Marina Drukman

Marina Drukman – Designer

I am an award-winning designer/art director with over 20 years experience in helping authors bring their vision to life.

Overview

I am originally from Ukraine, and I have two degrees: one in literature, and second one in graphic design. It naturally led me to book cover design. There is little I didn’t cover in my career: literary fiction, speculative fiction and sci-fi, big commercial novels, history, religion, politics, feminism, biography, memoirs, economics, sport, art, science, self-help, and psychology. I can execute serious, dry subjects aimed at wide audiences, as well as quirky, niche, esoteric books. Some of my clients are Doubleday, St. Martin’s Press, Little Brown, Harvard University Press, Deep Vellum, Bloomsbury, Catapult, Random House, Abbeville Press, and others. I also love working with self-publishing writers. Many of the books I designed became New York Times bestsellers, and I received multiple design awards for my work.


My main focus are covers, but I enjoy working on interiors as well. My approach is conceptual, experimental when it’s appropriate, and I am obsessed with good typography. I love creating custom type and hand-lettering. I work closely with the author and publishers to make sure we are on the same page as far as ideas, style, target audience, and budget. I take pride in my work, and I want you to be equally happy with what represents your writing to the world. If you are looking for a unique and striking design, I am here to help!


When I am not designing, I am most likely hiking, reading, petting a dog, learning new software, or exploring a new city.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Economics History Psychology
Fiction
Magical Realism
Languages
English
Awards
  • AIGA 50 Books/50 Covers
  • Print Regional Design Annual
  • Art Directors Club
  • Society of Publication Designers
  • Graphis
  • New York Book Show

Work experience

Amazon

Jan, 2022 — Nov, 2022 (11 months)

• Oversaw design, art direction and production of four imprints
• Collaborated with UX team on adopting cover designs to web banners and collection pages
• Oversaw adaptation of books to digital files for Kindle reader
• Developed and strengthened imprint branding, including style and usage guides
• Collaborated directly with other design team members and business stakeholders
• Presented designs to partner teams for stakeholder sign-off
• Boosted team and stakeholder knowledge of current visual trends and drive towards innovative and forward-thinking inclusive design
• Commissioned illustrators, photographers, managed freelance designers, and oversaw the delivery of creative assets

Melville House

Jul, 2015 — Jun, 2021 (almost 6 years)

• Conceptualized and generated creative, innovative cover designs and interiors, and presented them for sign-off
• Worked closely with the editorial staff, managing editorial and production departments, determining the right look for every title, and overseeing its full cycle
• Managed in-house art department staff
• Led art meetings, presented and articulated design concepts to publishers and marketing executives
• Developed ideas for the company’s Instagram account, conceptualized and art directed photoshoots

Self-employed

Jan, 2013 — Present

• Work directly with clients on a variety of project
• Conceive, plan, design and produce elegant solutions that engage audiences across digital and print channels
• Clients: FSG, Doubleday, St. Martin’s Press, Little Brown, Harvard University Press, Deep Vellum, Bloomsbury, Catapult, Counterpoint, Abbeville Press, Amplify, ESPN, Time Inc., Condé Nast, Friends General Conference, View Imaging, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Generation Human Rights, Topic.com, and others

Elle Decor

Jul, 2011 — Dec, 2012 (over 1 year)

• Redesigned the magazine, while keeping the brand’s design system
• Took the creative lead on the entire front-of-book section of the magazine, designed and art directed layouts, went to color shows, and art directed photo shoots
• Participated in photo-select meetings with the editor in chief, and contributed to collaborative design discussions.
• Adopted the print version of Elle Decor to its digital form, and took part in launching the Google Reader edition of the magazine

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