TOBYJAMES
hello, i'm toby!
A book cover designer with a focus on Sci-Fi, Fantasy and special editions!
I am based in Oxfordshire and London but spent three years studying on the south coast of Cornwall, graduating from Falmouth University in the summer of 2022 with First-Class Honours.
I'm always looking to learn, and approach design with the same curiosity, looking for new and interesting ways to communicate ideas.
When not working, I love to read, watch films and television shows, as well as staying active at the gym, running, and (when it's not raining) playing cricket!
Experience
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HARPERCOLLINS - Senior DESIGNER August 2022 - Present
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After joining as a junior, I am now working as a senior designer at HarperCollins; the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world, designing book covers for HarperNonFiction, HarperElement, HarperNorth, Mudlark, Thorsons, HarperFiction, Hemlock Press, Avon, Voyager, Magpie, One More Chapter and The Borough Press.
Lantern - design intern July 2022
Lantern is a multi-award-winning branding agency based in London. During my internship, I had the chance to work on multiple live projects for big clients and engaged with tasks in branding and identity, type design, research and reference documents, social media design, and illustration.
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Little, brown BOOK GROUP - design intern June 2022 - July 2022
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Little, Brown Book Group is one of the most successful publishers in the UK and part of the Hachette Book Group. During my placement, I had the opportunity to independently work on multiple live briefs for different imprints including Robinson and Dialogue, seeing the brief through to cover approval. Additionally, I attended all cover art and briefing meetings and spoke with colleagues from the editorial and production departments to better understand the publishing industry and its processes holistically.
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Falmouth university - senior student ambassador February 2019 - July 2022
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Professionally representing the University at open days, interviews, and other events, both on and off campus. Responsible for independently leading campus tours, providing prospective students with information about University life, and coordinating other ambassadors during events.
Freelance graphic designer July 2017 - January 2022
Alongside my studies, I began freelancing in 2017, working with a variety of clients on a multitude of projects. This included work for local businesses and startups, as well as bigger organisations that have showcased my work on large platforms such as SKY TV.
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Featured
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- winging it podcast December 2022
Guest on episode 9 of the Winging It podcast - Listen here
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- SPINE MAGAZINE February 2024
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Featured in Spine Magazine's February edition of 'Book Covers We Love' for Quint by Robert Lautner - See here
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- THE LOCKED LIBRARY Aug 2024
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'Designing The Locked Library May Book' blog post for The Locked Library - Read here