Creating a Lasting Impression
You’re creating more than a book.
This book will be an artifact that represents your organization to the people who matter most. Board members will see it. Donors will judge it. Your professional reputation is attached to it.
To pull this off, you need more than someone who just executes specs or builds to a template.
You need a collaborative guide who asks the right questions, manages complexity, and delivers a beautiful book that reflects well on your organization—without adding another thing to your plate.
Ideas of What We Can Create Together
The throughline is special recognition—thoughtful pieces that make everyone involved feel valued and show the caliber of your organization. Typography, materials, structure, and binding work together to create something uniquely you.
Commemorative Publications
Histories & Anniversary Books
Exhibition Collections
The Illustrada Approach
Deep Discovery
Every project begins with questions, digging deep into the dreams this book will help you reach.
This isn’t checklist thinking. It’s understanding your organization’s story, stakeholder expectations, and the business context you’re working within.
Make It Yours
Template-driven “custom” books all feel the same: Competent, but forgettable.
Instead, I focus on what makes your organization distinctive—your visual identity, mission, audience—and translate that into a book design that feels authentically yours.
Managing the Details
You’re already managing the gala, donor relations, the marketing campaign, … The last thing you have time for is oversight of another contractor.
That is why I work independently to handle the complexity: color space, file specs, print production, binding options, paper choices, and printer coordination. You’re involved where you want to be—content, vision, tone—while I manage the rest.
Clear Timelines, Realistic Budgets
With event-driven hard deadlines, I build realistic timelines with contingencies for approvals and revisions. I’m upfront about what things cost and why, so you can make informed decisions and minimize “surprises.” And when something won’t work—whether it’s a timeline, a budget, or a design choice—we discuss it early, before it becomes a problem.
The Result
When you work with me, you are hiring an artisan with the creative and technical skills to design a custom book that stands out.
I encourage questions and open communication because I care deeply about you, your organization, and your book. My industry experience and problem-solving skills help resolve any issues before they arise.
This results in a book you’re proud to hand to board members, donors, and colleagues—a publication that elevates your organization’s reputation and becomes a lasting artifact of this moment in your history.
And a process that didn’t add extra stress to your already-full plate.
See for yourself how I have helped organizations connect with readers.
How We Begin
It starts with a conversation. We discuss your project, timeline, and what you’re hoping to create. I’ll ask tough questions, offer guidance on what’s realistic, and we’ll determine if we’re a good fit.
For an overview of the services I offer, and more details on my design and production services, see my Services overview.
Questions?
What if we’re not sure exactly what we want yet?
That’s normal—and expected. The discovery process helps clarify what the book should be. Many clients start with a general idea (“we need something to mark this anniversary”), and through conversation, we define scope, format, and approach together.
Can we see examples of similar work? What other kinds of books do you design?
Absolutely. Browse my portfolio to see the range of projects I’ve completed. If you’d like to discuss specific examples relevant to your organization type or project, let’s schedule a call.
What's your typical timeline?
For these types of projects, I suggest allowing at least 4-6 months from concept to finished design. But this depends on the project complexity and your approval/review processes. Printing can add weeks (or months), depending on when/where/how. If you have a specific deadline, let’s talk early—I can accommodate shorter or longer timelines with advance planning and working in several areas in parallel.
Do you handle printing & publishing, or just design?
I handle both design and production coordination, if needed. I’ll help evaluate printing options, get quotes, manage files, and oversee print production. You’re welcome to use your preferred printer, or I can recommend vendors.
Either way, you always control the publishing rights—it’s your book, start to finish.
Do you work with organizations outside Minnesota?
Yes! I’m based in Minneapolis, and although we have a robust collection of cultural organizations throughout Minnesota, I do indeed work with clients nationwide.
Most communication happens via email and video calls, regardless of where my clients are located, although we can include in-person meetings when useful.
