Sue Gent - Editorial, publishing and packaging illustrator

Full of atmosphere, depth and detail, Sue Gent’s artwork is as vibrant as it is varied. Clients love her richly evocative traditional approach, as well as the professionalism she brings to every project. Currently based in Exeter, she’s inspired by history, horror, nature and mythology.

An experienced illustrator, graphic designer and producer of music videos, Sue has a comprehensive understanding of the processes and requirements in both editorial and commercial projects and she regularly collaborates with some of the biggest names in publishing.

Approach

Sue expertly develops each illustration using a process of experimentation and improvement to find the most original response to the brief, rendering it in just the right style. She’ll work up an initial composition traditionally with a brush or pen and ink, before taking it digital to add colour and refine the final artwork.

Style

With a style that hints at Art Nouveau, medieval woodcuts and illuminated manuscripts, Sue's directions are as varied and exciting as her influences. Japanese block prints, occult symbolism, 1950s advertising and Renaissance art, all contribute to her unique approach and output.

Client list

Sue has been commissioned by clients that include Orion Publishing Group, the BBC, Saga, Wildscreen Festival, Boneshaker, History Revealed, Quarto Publishing, Waitrose Magazine, Ernest Journal, Popshot Magazine and Marimo Magazine.

Working to a stupidly tight deadline, Sue supplied Boneshaker with a beautiful set of illustrations for a feature about cycling and the mind, bringing our minimal brief to life and thoughtfully exploring the possibilities of the text. We were absolutely delighted with the finished result, which has received praise from all over the world. Mike White, Editor, Boneshaker Magazine

Mike White, Editor,, Boneshaker Magazine

Sue is wonderful to work with. She is very professional, easy to work with and very responsive. Sue produces really stunning, punchy illustrations for our maps which fit our magazine style. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for her illustration services!

Sheu Ho, Art Editor, History Revealed Magazine

The animals really made our festival branding ‘pop’ this year and we received so many compliments about them!

Lucie Muir, Director. , Wildscreen Festival

I have worked with Sue on several books now, and she has always come up with fabulous covers – both in terms of her original artwork, and the overall design. Authors, publishers, and indeed readers, have all been delighted with the end result. I would recommend her work unreservedly.

Sarah Bird, Founder , Vala Publishing

As the Picture Editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine I have had the pleasure of working with Sue when her role has been designer and illustrator. Her understanding of our style and creative needs allows my total trust in her to produce stunning layouts and beautiful illustrations. It is a real privilege to know someone with such talent.

Hilary Clothier, Picture Editor , BBC Countryfile Magazine

Sue is a fabulous visionary, she knew exactly what we were after

Rachel Dickens, Deputy Art Editor, BBC History Magazine