Hi, I’m Jade Wheaton, a freelance designer with extensive experience in publishing and I'm the co-founder of Glean Cider, based in Devon. My clients include Penguin Random House, Lonely Planet, Tate Publishing and The National Trust. I have extensive experience in project managing books, typesetting, sourcing and briefing illustrators as well as creating my own illustrations and infographics. I enjoy collaborating with editors, art directors, and freelance illustrators to turn ideas into print-ready results. I’m passionate about thoughtful typography, clean layouts and production-friendly files, and I love turning concepts into compelling visuals that work across social media and print. I bring a practical, friendly approach to every project and enjoy helping teams deliver high-quality design products on deadline.

Jade Wheaton

Hi, I’m Jade Wheaton, a freelance designer with extensive experience in publishing and I'm the co-founder of Glean Cider, based in Devon. My clients include Penguin Random House, Lonely Planet, Tate Publishing and The National Trust. I have extensive experience in project managing books, typesetting, sourcing and briefing illustrators as well as creating my own illustrations and infographics. I enjoy collaborating with editors, art directors, and freelance illustrators to turn ideas into print-ready results. I’m passionate about thoughtful typography, clean layouts and production-friendly files, and I love turning concepts into compelling visuals that work across social media and print. I bring a practical, friendly approach to every project and enjoy helping teams deliver high-quality design products on deadline.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Jade Wheaton, a freelance designer with extensive experience in publishing and I’m the co-founder of Glean Cider, based in Devon. My clients include Penguin Random House, Lonely Planet, Tate Publishing and The National Trust. I have extensive experience in project managing books, typesetting, sourcing and briefing illustrators as well as creating my own illustrations and infographics. I enjoy collaborating with editors, art directors, and freelance illustrators to turn ideas into print-ready results.

I’m passionate about thoughtful typography, clean layouts and production-friendly files, and I love turning concepts into compelling visuals that work across social media and print. I bring a practical, friendly approach to every project and enjoy helping teams deliver high-quality design products on deadline.

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Work Experience

Designer at Michael O’Mara Books
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Design book covers and interior layouts; commission freelance illustrators; design visuals for social media and marketing; produce final print-ready PDFs; check proofs, plotters and advances; liaise with the Art Director, Publisher, Editorial, Sales and Production departments.
Designer at Dorling Kindersley (DK Licensing)
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
Designer for DK Licensing creating books for illustrated children’s and adults’ titles.
Creative Lead at Watkins Publishing, DBP and Nourish Books
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2014
Creative lead on non-fiction and lifestyle book covers, from initial concept through to print.
Assistant Designer at Dorling Kindersley
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Assistant Designer. Graphic design support for publishing projects.
Graphic Design Assistant at BBC & Wall to Wall Media
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Graphic design assistant across multiple media projects.
Freelance Designer at Jade Wheaton Design
January 1, 2016 - June 9, 2026
In-house contracts: Design Manager at Penguin Education, Senior Designer at Ladybird Books, Designer at Bonnier. Freelance clients include Penguin Life, Random House, Ladybird Books, Puffin Books, Tate Publishing, Nosy Crow, DK Books, Lonely Planet, Quarto, Michael O’Mara Books, Buster Books, Watkins Publishing, Weldon Owen and The National Trust.
Designer at Dorling Kindersley
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
Designer for DK Licensing; creating books for illustrated children’s and adults’ titles.
Book Cover Designer at Watkins Publishing, DBP and Nourish Books
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2014
Creative lead on non-fiction and lifestyle book covers, from initial concept through to print.
Assistant Designer at Dorling Kindersley
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012

Education

BA (Hons) Graphic Design at University of the West of England, Bristol
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
National Diploma in Art and Design at Somerset College of Art and Technology
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007
BA (Hons) Graphic Design at University of the West of England, Bristol
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
National Diploma: Art and Design Foundation at Somerset College of Art and Technology
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services