Amanda Tarlau

Amanda Tarlau – Designer

Creative and collaborative senior book designer and art director, 15 years experience with major children's publishers, covers/internals.

Overview

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the world of children's book design, I am passionate about creating delightful visuals that bring stories to life. My journey has equipped me with an understanding of what captivates young readers and the unique requirements of children’s publishing.

Through my experience I have collaborated with authors, illustrators, editors and publishers to design books that are not only visually engaging, inspiring and age-appropriate. My portfolio spans a diverse range of styles and genres, from whimsical picture books for toddlers to vibrant chapter books for older children. Each project is approached with creativity, precision, and a deep respect for the narrative.

I believe in working closely with authors and illustrators to create a magical connection between the two halves and ensuring that both illustrations ans manuscript are shown in their best light.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English
Certifications
  • Diploma of Graphic Design
  • Diploma of Fine Arts

Work experience

Walker Books Australia

Jun, 2018 — Jun, 2024 (about 6 years)
In my role as Senior Designer I was responsible for the art direction, design and layout of a range of children’s and young adult titles, including picture books, non-fiction, graphic novels and Young Adult fiction. I collaborated with editors and illustrators, providing briefs and guiding artists through their storyboard development, progress sketches and final art. I was then responsible for the design, typography and layout of picture book covers and internal pages, as well as paperback fiction and illustrated middle grade fiction covers and typesetting. I prepared print-ready files for our printers in Australia and China and am proficient in pre-press and trouble-shooting production issues.

Scholastic Australia (Koala Books imprint)

Jan, 2012 — Jun, 2016 (over 4 years)
In this role I was responsible for the art direction and design of children’s picture books, working with illustrators on story boarding through to final art, developing creative layout concepts, through to typesetting and cover design, production and distribution. In this role I worked with the publisher, illustrators, authors, editors and production staff to develop and create a range of children’s picture books, novels and non-fiction titles. I developed and worked to design briefs and maintained a production schedule for the titles my team was responsible for.

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