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 43 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

David J. H.

David J. H.

Aug, 2026

Tom will take your random notions and refine them into a single, prolific tapestry. He can feel the heart of your story. Trust it. But be patient. He's a busy man. The best always are.
Jason O.

Jason O.

Aug, 2026

Tom is great! He’s done the cover and artwork for two of my books now, and I couldn’t be happier. His style fits my stories perfectly, and I honestly believe a big part of my books’ success is how incredible the covers turned out. He’s easy to work with, professional, and consistently delivers...
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Marie V.

Marie V.

Jul, 2026

This is my third time working with Tom, and as usual, he created beautiful and imaginative cover art for my middle-grade fantasy book. I would recommend Tom M. to any author looking for original and whimsical art from an artist who is a joy to work with.
Lamar G.

Lamar G.

May, 2026

Again, Tom produces something truly amazing and the world has never seen which is why I keep harassing him about stories. If I had my choice I'd put Tom in a bottle and he'd work only on my projects like a genie in a lantern. Well I asked Tom to do the 3rd of 10 scheduled books and he knocked...
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KMCS P.

KMCS P.

May, 2026

Amazing artist, this is the second time I’ve worked with Tom and he always manages to capture what I’m thinking but can’t quite describe for my book covers and he always goes above and beyond. Looking forward to working with him on many more projects

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