Rachel Kelli

Rachel Kelli - Designer

Charlottesville, VA, USA

I’m a graphic designer and illustrator with experience typesetting and creating book covers for poetry, thrillers, dramas, and non-fiction.

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Overview

Hi! I'm Rachel, a graphic designer and illustrator with experience collaborating with publishers to design covers, create illustrations, and build layouts. Genres I've worked with include fiction (especially dramas & thrillers), poetry, textbooks, and experimental pieces.

While the text is the most important part of any book, I love transmitting that excellence into an impactful visual form that quickly communicates the essence of your book to the reader. Professional presentation is part of what makes a book stand out on a shelf and encourages someone to pick it up and learn more. Whether you need a cover, illustration(s), or an interior layout, I would be thrilled to offer you my expertise!

I utilize a variety of drawing styles and approaches depending on what is most apt for the project. My techniques include photography & photo manipulation, digital painting, traditional painting, ink drawings, and fine art drawings. I am comfortable with a range of topics and styles, so if you have something in mind, I would love to hear it and bring it to life!

Have any questions? Please feel free to message me.

Hope to work with you soon! :)



Languages
English
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Fantasy
Literary Fiction
Poetry
Science Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Humanities & Social Sciences

Certifications

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Art

Awards

  • American Advertising Award, Publication
  • Adobe Achievement Award, Illustration (x2)

Work experience

Digital Designer

The Scout Guide
August, 2019 – Present (over 3 years)

I interpret creative briefs and project direction in order to complete layout and design of print publications as well as create marketing collateral. As part of my job responsibilities I select and arrange type, manipulate imagery, and execute interior layouts.

Freelance Graphic Designer

Creature Publishing
January, 2019 – Present (about 4 years)

I offer expert freelance design work including illustrative brand assets, promotional graphic materials, and book covers. I love visually representing an author's best work, while also keeping in mind the publisher's marketing aims and end reader's viewpoint.

Cover Designer

C&R Press
July, 2018 – February, 2019 (7 months)

While working with C&R Press, as well as their affiliated press, Mastodon, I designed book covers and typeset book interiors for genres spanning poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.

Graphic Designer

Liberty University
August, 2015 – May, 2019 (over 3 years)

I shot & edited photos and created illustrative designs within a variety of styles.

Portfolio (7 selected works)

The Gold Persimmon

Merbaum, Lindsay

Give a Girl Chaos

Seaborn, Heidi

A Family is a House

Pearson, Dustin

Headlong

Maclean, Ron

Objects in Motion

Katz, Jonathan

Surrendering Appomattox

Appel, Jacob M.

Rachel has 2 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Emily Franchini
Rachel is simply one of the best of the best. She works hard at everything is just an awesome person to collaborate with. She helped me iron out a lot as an indie author and went above and beyond several times with our project. I cannot recommend her enough. Thank you Rachel!

Emily Franchini, July 2022

Rachel Kelli
You are so welcome, Emily! Thank you for the kind words and letting me join you on your publication journey. You were a joy to collaborate with. Congratulations on completing your book!

Reply from Rachel Kelli


Max Tuttle
Rachel impressed me with her work. I hired her for both my cover design and typesetting, where she was very helpful to me throughout each process. She was punctual with our communications, creative in her artistic approach, and efficient in her organization of my book's interior. I enjoyed our collaboration and the resulting product.

Max Tuttle, February 2022

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