PRINT’s Summer 2015 Issue: Out Now! The New Visual Artists are here. In this issue, meet our 2015 class of 15 brilliant creatives under 30. These carefully selected designers are on the scene making the most cutting-edge work today—and as many of our previous NVAs, they may go on to become tomorrow’s design leaders. Why not get to know them now? Check the full issue out here.
Meet Designer of the Week Caleb Heisey, whose work in book design, packaging design and wedding invitation design showcases his love for illustration, the art of storytelling—and oftentimes, monsters.
Name: Caleb Heisey
Location: Philadelphia, Pa
Design school attended: Tyler School of Art (MFA)
How would you describe your work?My work skews a little more whimsical and nostalgic. I also tend to gravitate toward limited color palettes and bold shapes.
Where do you find inspiration?I draw inspiration from my childhood antics. As a kid I made up these fantastical worlds and creatures, drew them out on paper, and then went outside in the backyard to play out their stories. I use this same narrative approach in my design when I’m feeling stuck or lame (minus a cape and wizard’s staff.)
Who are some of your favorite designers or artists?I had a brief, yet awesome opportunity to work beside Chris Sasaki, a character designer at Pixar. He can capture a moment or personality so perfectly with just a few lines and shapes—pretty chill guy, too. My partner-in-crime, Lydia Nichols, has been a huge influence on my career and evolution as an illustrator. She is a brilliant instructor and image maker.
Do you have a favorite among all the projects you’ve worked on?I have the most fun drawing spooky monsters—so my children’s book, The Witching Hour, is by far my favorite project
THE WITCHING HOUR Children’s Book
PA PATCH COALITION Badge Design
Is there a project that stands out to you as having been the biggest challenge of your career so far?When I set a goal to design a badge for every state park in Pennsylvania, I didn’t appreciate what sort of challenge that was going to be. It is still an ongoing process to complete all 120. It’s a challenge, but a rewarding one.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?I would love to dedicate full-time to creating my own self-initiated products and brand. Designing directly for consumers seems so much more fulfilling than waiting around for someone to approach me with their vision.
What’s your best advice for designers today?Design students: Diversify and try everything once. Professionals: Figure out what you love to do and don’t look back.
BROOKE & MARTY Wedding Invitation
FOLKSAGA Liquor Packaging
Design a Great Book Cover: An Independent Study Workshop
Book cover design is a specialized talent, drawing in a buyer/reader to purchase the book, but also requiring that the design be true to the story line. A compelling cover design makes you pluck that innocuous book up off the shelf, open it up, and let the story transport you to a different, almost magical, place. The ability of great designer to convey the magic within with a single image that compels you to hand your time, imagination and heart over to the words within, is not something that can be easily overl
ooked.
Book designing continues to be big business today, especially for digital books. In this online course, you’ll master the skills to design a great book cover. Plus, you’ll receive the best book cover design advice, inspiration and book cover design eye candy—all in one place. At the end of this course, you’ll walk away with three strong book covers for your portfolio.