Author Teams Up With North-East Creative Agency for Debut Novel

Newcastle-born writer, Jackie Watson, has partnered with award-winning Wigwam Studios for her first women’s contemporary fiction novel.

Apokeri Bay is the first part of a trilogy set in Lefkada, Greece and follows a feisty young Geordie woman who arrives in a quaint seaside village full of secrets.

Wigwam Studios (winner of the 2022 Creative StartUp Award for North East England, Yorkshire & the Humber at the National StartUp Awards), was approached by the author to design the Apokeri Bay book cover.

Debs Southwood, Design Director at Wigwam Studios said: “We were delighted to bring our expertise to this project. It was a privilege to work with a writer at the start of what I am sure will be a very successful career. I certainly look forward to reading Apokeri Bay now that it is published.”

The company is best known for its trend guides, illustration and brand development services and works with an impressive range of global clients including Hasbro, Disney, Mattel, Moonbug and Ravensburger.

Apokeri Bay novel leaning on wall with beach in background

Dave Mitcheson, Director of Creative Illustration led the project and commented: “A book cover must grab the buyer’s attention immediately or they will simply move on. Jackie provided us with a clear brief which enabled our illustrators to capture the Greek essence of the story and bring Jackie’s vision to life.”

Jackie Watson added: “As a debut author it’s an amazing feeling to hold the imagined world of Apokeri in my hands. I’m very humbled that Debs, Dave and the talented team at Wigwam Studios took on my project. They have worked their magic to create a stunning book cover which has received so much positive feedback.

“Wigwam is part of our region’s vibrant creative industry and I was thrilled to work with them. It was also important for me to team up with a talented North-East company that has a strong company ethos. They donate 10% of their profits to good causes and have already planted 4,300 trees through TreeApp. I am delighted to be working with them again on my second book.”