I am a highly proficient Master's graduate with excellent grades and significant work experience, looking to foster a career in book design and illustration. I have strong educational background combined with skills in book design, illustration, typography, and communication. My passion lies in creating high-quality visuals and meaningful storytelling through my work. In my current role, I support every step of the publishing process, from acquisition to production, including commissioning authors, developmental editing, typesetting, cover design, illustrating, and marketing visuals. I have experience producing high-quality illustrations for literary magazines and was shortlisted for the Creative Futures Writers’ Award in 2024. I am now seeking freelance work in design and illustration to further grow my creative career.

Abbie Leeson

I am a highly proficient Master's graduate with excellent grades and significant work experience, looking to foster a career in book design and illustration. I have strong educational background combined with skills in book design, illustration, typography, and communication. My passion lies in creating high-quality visuals and meaningful storytelling through my work. In my current role, I support every step of the publishing process, from acquisition to production, including commissioning authors, developmental editing, typesetting, cover design, illustrating, and marketing visuals. I have experience producing high-quality illustrations for literary magazines and was shortlisted for the Creative Futures Writers’ Award in 2024. I am now seeking freelance work in design and illustration to further grow my creative career.

Available to hire

I am a highly proficient Master’s graduate with excellent grades and significant work experience, looking to foster a career in book design and illustration. I have strong educational background combined with skills in book design, illustration, typography, and communication. My passion lies in creating high-quality visuals and meaningful storytelling through my work.

In my current role, I support every step of the publishing process, from acquisition to production, including commissioning authors, developmental editing, typesetting, cover design, illustrating, and marketing visuals. I have experience producing high-quality illustrations for literary magazines and was shortlisted for the Creative Futures Writers’ Award in 2024. I am now seeking freelance work in design and illustration to further grow my creative career.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Artistic Director & Lead Designer, Anthology Illustrator at The Tenth Magpie: Independent Press
January 1, 2024 - Present
Responsible for all design and illustration aspects for The Tenth Magpie Independent Press since 2024, producing high-quality printed publications and covers. Lead designer and illustrator for published anthologies, supporting projects from commissioning to publication.
Feature Writer and Illustrator at LeftLion Magazine
December 31, 2024 - August 10, 2025
Produced regular feature articles and art pieces including reviews, portraits, interviews, and thought pieces from 2020 to 2024. Illustrated and designed visuals supporting the magazine’s editorial content.
Magazine Illustrator at Twisted Roots
January 1, 2024 - Present
Sole illustrator and designer for UK literary magazine Twisted Roots since 2024. Created detailed, high-quality visuals to accompany various written narratives.
Published Author & Illustrator at Independent
January 1, 2019 - Present
Wrote and illustrated debut poetry collection 'Overload,' released in 2025 as a hardback, limited edition print. Commissioned and designed anthology of student poetry to raise funds for UK mental health charity Mind in 2019.

Education

MA Creative Writing and Publishing at University of Derby
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
BA (with honors) English and Creative Writing at University of Nottingham
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023
A Levels at Derby College
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2020

Qualifications

EPQ in Publishing
January 1, 2018 - August 10, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services