Portfolio – Examples of Graphic Design Projects
Graphic Design Projects – Self Publishing Authors
Designing books might be my favourite thing. Authors write books because the subject is close to their heart. It really matters. Often it is a life’s project or the realisation of a lifelong ambition to put their ideas, poetry, research or thoughts into print. It is my great joy to take their rough ideas, mesh it with their heartfelt content, and produce a book that exceeds their expectations. Most authors don’t know how good their book can look. I love to surprise them! I have designed many books. Following are a few examples.
The Deua River Track
This beautifully researched book was written by Peter C. Smith for an organisation called Access for All, which promotes preservation and conservation of our natural and cultural heritage in the bush.
It contains maps of bridle paths dating back to the pioneer era, wonderful stories and anecdotes, great heritage photos and all kinds of history, lore and characters of the area.
I redrew the maps and took great care with the photos – adjusting each one carefully so it would print well. Some of the old black and white photos were enormously improved with this attention.
I enjoyed the typography… using elegant, old-world serif fonts for the text. It was a most enjoyable project, and I understand that the book has had a number of reprints.
50th Anniversary History Book
St John’s Park Bowling Club put a lot of resources into this lavish and detailed history book. They even engaged the services of a professional historian!
The book was launched at the anniversary dinner… a glittering and memorable affair.
St Johns Park Bowling Club were so overjoyed with the book that they gave me a credit on the back page. I am always touched when an author does that.
Shall we see if we can bring a bit of design magic into the equation?
Spiritual Poems
This book “God in Everything” – Spiritual poems by Phyllis Gale, has a special place in my heart.
Phyllis was in her nineties when I met her. She had adored literature and poetry all her life, and had always written. She had long cherished the idea of seeing her work in print. Her son wanted to make this special dream come true for her by publishing a volume of her poems.
She wanted a very plain, minimal style for the text pages, and there was a confusing, childlike drawing on crumpled, lined paper to demonstrate her idea for the cover.
It was nonetheless obvious to me what she was trying to achieve, and I made it happen for her. I was proud of the cover art. I knew what it would mean to her.
I heard that she wept with joy when she saw her book. And I knew that I had helped to make a lifelong dream come true.
The copy she inscribed to me is still on my bookshelf.
50th Anniversary Book
This souvenir book was prepared to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Woodridge North State School in Queensland. They planned to distribute it at the anniversary celebration.
The school had intended to do the artwork themselves, but discovered at the last minute that there was more in the task than they had realised. I helped them out of a tight spot, and turned the artwork around in a few days, in time for the event. They loved the finished book, and it received high praise from the community.
Testimonial from Michael McMahon…
Principal, Woodridge North State School
Our experience of collaborating with Cherie was care-free and supportive. Cherie communicated efficiently and effectively within a tight timeline and turned around a polished product that has received a high amount of positive feedback from the community.
From Colin Kenny-Levick…
Business Development Manager at B | P | G – Bright Print Group
Cherie has a unique style which sets her apart from other designers and artists. She brings her personal passion to the art she creates and can call upon a wealth of experiences and understanding to deliver just what you are looking for. I would often provide a design brief and found her interpretation to always exceed expectations. Cherie comes with an affable nature and always has a smile… and loves retro fashion!