Hi! I am an independent Book Designer, typographer and book binder with extensive publishing industry experience.
Overview
Hi, I am Francesca. I am a skilled Creative with a solid background in Graphic Design. My passion for books and Design makes for a winning combination when it comes to working on books. I am particularly good at coming up with concepts and exploring visual languages that encapsulate the essence of a brief and engage readers. I am obsessed with details and clarity.My expertise spans across very different areas of Design with demonstrated success in developing a range of creative solutions from inception to completion by taking a considered, systematic and crafted approach to Design.I have recently been a Judge for D&AD award in the book design category.My services include:• Editorial Design• Cover Design• BrandingI am always interested in working on exciting new projects! Let's talk!
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
History
Religion & Spirituality
Languages
English
Awards
Smallish Design Award 2015 — Family CookBook Highly Commended
Certifications
MA Book Design at Reading University
MA Communication Design, Polytechnic of Milan
BA Textile and Product Design, Poly technic of Milan
Work experience
Self-employed
Apr, 2016 —
Present
As an independent creative I cover all aspects of Book Design:
• Cover Design
• Text Design
• Layout Design
• Infographic and data visualisation
• Typesetting
• Artworking for print and digital (including photoretouching)
• Bookbinding
• Project Management
I carry through every project from inception through to print.
My client list include: Penguin Random House, The British Library, Head of Zeus and GrubStreet Publishing.
D&AD
Apr, 2022 —
May, 2022
(about 1 month)
Grubstreet Publishing
Apr, 2021 —
Jul, 2021
(3 months)
Designed covers and interiors, including typesetting for non-fiction Military and Cookery titles.
Interstate Creative partners
Feb, 2014 —
May, 2015
(about 1 year)
• I was in charge of the interior design and typesetting of the book 5 O’clock Apron by Claire Thomson from concept to the final stage as well as overseeing the photo-shooting, ensuring continuity with the internal layout published by Ebury Publishing.
• I supported the creative team in designing the BBC Good Food cover series.
• I designed, and art directed a variety of projects from concept stage to completion, on schedule, cost-effectively ensuring high-quality standards.
• I led a high creative input to the team and managed 2 Junior Designers.
• I acted as the main point of contact for clients and suppliers exceeding expectations.
Straightedge
Aug, 2012 —
Feb, 2014
(over 1 year)
• I developed my projects as a brand guardian supporting the Creative Director in producing print and digital materials
• I negotiated directly with suppliers, paper merchants and printers
• I worked also for other clients on an ad hoc basis
Cushman & Wakefield
Jul, 2011 —
Aug, 2012
(about 1 year)
• I provided complete design support to the Business Development Managers team designing engaging visual Bid/Proposal documents from start to finish, including typesetting, data visualisation and post-production, that brought new business to the company from high-profile clients such as BA and GSK.
• I set up on my initiative of a complete internal library of supporting materials along with a database of suppliers which improved the creative department organisation.
• I was the sole responsible for articulating creative ideas for external, internal and online communication ensuring brand equity.
• I was responsible for the production and post-production support, delivering a high level of service in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.