Aurora Whittet Best – Designer

I am a national award-winning designer and illustrator with 20 years of experience. My work has been featured in Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, ADFED The Show, AIGA Design Show, HOW Magazine, Art & Creativity Graphics, GD USA, IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Awards, Eisner Museum Identity Exhibit, ADDY, and Eric Hoffer Book Awards.

I believe every project is unique and finding the voice and style of each author is what makes their story stand out. I have been a designer for twenty years between working for advertising and design agencies and my own personal freelance. My primary focus and passion is children's picture books; everything from a silly book about learning to poop on the potty, to the empathy required to help children mourn a loss in the family. I delight in beautiful designs, whimsical elements, and well crafted typography.

I am also a published author of a young adult fantasy series and two children’s picture books. I spend my time in beautiful, but chilly Minnesota with my family.

PROCESS
Collaboration is what makes a project bloom. Each book starts with a conversation between me and the author to find what really makes them different, discuss the manuscript, illustrations and inspiration. Two weeks later I will supply 3 cover designs each with 1 interior spread example. After feedback and discussion, I will make the first round of revision coming back with 2-3 options for the cover each with 1 option for the interior spread. We will meet again for feedback and discussion. Next, I will make the second round of revisions coming back with 1-2 options for a cover design and rollout the full interior. At the next meeting we will finalize the selection of the cover and interior making any final edits.