About me
25+ years design experience • UK based • 100% bespoke illustrations
Helping first-time authors turn stories into beautiful books
Hi, I’m Nathan.
I’m a UK-based children’s book illustrator and designer who loves helping first-time authors bring their stories to life - usually with a lot of character sketches, plenty of coffee, and the occasional packet of Haribo.
Most of the people I work with have never published a book before.
They’ve written something special, but they’re unsure what happens next.
That’s where I come in.
More than just illustration
I don’t just create illustrations.
I guide you through the entire journey - from manuscript planning and character development to layout, print-ready files and publishing support.
You’ll always know:
What stage we’re at
What happens next
What it costs
What timeline to expect
No overwhelm. No guesswork. No “I wish I’d known that earlier”.
Just a clear, supportive process.
Experience that matters
I’ve been working professionally in illustration and design for over 25 years.
That experience means:
Strong, consistent character design
Professional layout and typography
Print-ready technical accuracy
An understanding of what makes books feel “properly published”
Your book won’t be in danger of looking ‘homemade’. It will look like it belongs right there on a shelf, competing with any other.
Why I focus on first-time authors
Because I understand how vulnerable it can feel.
You’re handing over something personal.
You want it treated with care.
You don’t want to be made to feel inexperienced.
Many of my clients tell me they chose me because I explained things clearly and didn’t overcomplicate the process.
That’s intentional.
Publishing shouldn’t feel intimidating.
The way I work
I believe in:
✔ Clear pricing
✔ Transparent timelines
✔ Structured stages
✔ Collaborative feedback
✔ Professional standards
We start with planning. We agree on style. We refine characters. Then we build the book properly.
No rushing straight into final artwork without alignment.
What makes me different
There are plenty of illustrators.
But not all of them:
✔ Understand text and full page layouts
✔ Help with print on demand formatting
✔ Guide you throughout the whole process
✔ Prepare all files correctly for print
✔ Offer launch-ready promotional graphics
I combine illustration with real-world publishing knowledge.
That makes a difference.
Written a children’s book?
Finished your manuscript but unsure what happens next?
Get the The first-time children’s book author starter pack and feel confident about your next steps. Download and understand page counts, pricing, publishing options and what to avoid.
Make informed decisions from the start. Clear guidance. No overwhelm. No pressure.
When I’m not illustrating…
I’m usually sketching something else, exploring new ideas, or working on creative projects of my own.
I genuinely enjoy helping authors see their stories take shape - it’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.