While collaborating closely with an editorial team, as well as different authors and illustrators, I crafted numerous book series catering to a wide range of ages - from preschool to high school. Each series adhered to state educational standards, allowing me to exercise creativity within the established framework to develop tailored aesthetics and layouts to suit the specific text, grade level, and reading proficiency.
Beyond the Battlefield series
Responsible for entire aesthetic of series. When I was younger, I loved going through my grandparents old books and boxes full of old things. I wanted to create a history style book that made students feel like they were discovering artifacts from long ago. I photoshopped photos onto stacks of old photos to create a more unique “treasure” feel. I also was able to find artifacts based on the body text to help with the “discovery” feel. I then created color schemes that would be different for each book but overall they would all fit together as a series. This series made the Booklist Review for October 2021.
“Short chapters concentrate on wartime activities, featuring simple sentences, embedded vocabulary definitions, and archival photos, often the journalists' original work.”
— Kathleen McBroom, Booklist
Summer Bridge Activities
Responsible for the comprehensive rebrand of both the front and back cover, I undertook the task of photographing the cover intended for the 8th and 9th-grade edition. Additionally, I meticulously designed not only the front and back covers but also the complete interior layout spanning 166 pages, along with the creation of accompanying flashcards and a certificate of achievement. Furthermore, I played a significant role in assisting with the photoshoot aimed at producing the new covers.
How to Be Friends series
Collaborated closely with a talented freelance illustrator on various spreads and strategically placed the body text to enhance the overall layout. Additionally, designed the front and back cover to ensure that it fits perfectly within the specified sizing requirements for both softcover and hardcover formats.
Kids Speak Out series
Assisted with the cover layout design and execution. Responsible for the interior layout, making sure all elements were visually appealing and organized, as well as managing stock photography usage and ensuring proper credits were provided. Proudly included in the School Library Journal Fall 2020 list, highlighting the quality and impact of the work.
“The colorful photographs include children and teens who are BIPOC.”
— School Library Journal Fall 2020
Carl Can series
Worked closely with a talented freelance illustrator on the development of various spreads and carefully placed the body text for optimum readability. Additionally, I designed both the front and back covers to ensure they fit properly within the specified sizing requirements for both softcover and hardcover formats.