Talitha Shipman

Talitha Shipman – Designer

Experienced award-winning illustrator and designer. I can help with your next book concept!

Overview

I'm an author/illustrator and designer focusing on picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and board books. I also design book covers for all adult genres. I've worked collaboratively with authors, editors, and art directors from major publishers like Random House, Albert Whitman, PI Kids, and Little Brown to develop illustrations that bring manuscripts to life. Kirkus reviews describe my artwork as colorful, vibrant, and exuberant. I have over 15 years of professional experience working with self-publishers and traditional publishers. My experience as an illustrator and my graphic design knowledge make me an excellent choice for illustrating and designing your next book project.


If you're looking for an Art Director to take your project from start to finish and who has experience writing, editing, illustrating, and designing picture books, I'm a great choice! I'd love to partner with you to create an awesome picture book!


I can also design or illustrate your Adult, YA or Middle-Grade book cover.


PLEASE NOTE: Currently, I am not doing interior formatting for multichapter book projects. I'm focusing on cover design in all genres and interior design for picture books! Let me know if you have any questions!


TESTIMONIALS


“From crafting the manuscript to fine-tuning each spread of art, Talitha brought such a careful eye to this project, as well as unique perspective on every page. Her art is refreshing, bringing whimsical qualities to a grounded story for children.”

-Elizabeth Schleisman, Finding Beauty Editor, Beaming Books


"Talitha's art for Everybody Says Shalom was warm and joyful—and totally accessible for young children. The research required and the challenges of the book never fazed her; she was a delight to collaborate with."

-Leslie Kimmelman - Former Random House Editor


"Talitha was the perfect partner to help us design our children's book. She is a gifted designer with a great eye for detail, presentation and artistic symmetry. I believe Talitha's talents were a significant and meaningful contribution to the final outcome and can hardly wait to work with her again. I would highly recommend her!!" --


-LaRae Wright (Children Leading Children)


"I have worked with Talitha a number of times now and I will continue to work with her for as long as she'll have me! She is an amazing book designer. Extremely talented, professional and responsive. An excellent communicator and easy to work with. I highly recommend her!"


-Karen Myers - Adult Coloring Book Creator






Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Nature
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English
Awards
  • Sidney Taylor Award
  • IPPY Award
  • Junior Library Guild Selection

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2008 — Present

Portfolio

Finding Beauty

Shipman, Talitha

Made with Reedsy
Scarcely Saved

Onstott, Z.M.

First Snow

Nancy Viau

Snowflakes falling! What a treat! Friends gather outside to celebrate the first snowfall of the season with snowball fights, sledding, building igloos, drinking hot chocolate, and making the most of a windy, wintry day. With rhyming text and cheerful illustrat... read more
Mommy, Why Is Your Hair Pink?

Shannon Bahrke Happe

Mommy, Why Is Your Hair Pink? written by Shannon Bahrke Happe and illustrated by Ingrid Ochoa tells the story of a young girl who dreamed big dreams and wanted to do so much. She loved doing so many things but, best of all, she loved sports. She wanted to be t... read more
On Your Way

John Coy

A tender look back at a child's first steps, On Your Way is a celebration of growth, movement, and the importance of slowing down to observe life's milestones both big and small. A mother recounts for her child "that day on the porch" when they first tried to ... read more
Everybody Says Shalom

Leslie A. Kimmelman

A spirited picture-book tour of Israel takes readers to the Old City of Jerusalem and modern Tel Aviv, the desert and the sea, Roman ruins, the Biblical Zoo, a kibbutz, and much more. Lively, rhyming text and vibrant, colorful illustrations offer young readers... read more
Your smile is sweet as frosting.Your snuggle can't be beat.Your kiss is irresistibleAnd makes each day complete.From their sugar-sweet smiles to their scrumptious little toes, babies are as irresistible as frosting-covered cupcakes! Amy Sklansky's delightful r... read more
More than anything, Judah wants to be a good big brother to his baby sister, Hannah. He even uses his new Maccabee shield to protect her from danger!On the last day of Hanukkah, during a visit to the doctor, Judah refuses to have his shot. Surely, his shield c... read more
Your scent is so delightful, Like cinnamon and spice. Each time I kiss your tender cheekI have to kiss it twice.This oh-so-sweet tribute to adorable babies evokes the warmth and comfort of a delicious piece of yummy pumpkin pie. Amy Sklansky's delightful rhymi... read more
Applesauce Day

Lisa Amstutz

Maria and her family visit an apple orchard and pick apples. Then it's time to turn the apples into applesauce! Every year they use the special pot that has been in the family for generations to make applesauce. First they wash the apples. Then Grandma cuts th... read more

Talitha has 24 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jennifer W.

Jennifer W.

Sep, 2023

Talitha is the consummate professional. You are fortunate if you get the opportunity to work with her.
Marlene L.

Marlene L.

Jul, 2023

Talitha is superb. From the very first e-mail to the final (final-final, no really, final-final-final!) changes, Talitha was the absolute consummate professional. In my day job, I have worked w/many designers and graphic artists throughout the years, and my experience of working with Talitha puts her at the top of the list, with her extraordinary expertise, wealth of creativity, and real world ...
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Karen M.

Karen M.

May, 2023

Talitha is an amazing, talented book designer and an excellent communicator. I am always extremely pleased with her work. Highly recommend!!!
Jennifer W.

Jennifer W.

May, 2023

Talitha did the interior and cover design for the first edition of my picture book and her work is outstanding. She recently did the interior and cover for a Spanish/English bilingual edition of the same picture books. Since this model (Spanish and English on the same page) is not that common, Talitha went above and beyond, looking for other books for samples of possible layouts and did resear...
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Karen M.

Karen M.

Dec, 2022

It is always a pleasure working with Talitha! She is a talented illustrator/book designer and she approaches every project with creativity and enthusiasm. I have been extremely pleased with the outcome each and every time! I appreciate her excellent communication skills as well, and working through the book designing process with her is always a great experience. I am so grateful to have foun...
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