Radiating Passion and Energy

A hardcover book featuring a narrow building orange glasses and a mustache, wearing a top hat

Above all else, the success of a book depends on the author’s ability to believe in their book and radiate that passion to potential readers. Design enhances this energy with creative-to-creative collaboration.

Great design gets noticed because it is audacious and demands attention. It enthralls and provokes. It is both intensely personal and universal. It enters the brain at light speed and is unforgettable. Like great writing, great design takes risks and has a point of view—and, because of that, it chances failure. It will not appeal to everyone. But it will connect with your readers.

Project Spotlight: Kura: Prophetic Messenger

A book is more than the sum of its parts

Recognized with several awards and accolades, this special book chronicles not just the creation of a sculpture, but the culmination of master potter Richard Bresnahan’s vision.

As a book designer, my calling is to help the author bring an idea for a book into reality—bridge the divide between the conceptual and the tangible, creating something that combines and transcends its words and images.

I was honored to be selected to be a part of the production team working to create this book. Over the several months we worked together, the essays, the photos, the catalogs, and the spirit all came together into one beautiful form.

Collaboration, Curiosity & Craft

When you work with Illustrada, you are hiring an artisan with the creative and technical skills to design a book that stands out and a strategic publishing partner who can help guide your business decisions. We’ll collaborate to create something unique and beautiful that reflects you and your vision!

I believe every book deserves a great design—one that delivers more than the reader expects. I put my heart into each project and work with you to craft a book that reflects your vision.

As a small business owner myself, I also understand the challenges you face. In the end, the numbers need to add up. I provide a smooth, efficient process and will help you stay on schedule and on budget.

Recent Projects

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Student demand inspired this beautiful and functional art + instructional book on painter Kami Mendlik’s method for paintings that radiate light! Read More

A behind-the-ice look at author Anthony Walsh’s personal story, transformed into a hardcover children’s picture book “Hockey Is for Everybody.” Read More

A Lakota children’s story told through the author’s unique skateboard deck art… and a challenging design! Read More

Liar, Liar follows the true story of The Castaways as they quickly rose to stardom with their hit single in the summer of 1965. A complex memoir with images, quotes, and lots of design challenges. Read More

Following My Spirit Home is a personal journey of Duluth based artist Sam Zimmerman as he rediscovers his Ojibwe heritage. Read More

A red canoe becomes a metaphor on the cover and story of this YA magical realism novel. Read More