About Us
Mission Statement
ABDA exists to support Australian book designers – to promote their work to, and connect with, the broader publishing community. In addition, we aim to discover and foster emerging talent. Through our public talks and workshops, digital showcases and the national annual Book Design Awards, ABDA provides a dynamic network for industry professionals.
This website, launched in October 2015, provides an online hub for the community. Offering news, forums, educational events and a searchable archive of each year’s award categories, it is an invaluable resource for present and future Australian designers.
ABDA exists to serve its members. We encourage feedback and suggestions, please email us with ideas and feedback about events, blog posts or anything else you’d like to see more or less of.
Committee Members
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Gayna Murphy
PresidentDesigner
Gayna is a creative artist, graphic designer and senior art director with over 15+ years of experience specialising in book design, publishing, fashion illustration, botanical art, textile design, digital design and multimedia marketing. Professionally trained and competent in a wide…
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Mietta Yans
Vice PresidentView profileDesigner, HarperCollins ANZ
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Nada Backovic
TreasurerNada Backovic Designs
Nada Backovic is an award-winning book designer, graphic designer and illustrator with 20 years experience working with major publishers in Australia and UK.
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Trisha Garner
SecretaryBook Designer, Designpatsy
Trisha Garner has been a book designer for nearly two decades. She designs predominantly non-fiction and illustrated books, including cookbooks and memoirs, for a wide range of publishers from her studio in Collingwood, Melbourne. Trisha began her career as a…
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Mary Callahan
Committee MemberMary Callahan Design
Mary has been designing books for more than 20 years. Her passion for this pursuit has resulted in a high profile throughout the publishing industry and is recognized by the many awards her book designs have received. Since expanding her…
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Megan Ellis
Committee MemberView profileFreelance typesetter and pre-press expert
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Jenny Grigg
Committee MemberDesigner, Industry Fellow
Jenny Grigg is an award winning Australian graphic designer who has worked in Sydney, London, Copenhagen and Melbourne. She has a PhD from RMIT University.
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Danielle Maccarone
Committee MemberView profile -
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Klarissa Pfisterer
Committee MemberDesigner, Pfisterer + Freeman
With a background in design and branding in Australia and the UK, Klarissa launched Pfisterer + Freeman in 2000, specialising in book projects for publishers big and small and for independent authors with an idea or story to share. She…
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Mika Tabata
Committee MemberView profileBook Designer
