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 specialise in custom, carefully crafted, illustration-led design.

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: Due to their size and complexity 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
I've worked as an illustrator since I graduated in 2012. Past clients include: Parragon books, Oxford University Press, Capstone Books, Zonderkidz, and the National Health Service. Over the years I've worked on many different project types from children's books, posters, book covers, product rendering, board games and video games.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Witch'n

Braun, Joshua

Cover Design Illustration Typography
Made with Reedsy
Dingo Toad Helps a Friend

Golden, Lamar

Lamar Golden

Cover Design Illustration Typography
Cover Design Illustration Typography
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
Made with Reedsy
CS High

Zedalis , Julianne

Cedar Fort, Inc.

Cover Design Illustration
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 34 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

David J. H.

David J. H.

Dec, 2025

Tom is an absolute miracle worker. I had a terrible experience with a designer on my first attempt, and my book ended up with a cover that looked ... bad. Very bad. Then along came Tom, and he taught me the difference between a "professional" and an "expert". He saved the day, and he did it quic...
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Duncan M.

Duncan M.

Oct, 2025

Wonderful, talented artist. After completing my book cover and showing an extraordinary amount of patience with me as I grappled with the challenges of a first-time self-publish, he was good enough to spend time crafting some advertising banners to help me with the launch. Highly recommended!
Dane Y.

Dane Y.

Oct, 2025

Tom was a pleasure to work with. He helped brainstorm an wonderful look for the cover and worked with me to refine every detail and make it an excellent representation of my book. Any revisions were delivered swiftly and there was no challenge coordinating despite our time zone differences. Of co...
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Jason O.

Jason O.

Aug, 2025

There's a reason Tom is in such demand. His work is incredible, and he worked diligently to meet the concept I presented. I'm a first time Author and thrilled to have him as a collaboration partner on my artwork. Highly recommend.
Joshua B.

Joshua B.

Jul, 2025

This is my second time working with Tom and the best thing I can say is that I'd be willing to work with him many more times.

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