Sometimes we've just gotta toot our own horn because sometimes...SOMEtimes work gets recognized for the work that it is and that just feels so damn good.
A few books that Nissa and I worked together on at C&T Publishing were submitted to a North American book design competition, PubWest. Usually we place at least one book, sometimes none because the competition is pretty stiff. But this year, we swept the How To/Craft category! That has never happened! What is most exciting about this recognition is that the books that were selected were some of our favorite books to photograph and design. These books represent a true collaboration between the super-talented authors and the book team—what a thrill to be recognized.
Here are the winners:
BRONZE: Girls' Guide to DIY Fashion by Rachel Low. Published by FunStitch Studio—an imprint of C&T Publishing
Shot completely on location on the streets and in the author's studio in New York City, this book was a total collaboration. The design needed be relevant to the 9-15 year old audience while presenting clear instructions for new sewers.
Cover/Book Design: Kristy Zacharias
Photography: Nissa Brehmer
SILVER: The Amazing Stitching Handbook for Kids by Kristin Nicholas. Published by FunStitch Studio—an imprint of C&T Publishing.
It took 4 of us to get this cover created! Gailen and Joanna (2 awesome in-house embroidery whizzes) stitched up the cover in a child-like way, Nissa photographed the image and I designed the type. This type of in-process photo is always a favorite!
Cover Design: Kristy Zacharias
Interior Book Design: April Mostek
Photography: Nissa Brehmer
GOLD: Sew Adorkable by Samarra Khaja. Published by Stash Books—an imprint of C&T Publishing
This book was magic! Nissa and the author, Samarra, worked so closely together in order for Samarra's very clear vision for the book to work. Shooting in the studio, Nissa would set up scenarios with furniture and the projects while leaving spaces for Samarra to draw in her quirky characters and fill out the room. All I had to do was lay type over the beautiful images...this was truly a dream book.
Cover/Book Design: Kristy Zacharias
Photography: Nissa Brehmer
Illustration: Samarra Khaja
I love seeing people getting recognized for the work that they put out into the world. It's not always easy to go with your gut, to try something a little different/a little crazy/a little too (fill in the blank). But I'll tell you what, even if these books wouldn't have won a prize, we still would have loved them because we put our hearts (and guts) into them and at the end of the day, that's what feels the best. xo
Kristy
DESIGN//STYLE