covers and interiors for publishing houses and self-publishers.

Quadrille Publishing

Aug, 2007 — Mar, 2020 (over 12 years)

Starting as a design assistant in 2007. Worked up to senior designer level, in charge of project managing and designing a range of varied non fiction books each season.

Portfolio

Leaf is a celebration of edible leaves in all their versatility. Purely in terms of flavor they offer immense variety – bitterness, pungency, pepper, citrus, sweetness. And visually leaves are a riot of color and texture – from the palest shades of white and y... read more
Superstitions have captured our imaginations for centuries but we are often unaware of where they came from and why. In her new book Superstition, Sally Coulthard explores the history and background of 50 of these fascinating cultural behaviours, how they affe... read more
Porridge is the new food trend on the block. It has become the ultimate canvas for creating imaginative, healthy recipes, packed full of flavour and topped with an abundance of superfoods. Here are over 50 recipes which take inspiration from around the world, ... read more
Be More Cat

Alison D.

Embrace your inner cat with this light-hearted self-help book. From living in the moment, trusting your sixth-sense instincts, to taking cat naps and even going feral, this book will show you how to benefit by unleashing your innate cattitude. Cats' ability to... read more
Most of us buy the same ingredients week in, week out, and cook the same old recipes. Cookery writer Claire Thomson wants to encourage people to ditch the boring chicken stir-fry and the all-too-predictable spaghetti, and enliven their cooking and eating.Clair... read more

Nikki has 18 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Chris W.

Chris W.

Apr, 2022

This is the second time I have worked with Nikki. She is an excellent designer, but also patient and kind. Thanks ever so much!
Steven S. W.

Steven S. W.

Oct, 2021

Nikki is a joy to work with.
Tony W.

Tony W.

Apr, 2021

The cover that Nikki has designed looks fab. It's simple, clean and effective, she's done a really great job. This project wasn't without its challenges as we played around within the colour limitations of printing through KDP, but Nikki rose to the task, and I appreciate her accommodating all my colour requests.
Audrey D.

Audrey D.

Feb, 2021

Nikki was extremely professional when it came to communication, knowledge, and most importantly her quality of work. She was easy to work with and very enthusiastic about our project. I will definitely hire Nikki again for my next book!
Nikki E.
Thanks so much Audrey, it was a pleasure working with you on your fabulous cookbook, and look forward to working together again. Best wishes Nikki
Liz P.

Liz P.

Sep, 2020

I've really enjoyed working with Nikki. She intuitively came up with a selection of good designs based on my initial ideas, which she's worked up to a cover I'm really pleased with. I can confidently put my book out into the world now. Her friendly and helpful approach made the process easier for me as this is my first time publishing a book. I would definitely recommend her and would use her a...
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