Tom McGrath

Tom McGrath – Designer

I'm a freelance artist and illustrator based near Liverpool, UK. I specialise in whimsical, fantastical and retro-futuristic art.

Overview

Based in the North west UK, I've been a freelance illustrator since 2012


I’ve worked with clients including:

Parragon books, Oxford University Press, Capstone Books, Zonderkidz, and the National Health Service


I also have plenty of experience dealing with authors, writers and other independent creatives. My favourite commissions always involve working with individuals and small businesses who have genuine passion for their projects. I love world building, and I'm always keen to hear unique ideas that will make for unique illustrations.

Much of my work has focused on steampunk, retro-future, fantasy and whimsical, upbeat art. I regard these as my strength, but I can work to practically any style and love a creative challenge!


My process always involves multiple stages, with a chance for clients to give feedback and ask for tweaks at the end of each stage. I’ll always show you a sketch before producing a final idea, so you can be confident a project will end with a result you’re happy with.


While I have strong ideas about what will work best for any given project- I’m always happy to accommodate your vision. You can be as specific or as abstract as you like, and if you're unsure about an approach we can talk it through.


If you have any questions, get in touch and I'll respond as soon as I'm able.

Cheers!


Please note- I'm not currently accepting children's picture book projects with budgets below 7000 USD.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Epic Fantasy Gaming & LitRPG Horror Middle Grade Steampunk Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2012 — Present

Portfolio

A dark power. A kingdom hurtling toward war. This young wizard is in a whole horde of trouble…Ozel finds joy in his kingdom's peace. For the first time since the wizard discovered his true her... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Her elvish mother’s heritage set her apart.Her father’s secret ripped her world apart. And her sister’s capture tore her apart. Paige’s life wasn’t perfect, but she was happy. But when her vil... read more
Cover Design Illustration
A missing friend. A magical catastrophe. When an evil conjurer crashes the wizard’s tournament, can one lowly apprentice save them all?Ozel is quickly realizing there’s more to being a wizard’... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography
A hopeful orphan. An incredible wizard. One boy must do the impossible to change his life forever…Ozel wonders if he'll ever escape his angry, fat caretaker. As the orphan hopes for a better f... read more
Cover Design Illustration Typography
Gregory Samson has left Earth...which may have been a mistake. Alien bounty hunters. An intergalactic war-profiteering scheme. A brutal police detective older than humanity. Shape-shifting cin... read more
Illustration

Tom has 24 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Lamar G.

Lamar G.

Jul, 2024

Exceptional illustrator who is second to none! I had to wait an extremely long time (1 year) to work with Tom because of his mastery of his craft but let me tell you that the wait was well worth it. He blew my expectations away! Tom was very easy and pleasant to work with and also went above and beyond the scope of the contract to incorporate details and our own creature ideas into our book ...
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Devon S.

Devon S.

Jul, 2024

10/10 as always
pw C.

pw C.

May, 2024

Tom has done three book covers for me and I could not be more pleased. In addition to his top-notch artistic skills, he’s a pleasure to work with, prompt, very responsive, and, after reviewing the manuscripts, provided wonderful ideas for design, lighting, etc. Thanks to Tom, the covers are exactly what I needed, and more so! Thank you Tom.
Joshua B.

Joshua B.

Apr, 2024

Exceptional work. Helped guide me through the process of the book cover when I did not know what I was doing. Very happy with the end result.
Devon S.

Devon S.

Feb, 2024

I'm always impressed at how amazing Tom's art is for how quickly he works! Great communication, super super-detailed art, and he has a real knack for placement, color, and shading. 5/5!

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