Steve O Connell

Steve O Connell – Designer

I'm an award-winning graphic designer with over 13 years experience, specialising in book cover and editorial design.

Overview

Hi, I'm Steve, an award-winning graphic designer specialising in book cover and editorial design. I have over 13 years experience working with leading publishers and design studios in the UK and Ireland. My work is contemporary, eye-catching and conceptually-driven; and is underpinned by an in-depth knowledge of typography, expertise in illustration and extensive experience of production processes.


I love to collaborate closely with authors, publishers and artists, and believe that great design comes from a deep understanding of the content of a book, coupled with a strong concept and beautiful execution. I can apply my skills to a diverse range of genres, from fiction to non-fiction and illustrated titles. I'm passionate about books and the art of storytelling, and would love to help you bring your project to life. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions or ideas.

Services
Non-Fiction
Art Biographies & Memoirs Design History Philosophy
Fiction
Literary Fiction Plays & Screenplays
Languages
English
Awards
  • 100 Archive, 13 Selections
  • IDI Awards, Finalist
  • ICAD Awards, Commended
  • Typographica, Favourites
Certifications
  • First Class Honours, BA Visual Communication

Work experience

Thames & Hudson

Dec, 2022 — Present
Cover and Jackets Designer with Thames & Hudson, specialising in non-fiction titles, across the art, history, design, popular culture and academic lists.

Mal Journal

Dec, 2018 — Dec, 2021 (about 3 years)
An award-winning literary journal which partnered with Barbican Centre, Tate Modern and Serpentine Galleries, amongst others.

Self-employed

Jun, 2016 — Present
Specialising in book cover and editorial design, I have worked with a diverse range of clients including publishers, art galleries, film production studios, dating apps and charities.

HENI Publishing

Jan, 2015 — Jun, 2016 (over 1 year)
A boutique art publisher, based in London, where I was lead designer on a range of artists’ monographs and biographies.

Portfolio

Cover Design
Cover Design
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Fernando Vicente

Vicente, Fernando

Cover Design Book Interior Design
Cover Design
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Cover Design Book Interior Design
Cover Design

Steve has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Charles N.

Charles N.

Mar, 2025

Pinned
I had the pleasure of working with Steve for the cover of my novel, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. From the very beginning, he was professional, attentive, and truly understood the vision I had in mind. He took my ideas and elevated them, delivering a design that perfectly captures th...
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Steve O.
Thank you, Charles! I look forward to working together again.
Christopher J. W.

Christopher J. W.

Apr, 2025

Steve is a highly competant, creative and throughly professional. When looking for a book designer (including cover design and book formatting) among the thousands on Reedsy, I wanted above all else to find someone with whom I could build a sense of partnership in my project and our collaboration...
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Steve O.
Thanks, Chris! It's been a pleasure working with you.
Richard M.

Richard M.

May, 2024

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Steve, from start to finish he has been professional, prompt and helpful. As agreed, Steve presented me with a first round of designs - all of which could have been the final product - but when there were queries and requests, he was open to the changes, l...
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Steve O.
Thanks, Richard! It’s been a pleasure collaborating with you.

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