Zoe Barnish

Zoe Barnish – Designer

Hi, my name is Zoe and I'm a freelance illustrator and designer with a passion for all things children's book related!

Overview

Hi there!

Thank you so much for taking the time to look through my profile. I am a freelance illustrator and designer based in the UK. I have over 10 years of experience illustrating in the children’s book sector as well as television and other industries.

I know authors put their heart and soul into writing their wonderful books, and it’s such a privilege when I’m able to be part of their book-creating journey.

I love creating illustrations for picture books and children's non-fiction. My style varies depending on the project I'm working on, but I always relish the chance to create memorable characters and captivating scenes. I take inspiration from patterns and texture in nature to add depth and a bit of a magical feel to each image.

You will find examples of my work below, which includes children's picture books, children's non-fiction and black and white images for older readers. I do not use AI in any form..it's all just me!

As well as illustration, I also offer a full book design service, including text placement, typography and formatting the print-ready files to your required specifications.

I try to keep the working process as streamlined and collaborative as possible and will always give regular progress updates. Gaining approval and feedback at multiple stages throughout the process also helps everyone to feel connected and in the loop at all times.

I’d love to hear about your book. If you would like an informal chat about how I might be able to help you with your project, please do get in touch.

Thank you again for your time and good luck with your writing.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2014 — Present
9 years + Freelance illustration, design and animation for a wide variety of clients. Picture books, children's books, illustration and animation for television and music video production. Previous clients include: Penguin Random House BBC Channel 4 History Press Shepheard Walwyn

Portfolio

Pepperwick Prankster and the Map of Doors

Loudon, Kristina V

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
The Sensory Seekers

Nuss, Danielle

Topsy Bloom, LLC

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
The Little Wave

Pennessi, Kristen

Kristen Pennessi

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
A Fairy Good Night (A Scary Story)

Scott, T L

Tls Publishing

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Do Sheep Feel Too?

Smith, Shayna

Sanna Dunes Media

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Mira's Magical Mind

Ham, Taylor M

Minds Like Mira Books

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Roscoe's Moustache

Wagstaff, Daniel

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Cover Design Illustration

Zoe has 16 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Raina B.

Raina B.

May, 2026

My second book is now complete, and Zoe was absolutely fantastic as always; she was incredibly professional and paid very close attention to detail. We both always laugh and have the best time collaborating on the illustration/manuscript for my projects. She is a star! Thanks so much, Zoe!
Aubrey G.

Aubrey G.

Mar, 2026

Zoe completely went above and beyond, and she absolutely exceeded all my expectations. She was super professional and kept me well updated and included throughout the process. I can’t imagine someone else doing such an incredible job at bringing my vision to life, and she was always responsive wi...
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John P.

John P.

Jan, 2026

Zoe was a new author's dream. Her guidance through the whole process was clear and she offered me the opportunity to make suggestions at every junction. So, as a project manager she was incredibly competent. Of course that doesn't speak to her artistic skills and of those she is brilliant. He...
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Taylor H.

Taylor H.

Jan, 2026

I can't thank Zoe enough for her professionalism, talent, and patience in holding my hand through this whole process as a first time author/self-publisher. She brought my story to life in the most beautiful, magical way and I am so grateful. I would recommend her without hesitation!
Shayna S.

Shayna S.

Dec, 2025

Zoe is a truly gifted illustrator. She was also great at communication and keeping me posted on updates, changes, and timeline. I'd highly recommend working with her.

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