Crafting a Book: Modern Appliqué Illusions with April

Please welcome Senior Designer April, who is talking about her favorite project from Modern Appliqué Illusions, what inspires her, and much more!

1. Please introduce yourself. What is your role on the book team and, in one sentence, tell us what you do?

I am a senior graphic designer. I work with the photo studio and book team to create the design and visual direction of the book including the cover and interior layout.

2. What is one of the most challenging parts of your job?

It's often challenging to combine the collective vision of each of the talented people involved with the book. Each person on the book team, including the author, has an expertise and all have the best interest of the book at heart. Sometimes visions align easily, and sometimes you have to work at it!

3. What is your favorite part about your job?

I love working with creatives. I am inspired every day!

4. Tell me about one of the weirdest book-related things that you’ve come across working at C&T.

Tough one. I can't think of anything blog-worthy.

5. Fill in the blank. “In a perfect world, all of the books I’m assigned to would …”

Challenge and inspire me, and then become wildly successful.

About Modern Appliqué Illusions:

1. What made this book stand out from the others?

I think the quilts in this book are very unique. Because they don't have a repeating pattern, the quilts are best displayed as a whole or in very large details. This affected so many design choices that had to be made early in the book process. I love the result!

2. Did anything in the book process surprise you?

I wasn't surprised, but I was tentatively optimistic that decisions we had to make early would work out during the design process.

3. What’s one thing you’d like to tell prospective readers about Modern Appliqué Illusions?

I think the projects could be a fun way to use larger pieces of your favorite fabric. With such big appliqué shapes, you get to see more of the fabric, and there's large spaces for some fun quilting!

4. What was your favorite project from the book? Why was it your favorite?

I love the koi in the project Ripples. I think everything works so well in that quilt, from the colors and fabric to the quilting.

5. Did Casey teach you anything that you didn’t know before working on her book?

I don't think I had seen appliqué like hers. I love the large shapes and the simple sophistication.

About the publishing industry:

1. How long have you worked in publishing?

I have been lucky enough to work in publishing for the last 10 years.

2. What advice would you have for an aspiring author?

Coming from a creative point of view, I'd say a good quality to have is learning how to communicate your vision effectively and constructively. I think being enthusiastic about your vision and open to the feedback around you makes the book stronger.

3. How about an aspiring editor (or production coordinator, or designer)?

I think the best thing you can do to pursue any career in design is to keep learning, roll with the changes, and try not to take criticism too hard.

5. What’s the coolest thing about working at C&T?

I am inspired and learn something new every day from our fabulous authors and the fantastic team at C&T.