SESSION ONE
We’ll talk through the advancements in AI and how it’s changing the design landscape, show its capabilities and some tools that are available to designers and how to use them.
Chris Kuhatschek is a Senior Art Director for Baker Publishing Group. While Chris is new to designing book covers, he comes with 13 years of experience as an Art Director/Associate Creative Director in the advertising world developing campaigns that worked seamlessly across print, out of home, social, TV and web. Chris lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Bri and their two young boys where they enjoy bike riding, golfing, playing games and hanging out with friends and family.
SESSION TWO
We’ll then talk about the ethics of using AI in design, where the gray areas are, the backlash of using it and what the design community is doing about it.
Nate Eidenberger is a senior graphic designer and multimedia specialist for Baker Publishing Group. In this position he works on a multitude of projects for all of the divisions of Baker Publishing Group ranging from bookmarks, postcards, and print ads to a variety of social media content, pre order bonus items, eblasts, and downloadable content to promote the books. He also brought video and animation to the in-house marketing team, from creating and designing book trailers to social media video ads or reels, Nate is constantly learning new approaches to design and book promotion. On top of being an accomplished designer, in his free time Nate is a skilled illustrator proficient in a multitude of styles and mediums and has also illustrated several covers for Baker Publishing Group. (You can follow Nate's art on Instagram at @a.peculiar.artist, if curious.)
SESSION THREE
Erik will speak to the beauty and distinctiveness of human creativity as a complement to the advancements in Artificial Intelligence in design.
Erik M. Peterson is a designer and art director of books. He has worked in publishing for over twenty years, and is currently the art director for children and special projects at Crossway.
SESSION FOUR
Designer and author Laura Klynstra will speak to how she is designing beyond the front cover by thinking about the big picture (photography, illustration, marketing, etc.) and how the sum CAN BE greater than the individual parts.
Laura Klynstra is senior art director for Revell Books and a freelance graphic designer and photographer. Previously she worked as art director at Hyperion Books and at HarperCollins Publishers in New York City. She is the co-author and photographer of Gather & Graze and Christmas Baking. She lives in Michigan with her family and a menagerie of dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks.
SESSION FIVE
Sparkle and Sarah will speak about the recent rebrand of Christianity Today and challenge designers to think outside of the box. They’ll speak to why Christianity Today decided to rebrand and the big idea behind it.
Sarah Gordon is an award-winning editorial designer and serves as Creative Director for Christianity Today. Before she found her true passion in the world of magazines, Sarah bounced between creative firms and local churches exploring branding, wayfinding, web design, and more. She lives in Wheaton with her husband and twin sons, and when she isn’t on the clock you are likely to find her outdoors or with her nose in a good book (or both!).
With over 10 years in the design industry, Sparkle Boea graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a BA of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. After graduation, she worked as a corporate designer for 7 years before pivoting into freelance branding work, which organically grew into an entrepreneurial endeavor called Brand Genius Studio. Currently, she is collaborating with Christianity Today as a senior designer, on a mission to contribute to the larger work of the Church by bridging her love for design, brand development, and spreading the message of Christ. This year, she celebrates 12 years of marriage with her husband, Patrick. Together, they have two children, Mila (9) and Blaise (5). Their family resides in the Chicagoland area and is passionate about Christian mentorship and helping aspiring entrepreneurs build their lives and businesses on biblical principles.
SESSION SIX
A conversation that focuses on how Blk + Brwn Book Designers started from an idea and transformed into a nonprofit organization, the importance of community and change within the publishing industry.
Dominique Jones, a Senior Designer at Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Since graduating in 2018 from Mercy College (today known as Mercy University) has created unforgettable covers. She is also the founder and President of Blk + Brwn Book Designers, a non-profit formed to empower diverse designers and illustrators through career development opportunities within the publishing industry.
dominiquejones.work [email protected] bnbbookdesigners.com Instagram @bnbbookdesigners
RELATED MASTER CLASSES (ONLINE)
Friesens Corporation’s PrePress and Color Expert, Brad Schmidt, walks you through color management and how to prepare your files for print on either a digital or offset press.
Chris Kuhatschek is a Senior Art Director for Baker Publishing Group. While Chris is new to designing book covers, he comes with 13 years of experience as an Art Director/Associate Creative Director in the advertising world developing campaigns that worked seamlessly across print, out of home, social, TV and web. Chris lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Bri and their two young boys where they enjoy bike riding, golfing, playing games and hanging out with friends and family.
Nate Eidenberger is a senior graphic designer and multimedia specialist for Baker Publishing Group. In this position he works on a multitude of projects for all of the divisions of Baker Publishing Group ranging from bookmarks, postcards, and print ads to a variety of social media content, pre order bonus items, eblasts, and downloadable content to promote the books. He also brought video and animation to the in-house marketing team, from creating and designing book trailers to social media video ads or reels, Nate is constantly learning new approaches to design and book promotion. On top of being an accomplished designer, in his free time Nate is a skilled illustrator proficient in a multitude of styles and mediums and has also illustrated several covers for Baker Publishing Group. (You can follow Nate's art on Instagram at @a.peculiar.artist, if curious.)
We thank the following companies for their support of the industry and this event:
PREMIUM
GENERAL
For more information on sponsoring this event, contact [email protected]