Rachel Lawston - Designer
London, United Kingdom
I provide creative freelance design and illustration for publishers and independent authors with a friendly and flexible approach.
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Overview
My name is Rachel Lawston, and I am a book designer!
I graduated in Graphic Design Communications, from the University of Creative Arts in 2005. Upon graduating, I was invited to present my work at the D&AD New Blood Exhibition. Since then I have worked with publishing houses, design agencies, best-selling authors and charities that are close to my heart.
I work with Penguin Random House, Carlton Books, HarperCollins and Bonnier Publishing to name a few. Rising to the challenge of designing books and commissioning artwork for amazing authors like Terry Pratchett, John Boyne and Malorie Blackman are some of my biggest accomplishments.
I am also an experienced licensed properties designer, working with successful brands such as Game of Thrones, Hello Kitty, Bing! and Kazoops!
I have a talent for bringing a concept to life, helping it to burst from the page and capture the imagination of readers and booksellers. I have experience in working in a variety of formats, including activity, gift, picture books, fiction, packaging and custom publishing. I always make sure that my projects are delivered on time and within budget.
You will get much more than just a designer when you ask me to work with you. You'll have all the benefits of my experience, understanding of brand management, post-production and project management, plus you'll get a personal touch that means I can really get to the heart of your concept.
Your book matters to me. I don't charge for consultations or advice. If you would like to have a chat about something you're working on please get in touch!
Services
Languages
English
Fiction
Children's - Middle Grade
Children's Picture Books
Fantasy
Humor & Comedy
Literature
Science Fiction
Young Adult & Teen
Non-Fiction
Children's Books (Non-Fiction)
Certifications
- University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester BA Hons, Graphic Design Communications, 2:1
- South Downs College Foundation Diploma, Art & Design
- South Downs College BTEC GNVQ, Advanced Art and Design, Merit
Awards
- D&AD New Blood Exhibition in 2005
Work experience
Senior Freelance Designer
Self-employed
June, 2014
–
Present
(over 4 years)
I offer freelance creative design services to book publishers, independent authors, charities and social media sites.
Services include:
• Design for fiction, young fiction and YA (including interiors of illustrated and non-illustrated)
• Design for illustrated non-fiction
• Design for picture books, activity, licensing, novelty and gift books
• Design for backlist, new media and custom
• Project management
• Commissioning and briefing illustrators
• Author and series branding (including brand guidelines)
• Marketing design
Senior Designer (Temporary Contract)
Quarto Publishing
July, 2014
–
January, 2015
(6 months)
I worked across a variety of publishing formats including: illustrated non-fiction, illustrated fiction, activity, and picture books.
Key responsibilities included: managing and designing a range of creative projects from conception through to production and checking files post production. I was responsible for commissioning and overseeing both illustrators and freelance designers, as well as liaising with a number of internal departments to guide projects to a high standard of completion on time and to budget.
I supported and gave guidance to two Assistant Designers and a Designer.
Fiction Designer
Penguin Random House UK Children's Division
May, 2011
–
June, 2014
(about 3 years)
I worked across a variety of publishing formats including: fiction, non-fiction, activity, gift, picture books, licensing and custom.
Additional responsibilities included: assisting the picture book, licensing and publicity department. I was a member of the Charity Committee and a qualified First Aider.
Additional responsibilities:
• Assisting the picture book and licensing departments
• I was a member of the Charity Committee and a qualified First Aider
• Assisting the publicity department with events
Freelance Fiction Designer
Penguin Random House UK Children's Division (was Random House Children’s Publishers UK)
March, 2011
–
May, 2011
(3 months)
I worked on the Mrs Pepperpot brand and other fiction titles.
Junior Designer
Templar Publishing
August, 2008
–
July, 2009
(11 months)
I worked across a large variety of publishing formats including: activity, gift, storybook novelty, picture books, non-fiction and custom with particular focus on the younger
age group.
Freelance Designer
Orchard Books, Hachette UK
June, 2008
–
August, 2008
(2 months)
I worked on the Rainbow Magic Fairies brand and other fiction titles.
Assistant Designer to the Executive Art Director
Walker Books
April, 2007
–
June, 2008
(about 1 year)
I worked across a large variety of publishing formats including: activity, gift, picture books, fiction, non-fiction, and custom with particular focus on the younger age group.
Junior Designer
PMDC, The Paul Martin Design Company
January, 2006
–
April, 2007
(about 1 year)
Brand development, visual identity, visual communication, print, literature and
packaging design
Portfolio (69 selected works)
Game of Thrones Mask: White Walker
Steve Wintercroft
Game of Thrones Mask: The House Lannister Lion
Wintercroft
Game of Thrones Mask: The House Targaryen Dragon
Steve Wintercroft
The Yellow Room
Jess Vallance
If you receive a letter telling you your father has died, what do you do? Anna's father left when she was very young and Anna, now 16, is living with her ambitious, unemotional, scientist mother. Then she receives a letter from her father's current girlfriend, Edie, with some shocking news: her father has died. Edie would like to meet Anna because she has something for her from her father. Ann... read more
Johnny and the Dead (The Johnny Maxwell Trilogy)
Terry Pratchett
The second hilarious fantasy novel about Johnny Maxwell from master storyteller Terry Pratchett. Sell the cemetery? Over their dead bodies. Not many people can see the dead (not many would want to). Twelve-year-old Johnny Maxwell can. And he's got bad news for them: the council want to sell the cemetery as a building site. But the dead have learnt a thing or two from Johnny. They're not going ... read more
JOHNNY AND THE BOMB
TERRY PRATCHETT
Johnny And The Bomb by Pratchett, Terry
Only You Can Save Mankind (Johnny Maxwell)
Terry Pratchett
The first of Terry Pratchett's terrific fantasy novels starring Johnny Maxwell. IF NOT YOU, WHO ELSE? As the mighty alien fleet from the very latest computer game thunders across the computer screen, Johnny prepares to blow them into the usual million pieces. And they send him a message: We surrender. They're not supposed to do that! They're supposed to die. And computer joysticks don't have '... read more
Noughts & Crosses (Noughts and Crosses)
Malorie Blackman
Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society.Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Cr... read more
Knife Edge (Noughts and Crosses)
Malorie Blackman
This thought-provoking and often provocative look at racism is a sequel to the award-winning Noughts & Crosses.For fourteen years, Sephy, a singer, struggles to raise her mixed-race child in an apartheid society, telling Callie Rose very little about her father, and trying to make her mark in the music business where she also has to deal with prejudice. But suddenly and dramatically, Callie di... read more
Checkmate (Noughts & Crosses Trilogy)
Malorie Blackman
Can the future ever erase the past? Rose has a Cross mother and a Nought father in a society where the pale-skinned Noughts are treated as inferiors and those with dual heritage face a life-long battle against deep-rooted prejudices. Sephy, her mother, has told Rose virtually nothing about her father, but as Rose grows up she becomes determined to find out more about her parentage. As Rose tak... read more
Trust Me
Malorie Blackman
A classic Mrs. Pepperpot story, specially abridged, in a beautifully illustrated picture book format. Mrs Pepperpot has a problem -- a huge problem -- she shrinks! And when she shrinks she finds herself in all sorts of trouble. Mrs Pepperpot is determined to practise her swimming, so when all the village children go for a picnic in the mountains she goes to the pool in the wood. But disaster s... read more
Mrs. Pepperpot Stories
Alf Proysen
Book by Alf Proysen
Kissing Booth
A travel sized edition that presents the first five "Where's Wally?" books.
The Aliens Are Coming!
Colin McNaughton
Kids' favorite Colin McNaughton returns with another wild and wacky extraterrestrial tale, suitably featured in a planet-shaped book."They come from planets near and far — Some big, some small, some quite bizarre."Moving at the speed of light and looking for a fight, the aliens are back — but this time they're coming to Earth to conquer the human race! With his zany rhymes and sidesplitting il... read more
Boys Don't Cry
Malorie Blackman
In Boys Don't Cry, bestselling author Malorie Blackman explores the unchartered territory of teenage fatherhood. You're waiting for the postman - he's bringing your A level results. University, a career as a journalist - a glittering future lies ahead. But when the doorbell rings it's your old girlfriend; and she's carrying a baby. Your baby. You're happy to look after it, just for an hour or ... read more
The Noble Conflict
Malorie Blackman
Reissued with a stunning new cover, this is the perfect introduction to this bestselling series for new readers. He tilted the machine on to its side, holding up his nose with the throttle, and commenced to slip wing-tip first towards the ground. Whether he was over British or German territory he neither knew nor cared; he had to get on to the ground or be burnt alive.This is the story of the ... read more
Reissued with a stunning new cover, this is the perfect introduction to this bestselling series for new readers. 'Well if you want trouble you can have it!' grated Biggles through set teeth. 'See how you like this!'In the later stages of the First World War Biggles and his fellow fliers have to use all their wit and skill to stay ahead of the German fighters so determined to bring them down.
Strat and Chatto
Jan Mark
This is a brilliantly comic tale by a multi-award-winning author.Chatto's a cat with a mouse problem. Strat's a rat with a house problem. But with friends in places high and low and a devious plan all of his own, Strat has the solution to both these problems. All he needs are a few bats, cockroaches, silverfish and a toad! This wild, cumulative tale is full of verbal and visual delights, as we... read more
Where's Wally? The Solid Gold Collection
Martin Handford
Wow! Five fantastic "Where's Wally?" titles and a sticker book in one sumptuous slipcase. Featuring the first five bestselling "Where's Wally?" adventures: "Where's Wally?", "Where's Wally Now?", "Where's Wally? The Fantastic Journey", "Where's Wally? In Hollywood" and "Where's Wally? The Wonder Book". Plus "Where's Wally? The Fabulous Flying Carpets Sticker Book", with over 250 stickers and a... read more
Princess Poppy: Let's Dance!
Janey Louise Jones
It's time for the Honeypot Hill Talent Contest! Poppy and Honey are so excited, but among the many acts, how will Poppy stand out? Can Grandpa and a new banjo-playing boy help Poppy to wow the judges and dance her way to a win? Featuring a brand new family, the Blooms, amazing acts and dazzling dance routines, this new Princess Poppy story is perfect for tiny dancers everywhere!
Kezzie at War
Theresa Breslin
Two touching, remarkable stories of hope featuring a brave, indomitable girl named Kezzie, from critically-acclaimed author Theresa Breslin. During the 1930s Depression in Scotland, Kezzie and her young sister Lucy are luckier than most. Following their father's death, they manage to stay together and live on the little work Kezzie and Grandad are able to find. But life turns sour when Lucy go... read more
Fall Guy
Liz Reinhardt
Double Clutch (A Brenna Blixen Novel)
Liz Reinhardt
Junk Miles (a Brenna Blixen Novel)
Liz Reinhardt
Reissued with a stunning new cover, this is the perfect introduction to this bestselling series for new readers. Algy turned a trifle pale and shook his head. 'For God's sake be careful,' he whispered tersely. 'They'll shoot you like a dog if they spot what you're doing.'While on leave Biggles is mistaken for someone else. He thinks little of it at the time, but when headquarters find out they... read more
Julian's Glorious Summer
Ann Cameron
Tiger Tells All
Ann Cameron
See the world through a dog's eyes - and nose! Tiger loves his Human family, especially his Boy, Huey. But whenever he tries to speak to them, all they can hear is "YERF!" Poor Tiger can never get his point across - even when he has very important things to say. About eating Dad's socks, chasing squirrels ...or saving Fiona the Cat!
We're going on a Bear Hunt, Book, Board Game and DVD based on the award winning classic picture book, ideal for up to 6 players. DVD story is narrated by Emilia Fox and Kevin Whately. Going on a bear
Mrs Pepperpot Minds the Baby
Alf Proysen
Mrs. Pepperpot has a problem—a huge problem—she shrinks! And when she shrinks she finds herself in all sorts of trouble. When Mrs. Pepperpot agrees to mind baby Roger from next door, she doesn't know that she's going to shrink. How can she look after him when she's only as tall as a pepperpot? Baby Roger thinks she's a doll and jiggles and joggles her and throws her high in the air. Will Mrs. ... read more
A hilarious new middle grade story from the author of Billie Templar's War. How do you make yourself heard in the midst of chaos? Anthony Button loves his big family, but their noise can drive him crazy. And with the arrival of a brand-new older brother, it's worse than ever! So Ant starts a silent protest to try and get everyone's attention. But now he's pressed the mute button, will he ever ... read more
Slow Twitch (a Brenna Blixen Novel)
Liz Reinhardt
A fresh cover and reissue of one of the original and classic Pepperpot compilations. Mrs Pepperpot never knows when she's going to shrink to the size of a kitchen pepperpot, and it's usually at the most inconvenient moments! But being small can be a lot of fun too -- Mrs Pepperpot will meet the little people in the Magic Wood, be taught to swim by a frog, and even sit on a mouse's back! A comp... read more
Mrs Pepperpot to the Rescue and Other Stories
Alf Proysen
Mrs Pepperpot is as busy as always, and mindful that she is likely to shrink to the size of a Pepperpot at any time. She doesn't know when or where it might happen but she can be sure she'll have an incredible adventure. A compilation of twelve stories including: Mrs Pepperport to the Rescue; Mrs Pepperpot on the Warpath; The Nature Lesson; The Shoemaker's Doll; Mrs Pepperpot is Taken for a Wi... read more
Banana Spaghetti (Julian & Huey)
Ann Cameron
Huey has a bright idea!Huey wants to surprise his mum on Mother's Day, so he invents banana spaghetti. It takes a bit of help from Dad to get it right, but Huey is determined to show everyone that he is just as clever as his big brother, Julian. And when Huey beats his fear of the dark, he proves he is just as brave too.
Gold Rush
Jordan Lynde
When hot, talented, uber-famous boy band Gold enroll at the prestigious Oakwood Academy, Iris is determined not to get distracted. She's class president and a scholarship student, and she can't let her grades drop. Besides, there are plenty of other girls who are desperate to get close to Gold - including Iris's best friend, Chloe.But on their first day at Oakwood, Iris is asked to show Gold a... read more
The Adventures of the New Cut Gang
Philip Pullman
Bradley Wiggins: My Story
Bradley Wiggins
Stay Where You Are And Then Leave
God Beneath the Sea
Leon Garfield, Edward Blishen
Leon Garfield and Edward Blishen retell some of the most famous Greek myths in this classic of children's literature. Winner of the Carnegie Medal. This is the epic history of the Greek Gods told from their violent beginnings to the creation of man.
Karaoke, Praise the Lord
Amanda Wilson
Have you ever had one of those days when you’re convinced everything is just a horrible dream and in a few moments you’ll wake up? That's exactly how Pastor Haley Brown felt when she was told she was going to be setting up a church in the middle of a housing estate, whose residents main place of worship was the local pub and where the karaoke song sheet was their bible. But as the Bible states... read more
Game of Thrones Mask: The House Stark Direwolf
Wintercroft
Mother Tongue
Julie Mayhew
If you leave home, is your heart left behind? Darya Ivanova is looking forward to September. She has looked after her little sister, Nika, since she was a baby. Now Nika is starting school. Maybe Darya can find a job with her own tidy desk. Perhaps even a boyfriend. But when an unimaginable tragedy strikes, Darya's life plans are fractured. Stalled. She is afraid. What if she never knows real ... read more
Rachel has 6 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Communication
This is my second time working with Rachel and she was just as excellent as the first time. She completed the work early and to a very high standard. I've had great feedback from readers on my book's cover and the whole process was easy and fun. If you're new to indie publishing and you want a cover that really stands out Rachel is a great professional to work with.
Read moreDavid Macpherson, August 2018
Working with Rachel has been excellent. She is the first professional I worked with using Reedsy and the whole process has been great. She replied quickly to my quote request and we followed this up with a phone conversation where she explained her working style and her vision for the project. Through a couple of changes in direction, she was very patient with me and also quick to reply to ques...
Read moreDavid Macpherson, April 2018
Rachel has been a pleasure to work with. She did an amazing job of taking information about the story and creating a cover that has impressed all those involved with my book. Communication is timely, and on more than one occasion she provided materials ahead of schedule. The marketing materials are fabulous and I'm excited to begin sharing them. I would highly recommend Rachel to anyone else se...
Read moreChristina Enquist, October 2017
Thank you so much Christina!
Reply from Rachel Lawston
Working with Rachel was an absolute pleasure. She was willing to work with me until the project was perfect! I would totally recommend her to anyone in need of design services.
Read moreBrianna Crump, May 2017
Rachel has an excellent approach to design and tirelessly worked to ensure that the end result was to a high standard. She has a very good eye for layout, and produced a ready-for-publication hardback, paperback, kindle and ePub, indistinguishable from books available from major publishing houses. Rachel maintained a highly professional, yet very approachable manner. Her offer was competitive ...
Read moreBryce Fegan, April 2017
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