Illustrada Design Portfolio

A sampling of Paul Nylander’s book designs

Bold, daring book covers are crafted to capture attention.

Meticulously designed interior layouts focus on readability and an immersive experience.

Each unique design combines a personal touch with universal appeal, resonating at first sight and leaving a lasting impression.

Illustrada is crafting books that open our eyes, expand our minds, and enrich our souls.

Two intimate gift books pairing hand-drawn bird portraits with short, free-verse reflections on grief and hope—designed with quiet elegance.
Cover design for a memoir capturing the energy of one small Mid-Atlantic pocket of successful resistance during Trump’s first term.
The cover with a red lock and interior of “Quantum Computing 101"
Design of “Quantum Computing 101” a primer for business executives on the coming transformation of computing in the quantum age.
Cover and sample interior spread of “Land of the Chrysalis"
Inspired by stargazing trips to Lake Superior, this middle-grade fantasy invokes a land of magical wonder, with design in full support.
A careful hand brought compassion and professionalism to this self-help book, while guiding readers through charts, exercises, and caring discussion.
Two books bookend the “series” of magical realism stories set in the 1850s, each with unique details that complement its tone.
A view of the book cover laying on top of the book open to an interior spread.
A spooky story with a fun twist, The Garden Ghost was a great collaboration between design, illustration, and author.
The cover laying on a open spread of “Midadventures in My High Heels.” Cover features a prominent illustration of a red high-heeled shoe, while the interior shows high-heeled footprints.
The ups and downs of this bold life-in-stories memoir, including the fabled red stilettos.
Debra Lee Won't Break by Katherine Pickett, looking at front and back covers
Developing the cover of a powerful debut novel about friendship, trauma, and inner strength—set in motion by two women, one bike path, and a ride toward healing.
"The Real-Life Story of Crazy Ralph" by Boppa Harmon, Illustrations by Dmitry Gitelman.
A grandfather’s bedtime stories—now illustrated—of the enduring bond between a family and their adventurous dog.
Picking Sweetgrass by Kent Estey cover and sample interior spread
A tender, intergenerational story of gathering sweetgrass, beautifully designed for young readers through close collaboration between illustrator and designer.
A sample interior spread of the book is shown with a sweeping red pine, shown under a cover featuring the title “Ishkode: A Story of Fire."
Principles of Anishinaabe land stewardship and Western scientific knowledge are intertwined in this stunningly illustrated and thoughtfully designed children’s story.

Design and indie publishing perspectives from Illustrada Design

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