Publishing
Illustration and design for books, magazines and other publications
I work with publishers, art directors and authors to develop illustrations for books and other publications. My work ranges from carefully researched drawings and explanatory illustrations to more imaginative work that brings a story to life.
Alongside illustration, I can design covers and lay out pages, as I did for the Museum of Oxford’s Mixing Matters cookbook.
Work for books and publications
From chapter illustrations and book covers to maps and drawings for educational publications, here are some examples of my work for books, magazines and learning resources.
Book illustration
Twenty chapter illustrations and a cover for Cat’s Luck, featuring a cast of animal characters.
A large-scale book illustration commission
I was commissioned to develop 130 illustrations for a major non-fiction book project. After completing the initial sketches and a selection of finished artwork, the publisher decided to take the book in a different visual direction. The commission involved developing a consistent visual approach across a substantial body of work.
Non-fiction and learning resources
Iron Age activities for schools
Building illustrations for Aberystwyth University
Landslide diagram for primary schools
Sets of drawings for learning resources, such as Iron Age activities, homes through time and a landslide diagram for Aberystwyth University, drawn in one style so they work together.
Book covers
An illustrated cover for Ryan Sam Turner’s poetry anthology, My Absolute Heart.
Maps for books and magazines
Margaret Island, Budapest
Map series for Scottish Field
Maps for books and magazines, such as Margaret Island in Budapest for the illustrated book Where We Walk and a series for Scottish Field.
Book design
Mixing Matters cookbook, Museum of Oxford
Design for Mixing Matters, a community cookbook produced by the Museum of Oxford.
Services
My process
Every project is a little different, but most follow these five stages. The details come in the proposal. More about how I work
Research
Getting to know the subject, the place and who it’s for.
Concept drawings
First sketches to agree the idea and the layout.
Developed sketch (optional)
A more detailed drawing to check the layout and important details before the final artwork.
Final illustrations
The finished artwork in colour, with a last round of adjustments.
Delivery
Files prepared for print and digital use.
Frequently asked questions
Can you work to our production schedule?
Yes. We’ll agree the list of illustrations, visual approach and schedule at the outset. I can supply artwork to your printer’s specifications and work with your production team to meet agreed deadlines.
Can you start at proposal stage?
Yes. I can work from a manuscript, outline or initial book proposal to help develop an illustration approach and establish the likely scope of the work.
Who owns the copyright?
I retain copyright in my illustrations and licence the agreed uses, such as print and ebook editions. I don’t allow my work to be used to train AI models. The full licence terms are included in every proposal.
How do we get started?
Get in touch with a little information about your publication, the illustrations you’re considering and your timescale. We can take it from there.
Working on a book?
If you’re looking for illustrations, a cover or help with the design of a publication, I’d be happy to hear about your project.
What people say
“Kati’s illustrations and designs have been a huge success. Almost everyone who has seen the published book has praised its appearance and design, which add greatly to the story.”
Gordon Hughes
Cat’s Luck (Stobo Publishing)
“I worked with Kati on developing heritage and landscape illustrations for education resources. Kati took the time to understand the brief; she was thorough and easy to work with, and I’m really pleased with the end result.”
Harriet Robson
Aberystwyth University
Have a project in mind?
A map, interpretation panels, a publication or something you’re not sure how to describe yet: tell me a little about it and I’ll reply with my suggestions or proposal.
Not ready yet? See how I work or browse the portfolio.
