Exclusively contracted to represent:

Jacob Stead

Jacob Stead - United Kingdom based illustrator

The UK-based illustrator Jacob Stead works in a bold and imaginative style which is clear, direct and inviting – ideal for editorial, publishing and advertising projects. His strong figures, colourful settings and a little hint of folk-art influences combine for perfect visual storytelling.
What clients like most about Jacob is that they know what to expect – his style and professional manner are always consistent, while his ideas are refreshing and inventive. You can tell from his work that he enjoys expressing himself through concepts and pictures, having honed his raw talent studying at both Leeds College of Art and Design and then UWE Bristol for his BA in Illustration. In music and art, Jacob admires sincerity and energy, which is why he’s so inspired by folklore, folk art, folk music and even folk horror movies. He’s fascinated by the strange and supernatural stories and landscape of Britain.

Key Software

Photoshop

Styles

Jacob has streamlined his working process using Photoshop to create digital illustrations. He often uses a reduced palette of three gradient colours, which he spends time honing to ensure natural blends and just the right atmosphere.

Style

Contemporary, bold and instantly recognisable, Jacob’s work uses strong forms, contrast, colour and hints of texture to catch the eye. Light-hearted and often with a touch of humour, he appeals to the imagination.

Client list

Some of Jacob’s clients include The New York Times, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Variety, Fortune and Scientific American.
People climbing buildings in cityscape by Jacob Stead
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Person looking at reflections in three mirrors indoors by Jacob Stead
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Illustration of hospital lifestyle and healthcare scenes
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Illustration of teenagers playing soccer near a school by Jacob Stead
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Subway commuters reading newspapers and book with electronic sign by Jacob Stead
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Magazine cover of 'San Antonio'
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Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine cover with a Mars rover illustration by Jacob Stead
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Fantasy warrior with skull mask and glowing lantern under starry sky by Jacob Stead
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Tea estate article featured in KoffieTcacao magazine
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Digital portraits of man with glasses and woman with earrings by Jacob Stead
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People holding shopping bags on an escalator, illustration by Jacob Stead
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Black and white illustration of a medieval fisherman with a castle, by Jacob Stead
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Person wearing sunglasses reflecting two couples dining, illustrated by Jacob Stead
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Illustrating fitness for good health
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Scientist preparing a large round flask with herbs and spices
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Open window showing mountains, lake, and hiking trail landscape
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Person interacting with floating books and digital icons
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Two people inside a transparent capsule with floating pills around
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Stylized illustration of man with pipe and glasses near a fence by Jacob Stead
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Businesswoman flying with large briefcase over cityscape
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Cozy modern house interior with kitchen, bathroom, and living room
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Businesswoman climbing zigzag arrow stairs over a gap
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Blue bird approaching birdhouse on tree branch by Jacob Stead
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Black and white illustration of a knight with a sword amidst trees
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Cowboy lassoing the moon in the desert by Jacob Stead
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Person repairing large electronic device with circuit pattern by Jacob Stead
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Close-up blue eye with water drops by Jacob Stead
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Man with torch near chained globe and skull in prison window, artwork by Jacob Stead
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Businessman falling down roller coaster shaped like stock market graph
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Illustration of a smiling woman with blonde hair and abstract tech background
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Dallas Zoo entrance at night with animals and forest by Jacob Stead
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Nigerians access loans—using social media
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Four cyclists riding together on a road at sunset by Jacob Stead
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Man sitting on house roof reading newspaper with steaming cup by Jacob Stead
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Illustration of people in a large bird nest on tree branches by Jacob Stead
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Veterinary hospital scene with pets and owners, illustrated by Jacob Stead
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Illustration of a male runner on a stylized race track by Jacob Stead
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Beekeeper in protective suit inspecting hive with honeycomb frames by Jacob Stead
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Cyclists riding over cityscape with Silent Summer text by Jacob Stead
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People relaxing with a cat in sunny backyard illustration by Jacob Stead
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Smartphone showing food delivery app with sushi bowls in background by Jacob Stead
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Person on throne with crown and two supporters holding shoes and shirts by Jacob Stead
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Telehealth concept with patients interacting through large smartphone screens by Jacob Stead
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Black and white illustration of a knight on a horse with mythical creatures
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Conceptual design of bursting champagne cork by Jacob Stead
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Masked figure levitating over horseback rider with campfire, art by Jacob Stead
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Classical columns featuring a world map overlay by Jacob Stead
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Illustration of person between two patterned jackets by Jacob Stead
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Person standing in coffee cup with swirling steam artwork by Jacob Stead
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Two men talking in cozy café interior by Jacob Stead
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Green alien with rocket boots floating in space by Jacob Stead
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Colorful circus tent party with dancing people and audience by Jacob Stead
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Two players in VR headsets playing virtual reality table tennis game by Jacob Stead
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Illustration of a man sitting outside a tropical cabin with palm trees by Jacob Stead
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Two athletes jumping over obstacles in a race by Jacob Stead
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Woman balancing on surfboard holding tennis racket and coffee by Jacob Stead
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Two witches riding a blue goat holding a skull by Jacob Stead
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Illustration of people doing home activities viewed from outside with balconies, by Jacob Stead
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Two people chatting by a fire pit under a pergola surrounded by plants, by Jacob Stead
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Illustration of a woman carrying multiple shopping bags in a store by Jacob Stead
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De Wereld in 2019 magazine cover illustration by Jacob Stead
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Diver exploring a giant pearl inside an open shell underwater by Jacob Stead
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Vibrant botanical illustration with exotic flowers and skulls by Jacob Stead
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Illustrated map of Swedish cities with landmarks and people by Jacob Stead
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