Pop-Up Book Illustration Services

Flat-lay of Colossus of Rhodes elements for a Pop-Up book illustration by Anna Simmons, showing the bronze-and-red Colossus with raised arm and stylised historical ships in pink, blue, and red, prepared to fit designers’ Pop-Up templates

Colossus of Rhodes elements from a pop-up book illustration. I adapted the artwork to fit the template while keeping colour, detail, and energy.

Pop-Up Book Illustration for publishers, brands, and special projects

I create illustrations for Pop-up Books, working with paper engineers to make artwork that fits neatly into the mechanics while staying lively and engaging. Pop-Up illustration brings subjects to life, making them tactile and playful, so that projects stand out.

Pop-Up Illustration in Action!

Here are two very different projects where I adapted my illustration approach to fit the client’s needs

Seven Wonders: Historical Pop-Up Book

This was brief with grand aims: a fully illustrated Pop-Up book bringing the ancient Wonders to life. My challenge was to balance historical research and visual storytelling, with the technical demands of the paper mechanics. Each illustration had to fit precisely into the templates provided by the paper engineers while keeping its energy and expressing drama and awe. I got stuck in to into historical sources, reconstructing architectural details and imagining the vibrant life around each Wonder, then carefully adapted the artwork to ensure every pop, fold, and layer worked perfectly without losing style or impact.

Photograph of the Temple of Artemis Pop-Up by Anna Simmons, showing the classical facade with frescoed pediment, red accents, bold blue background, marble steps, and tiny worshippers gazing at the silhouetted statue of Artemis

Temple of Artemis Pop-Up: I research historical details and use colour, contrast, and perspective to guide the eye through architectural spaces, amplifying the drama of the paper mechanics. I enjoy collaborating with paper engineers, so the technical details are handled seamlessly and your project runs smoothly.

The finished outcome is a book you can touch and explore, sparking curiosity and engagement across ages. Readers can explore ancient wonders, enjoy multi-layered scenes, and interact with the book in a way that makes the history feel immediate and memorable.

I created illustrations that balance visual impact with technical precision, pairing imaginative storytelling with the functional requirements of Pop-Up book illustration. This approach maximises audience engagement, makes the content more shareable and memorable, and showcases the potential for a luxury, commercially appealing product.

Classical columns and marble floors in a gatefold component of the Statue of Zeus Pop-Up; complete with tiny worshippers. I used architectural detail and historical motifs as a backdrop, bringing texture and energy so surfaces feel varied and the scene keeps its drama.

  • Photograph of a book, illustrated by Anna Simmons, pages open to show a Lighthouse of Alexandria Pop-Up: tower rising from turquoise sea with yellow highlights.
  • Close-up photograph of a Pop-Up from a book illustrated by Anna Simmons, showing a jewel-encrusted multicoloured statue of Zeus, revealed behind green and white Doric columns
  • Photograph of a Book, illustrated by Anna Simmons, pages open to show a Great Pyramid Pop-Up: pyramid rising from sandy ground in oranges and yellows, with a side opening revealing the interior.
  • Close-up photograph of a Pop-Up from a book illustrated by Anna Simmons, showing classical statues set against a blue masonry background, viewed through white columns and detailed architecture in the foreground
  • Close-up photograph of a Pop-Up from a book illustrated by Anna Simmons, showing ancient ships in blues and reds on the sea, with the colossal statue’s feet visible on the right, extending out of frame

A mix of full spreads and close-ups, showing how the Pop-Ups come to life. These interactive elements engage readers, bring the story to life, and add memorable depth and playfulness to your project.

Discover the rest of this Pop-Up Book project here

Touch, open, explore

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Paper turned into theatre

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Engaging visuals for every age

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Touch, open, explore - Paper turned into theatre - Engaging visuals for every age -

Other Pop-Up Projects: Invitation for Alley Theatre

For this Alley Theatre Pop-Up invitation, I adapted my Buenos Aires artwork to the designer’s template, contributing to a Pop-Up project that perfectly suited an Argentine tango-themed Ball.

I drew couples dancing to be superimposed in 3D over the illustrated map backdrop, carefully considering layout and colour. This created a physical mailer that became a talking point among guests, highlighted the event’s unique vibe, and conveyed the exclusive, immersive nature of the evening, creating an exciting teaser for attendees.

Photograph of a Pop-Up invitation illustrated by Anna Simmons for the Alley Theatre’s Buenos Aires Affair Tango Ball, showing 3D couples dancing over an illustrated map of Buenos Aires in bright blues, pinks and yellows

Open the envelope, and the Tango Ball comes alive! 3D dancers spring from the Buenos Aires map, creating a moment of surprise and showing how inventive, illustrated mailers can make event marketing feel completely novel.

Pop-Up book illustration

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Educational, luxury, and promo projects

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Adapted to paper mechanics

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Pop-Up book illustration - Educational, luxury, and promo projects - Adapted to paper mechanics -

Ready to explore how illustration can add depth to your next project? 

Let’s plan it together

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