Leah Candace Jacobs-Gordon

Blog updated Dec 2022

@leahjg_books /
leahjacobsgordon.com

Pronouns: she/her

Where are you from? London, England

Race/Ethnicity: Black/African American, Black British/Caribbean

Languages: English

Company / Position: Freelance

One favorite book you've designed and why?: The Last Gift of The Master Artists - Ben Okra

How did you get into design? I've always loved art and design and studied it while at school and university. After graduating and getting a job in branding and marketing design - specifically for companies like Harper Collins and Penguin Random House - I decided to pivot slightly to see if I could get into book cover design. However, instead of going full-time I ended up freelancing and the rest is history.

What do you like about being a book designer in publishing? : I love the design versatility and all the free books!

Favorite book or current read and why? I'm a child of the Harry Potter generation so it will always have a place in my heart but currently, I'm reading Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi.

Tell us a surprising fact about you? Not really surprising but my first ever job at 16 was as a librarian.

What did you learn about publishing that you wish you knew before? : I've learnt more of the business side of things (rather than creative) like print runs and general marketing strategies - it's very good to have in mind when designing.

What's one goal you have for yourself in this industry?: To keep enjoying it!

How do you overcome a creative block?: Pause. Get inspired online or at an exhibition. Read a book.