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 5000 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 21 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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!
Marie V.

Marie V.

Dec, 2023

I enjoyed working with Tom on my middle-grade book cover. He did a fabulous job of capturing my characters personalities and creating a cover that will draw fantasy readers to it. Tom was very professional and helpful. He responded quickly to any questions I had and finished the cover before the deadline. I highly recommend him for art and book covers.
H.F. B.

H.F. B.

Dec, 2023

Tom was a total professional. He did an incredible illustration quickly, and at a reasonable price. He listened to all of my ideas, descriptions and input and did a great job incorporating it into the finished cover art.
Devon S.

Devon S.

Nov, 2023

Tom is a great artist with excellent communication skills! He's friendly, responsive, and most importantly, makes excellent book covers.

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