Jonathan Hällmayer – Designer

I have been working as a designer for more than 15 years. After studying communication design in Munich and receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in London I started my freelancing business and haven’t looked back since.

I am currently based in Munich and am fluent in both 🇬🇧 English and 🇩🇪 German. I was born in Buenos Aires, so I speak some 🇦🇷 Spanish as well.

As an editorial designer, I understand the intricate dance between bold typography, minimal design principles, and colourful imagery that results in visually stunning and immersive reading experiences. Whether you’re an established author or a debut writer, I tailor my designs to match the tone and essence of your narrative, ensuring that every page resonates with your unique voice. From captivating and colourful minimalistic cover designs to meticulously crafted layouts optimised for readability, I offer a blend of creativity and expertise.

Let me transform your manuscript into an exceptional piece that captivates readers and leaves an indelible mark. Your story deserves nothing less than the best presentation, and I'm here to make that a reality.

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HOW I WORK

🔎 Analysis & Research

Every cooperation starts with attentive listening, informing and researching. After all, in order for the design to have its maximum effect, it must fit perfectly with the product. For this purpose, I read manuscripts and exchange ideas intensively with the author.

✍️ Ideation & Creation

I develop a creative vision and a design concept. In doing so, I generate ideas that I visualise using typography, colours and graphics. With attention to detail, but without losing sight of the big picture. Lastly, I present my ideas and get valuable feedback.

💻 Implementation & Delivery

Every idea is only as good as its execution. That’s why I rely on a combination of creativity and precision in my work. In addition, I look for the most sustainable production possible, which ensures that the entire design process is environmentally conscious and resource-friendly.

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FAQs

What is the typical turnaround for a project? → It depends on the complexity of the project, but usually about 2-4 weeks.

Will you read the book before designing the cover? → I usually try to read all or most of the work I design for, but a clear and concise briefing is just as important.

Can I post draft versions of the designs to seek opinions? → You can, but I would advise against it. A design-by-committee approach is almost always detrimental to a cover.

Do I own the rights to the cover and interior page design? → Yes, although I reserve the right to include any design in my portfolio, website and social media accounts for advertising purposes.

Do you use AI to create the cover art? → I might use generative AI to assist in the creative process, but the designs are always a combination of different techniques and, at the end of the day, human-made.