Stephanie Drake

Stephanie Drake – Designer

Passionate children's book designer and illustrator, dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Let's create magic!

Overview

Hi! I'm Stephanie, and I’m here to help bring your children’s book to life. I’m passionate about creating engaging and beautiful picture books.


Whether you have a clear idea or need some guidance, we can work together on everything from storyline and characters to illustrations and design. As a Children's Book Designer with experience across sticker books, picture books, novelty books, and more, I can bring your vision to life with the right typography, artwork, and design to make it stand out.


Beyond design, I also offer art direction, helping to find the perfect illustration style for your story and ensuring everything aligns beautifully. If you already have illustrations, let's look and how to incorporate them seamlessly into the design.


When it’s time to print, I’ll make sure everything meets your printer’s specs so you can easily upload files and get one step closer to holding your book in hand.


If you're ready to get started, reach out! Let’s make an amazing book together!


I've recently had some time out to welcome the newest addition to our family, baby Jasper, but now I'm back and happy to get started on some lovely new books.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Languages
English
Certifications
  • Ba(Hons) Fine Art - Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

Work experience

Wonderbly

Jul, 2022 — Present

As a children’s book producer at Wonderbly, I’m part of the Story Studio team, creating personalised books that delight children and adults alike. I work closely with writers, editors, and designers to bring unique stories to life. I also manage timelines and budgets to keep projects on track, handling any production challenges along the way.

Freelance

Jul, 2020 — Present

I provide freelance design support to anyone looking to bring their ideas or publications to life through tailored design solutions and illustrative support.

Igloo books

Jan, 2015 — Jul, 2020 (over 5 years)

Role: I worked as a Senior Designer within the Children’s Book department of a mass-market publisher.

I project-managed the creation of children's books within the team, ensuring materials were produced to high design quality and technical accuracy and meet schedule deadlines.

My design input was from the initial concept, and illustrative commissioning through to print ready files. Working closely with authors and illustrators to produce impactful cover design, page interiors, and project packaging. I verified files were technically accurate during all stages of production to produce professional industry-standard publications.

The titles I worked on are available in retail stores both in the UK and across the globe.

Inspirational Playgrounds

Jan, 2013 — Jan, 2015 (about 2 years)

Role: I designed a comprehensive range of education products for games, interactive signs, murals, and classroom furniture that inspired learning through play.

I produced the concepts, original illustrations, and product design for primary and nursery school resources for UK education settings.

Stitch -Mi- Lane

Jan, 2012 — Jan, 2013 (about 1 year)

Role: I designed and marketed a garment range focusing on the bicycle commuter sector.

I worked on design and product development of a range of textiles and garments.

Portfolio

Do Dogs Dream: Cha-Cha Explores the Wonderful World of Art

Peppers, Kandace

Waller Williams Publishing, LLC

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
The Height Of Friendship

Searle, Adam D

Wide Awake Books

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Magpie and Penguin: The Big Switch

Kemp, Lisa

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
The Birthday Party: A Cool Kids Book

Koons, Marissa

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Empty

Potvin, Richard

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Penguinville: Come Find Yourself

Palmisano, Joe

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Bird Hide

Higges, Geoffrey

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Goodbye Mother Bear: FARADAY BEAR & FRIENDS

Searle, Adam D.

Wide Awake Books

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Cayden John Dinosaur: Responding to Your Name

Parra, Brittany

Brittany Parra Design

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
My Frenchie & Me Postcards from Paris

Menneke, Michelle

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Made with Reedsy
Trick or Treat: A Cool Kids Halloween

Koons, Marissa

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
The Nativity

The Nativity

Cover Design Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Typography Book Interior Design Production Management

Stephanie has 28 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Laila H.

Laila H.

Jul, 2023

This was my second time working with Stephanie and it was an even better experience than the first time. She designed the best cover I could've ever imagined. She managed to turn my vague ideas into an amazing cover. She was so helpful the whole time. I have no complaints. I recommend Stephanie to anyone who is publishing their book for the first time, because she will guide you through the who...
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Brittany P.

Brittany P.

Nov, 2022

Working with Stephanie on my very first Children's book was a dream! From the beginning stages all the way to the final message was such a pleasant exchange with clear communication and questions that brought to light every detail of my vision for the illustrations. Stephanie not only captured my hopes for every page, she read the story herself and understood what needed to happen visually to...
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Amra S.

Amra S.

May, 2022

Stephanie's professionalism made it extremely easy to work with her. She brought my vision to life! I hope to continue on future projects with her. Being a first time author, Stephanie went above and beyond providing me valuable information.
Alicia J P.

Alicia J P.

Mar, 2022

This is the 5th or 6th time I have worked with Stephanie, she is awesome!
Michael A.

Michael A.

Mar, 2022

Stephanie was an absolute pleasure to work with! She was very detailed and communicative. She was open throughout the entire process and even provided guidance in publication. Her work is vibrant and active. She has a unique art style and can really bring your vision alive. I cannot say enough about how I enjoyed my working relationship with Stephanie.

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