Chris Rychter

Chris Rychter – Designer

Expert Creative Director and Book Designer looking to design fantastic books for great authors all over the world.

Overview

Welcome to my Reedsy profile!


As an experienced Creative Director and Book Designer, I have collaborated with major publishers and authors across a wide range of subjects including fiction (thriller, crime, romance, young adult) and non-fiction (travel, essays, cookbooks, advice).


Here's a breakdown of my Cover Design Process:


Sketches:

Upon receiving your requirements and a summary or full text of the book, I begin by delving into the details that are crucial for a cover designer. Sometimes, elements that may not immediately stand out to the author can greatly enhance the cover design. I typically create 3-5 different cover design options using preview stock images, based on the brief. While I often stick to the agreed plan, I also offer my own suggestions as creative solutions. The brainstorming process can yield unexpected and exciting results!


Development:

Together, we select one or two drafts for further development. If necessary, I acquire full resolution images, which the client needs to purchase and license for their cover due to rights issues. In cases where stock images are not utilised, I employ my own resources to finalise the design or illustration.


Chosen design:

Based on the selected design, I prepare a complete jacket and provide a set of front cover, spine, and 3D images for promotional purposes.


Printing:

I meticulously prepare the jacket for printing, adhering to the specifications provided by the client's chosen printer.


Pricing:

Rather than charging by the hour, my pricing is based on a per-project basis. To obtain a personalised quote, please reach out to me. The cost depends on the estimated workload, and once we agree upon a price, it remains fixed, as long as there are no extra requirements in the meantime.

Starting rates for a photo- or illustration-based design begin at EUR 400. Feel free to request a quote specific to your book and situation.


Rest assured, client satisfaction is my top priority. I value open communication and want to ensure that you are delighted with the work we produce together.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Humanities & Social Sciences
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense Young Adult
Languages
English
Awards
  • Tate Library Book Arts Collection Acquisition
Certifications
  • BA Book Design
  • MA Book Arts, University of the Arts, London

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2016 — Present

Freelance book designer, working with nearly every major publisher in Poland and some abroad. In my 18 years of professional practice I designed hundreds of book covers as a freelancer, not counting the ones included in full-time employment. This always included arworking to print-ready pdf files for various print houses and often preparing promotional material - banners, ads etc. I also designed quite a few logos and branding solutions. In addition to book covers, I designed layouts for dozens of books - front to back - ranging from cookbooks to catalogues to memoirs. All of these required extensive knowledge of the book production process including print techniques and ebook creation

Grupa Wydawnicza Foksal - a group of companies

Apr, 2013 — Apr, 2016 (about 3 years)

A design management position in a busy environment. Working to tight schedules, I managed a team of designers and artworkers in a variety of imprints within the publishing group. I also commissioned design and artwork assignments to external providers, making sure in-house procedures were adhered to and standards were maintained.

In-house studio I managed was responsible for sourcing illustration, graphics, cover designs, branding updates, production and artworking to final print and web output.

Weltbild Verlag Gmbh

Apr, 2012 — Apr, 2013 (about 1 year)

Design and design management position after change in company ownership. I am leading a team of designers/artworkers in providing the publishing house with appropriate and bestselling covers for the Polish market. In addition, I implemented a German asset management system in my department and streamlined workflows.

Świat Książki - part of Bertelsmann Publishing group

Apr, 2009 — Apr, 2011 (about 2 years)

Design and design management position. I was leading a team of designers/artworkers in providing the publishing house with appropriate and bestselling covers for the Polish market.

Grey Group Polska

Apr, 2008 — Apr, 2009 (about 1 year)

Designer position involving work on nation-wide advertising campaigns for major banks, telecoms and consumer goods manufacturers.

Sage Publications London

Apr, 2005 — Apr, 2008 (about 3 years)

Designing book and journal covers for this leading academic publisher with offices in London, California and India (
Creating a visually strong image within the competitive market, working closely with editors, marketing managers and production teams to prepare layouts attractive to the very specific readers this publisher attracts.
Another aspect of the job is graphic design systems development. Configuring the team workflow to improve speed, efficiency and creativity. Setting up network solutions to provide up-to-date cover files for Marketing, Sales and Web teams.

Chris has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Danny C.

Danny C.

Jul, 2023

I loved all of the drafts he supplied me with, and he was very easy to collaborate with.
Chris R.
It has been a pleasure working with Danny. He is focused and well organised, giving feedback that is precise, to the point and in a timely manner. A great author and a great client!

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