Karen Smith

Karen has worked in publishing for over 30 years for companies such as Time Inc, Hearst, Rodale, IPC magazines and Eaglemoss. She began her career in children’s publishing for Disney, and has now gone full circle (after having two boys) and is now returning to children’s books. Karen is also Head of Design for Watkins Media, working across their seven imprints (including Moon + Bird!). Karen is passionate about bringing stories to life visually, especially for reluctant readers. Her two boys are grown up now but they have instilled a passion for fun and exciting illustration. When she’s not busy designing books she loves gardening, walking in nature and cooking. But her big passion is interior designing, where she swaps a pencil for a big fat paintbrush.