2019 Covered: Favourite Covers of the Year
As we near the end of the year, and the season of ‘best-of’ lists, ABDA asked its members and those-in-the-know in publishing to reflect on their favourite covers of 2019. Which designs stood out online among the multitude of #coverreveals? Which covers cut through the trends to entice us on the shelf? And which were […]
Tips for Writing Your Design Rationale
Entries for the Australian Book Design Awards 2020 are now open and each entry must be accompanied by a 100 word rationale. But what makes an interesting and effective design rationale for awards entry? How important is the rationale? And how can you let the judges know the blood, sweat and tears that went into […]
Designing ‘The Art of Taxidermy’
Balancing delicate illustrations with thoughtful typography, ‘The Art of Taxidermy’ was awarded the Best Designed Young Adult Cover at the 2019 ABDA Awards. Designer Imogen Stubbs shares her collaborative design process. The Brief The briefing meeting for this cover had a clear consensus on look and feel: beautiful, delicate, intricate, alluring. There needed to be […]
Books+Publishing Special Offer
Our friends at Books+Publishing are offering an extra special discount to ABDA members for the month of August with 50% off all full year subscriptions. There is a design focus in the latest magazine (which is out now) and in the Weekly Book Newsletter the book designer spotlight series has kicked off. Don’t miss out […]
Q&A with Sandy Cull
ABDA founding member Sandy Cull recently shared her journey in book design, process and the origins of the association with outgoing ABDA President Mark Campbell. Mark: How did you get into book design? It’s such an oddball, insular industry, so what was your journey/entry point and what were you doing before? Sandy: After working in the […]
Q&A with Sonya Dyakova of Atelier Dyakova
Renowned Creative Director Sonya Dyakova of Atelier Dyakova talks to ABDA about all things book design and her day-to-day routines at her studio space in South East London. Tell us about your typical journey to work. A short two-stop train journey and a peaceful walk through a gorgeous Southwark park. I love London for its […]
Student Prizes announced for 2020 ABDA Awards
For the very first time at the 2020 Australian Book Design Awards, ABDA will have two prizes dedicated solely to work by student designers from around the country. It’s a chance for us to celebrate and encourage the next generation of Australian book designers and an exciting move that has us all feeling positive about […]
A night at the ABDA Awards with Holly Dunn
The 2019 ABDA Awards were held on Friday the 31st of May at the State Library of New South Wales. ABDA Member and special representative from New Zealand Holly Dunn recounts her ABDA Awards experience. Last week I travelled from my little studio in Nelson, New Zealand to Sydney for the 2019 Australian Book Design […]
Q&A with Louisa Maggio
Louisa Maggio is one of two designers shortlisted in the Emerging Designer of the Year category for the Australian Book Design Awards 2019. Before the winner is announced on Friday 31st May at The State Library of NSW in Sydney, we wanted to get to know more about Louisa and her work. How did you end up in […]
Q&A with Jessica Horrocks
Jessica Horrocks is one of two designers shortlisted in the Emerging Designer of the Year category for the Australian Book Design Awards 2019. Before the winner is announced on Friday 31st May at The State Library of NSW in Sydney, we wanted to get to know more about Jessica and her work. How did you end up in […]
One year on with 2018 Emerging Designer, Hazel Lam
In the lead up to the 67th ABDA Awards, we check in with Hazel Lam, recipient of the Emerging Designer award from 2018. Hazel shares how the award has changed her career progression and creative direction, as well as her thoughts on a future in book design. What were the highlights from your year as […]
Behind Material Literacy with Jenny Grigg
We chat with ABDA founding member Jenny Grigg about her studies in design, process and history. Jenny’s research for her PhD culminated in a physical book titled Material Literacy: The Significance of Materials in Graphic Design Ideation, A Practice-based Enquiry. This stunning edition details over 25 years of experience in the industry, Jenny’s processes and findings. I […]