Suzanne Dean

Suzanne Dean is a renowned figure in the world of book design, serving as the Creative Director at Vintage, Penguin Random House UK. Over her illustrious career, she has crafted covers for an impressive array of iconic titles, such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Atonement, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, collaborating with a broad spectrum of authors from Haruki Murakami and Toni Morrison to Sunjeev Sahota and Julian Barnes. You can learn all about her process in designing the new Murakami series for Vintage in her detailed interview with WePresent.

Her exceptional talent in cover design has not only won her acclaim across the industry but also earned her the prestigious title of Designer of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2023.

Suzanne Dean’s approach to design is celebrated for its creativity and innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of how books are presented and perceived. Her work is characterized by a deep engagement with the narrative and thematic essence of each book, translating complex ideas into visually compelling covers that resonate with readers and collectors alike. Her designs have been recognized by several prestigious awards, including the ABCD awards, The British Book Design and Production Awards, and the V&A Illustration Awards.

At Vintage, part of Penguin Random House UK, Dean leads a team dedicated to publishing a mix of contemporary trailblazers and classic literature, where design excellence is at the heart of their publishing program. This commitment to design excellence under Dean’s creative leadership has solidified Vintage’s reputation for publishing thought-provoking, beautifully designed books that leave a lasting impact on readers.

Be sure to listen to her interview with Steve Leard on his podcast, Cover Meeting.