Every “artist” is supposed to have a portfolio, so here’s mine. Keep in mind that I am not taking on new clients at this time. Every few years I drag my novel out of mothballs, take an online course on something new, or have a kid, and I’m currently in the Bermuda Triangle. Though if you add “homeownership” and “DMing multiple D&D campaigns” to the mix, it’s more of a Bermuda Pentagon. So again, this page is for display purposes only. Not for sale. The hardest part of doing graphic design for someone else is when they’re subjective opinion is objectively incorrect, but they’re paying you, so it doesn’t matter. Below is a sample of my more recent graphic design work that I approve of.
Local Authors
The most rewarding design work I’ve done in recent years has been working with local authors. Typesetting books, designing book covers, bookmarks, event posters and fliers, or creating their websites. I miss being so actively involved in the local author/book publishing community. Maybe someday I’ll jump back into it. Who knows?
- Bookmark Design #1 for “Replica” by Christian Johnson
- Bookmark Design #2 for “Replica” by Christian Johnson
- Bookmarks for “How Far Is Heaven?”
- Bookmarks for “Finding Pony” by Kara Lucas
- One of the many bookmarks I was able to make at A Book Barn
Website Development
A collection of the more recent websites WordPress sites I’ve thrown together for people. They are in no particular order, though the top row were the most fun to work on. Also keep in mind that I am no longer responsible for maintaining these sites, so I apologize on behalf of the internet if they have fallen into disrepair.
- A website I developed for my Thursday night RPG group. We live in different cities now, so seemed natural to build a site that compiles all of the group’s info and integrates group chat. I’d be happy to set one up for you and your group as well.
- A non-profit that promotes literacy and writing for all ages, especially K-12, through writing contests, mentor programs, writing conferences, and free workshops.
- A local publishing company I recently co-launched and help operate. I no longer manage their site, so don’t judge.
- A kick-butt sci-fi/fantasy series by a local author. Check out the site, and take a look at his books while you’re there.
- A site I built through HBE Publishing for a local author who wanted to blog and highlight her upcoming novel.
- A site I built through HBE Publishing for a local author who wanted to blog and highlight her upcoming novel and memoir.
- A site I rebuilt through HBE Publishing for a local author who wanted to blog about her years as a teacher and reading coach, and highlight her latest children’s books.
- A site I built through HBE Publishing for a local author who is writing his memoir on his tour of duty in Vietnam.
Logos & Imprints
This is a collection of the Imprints I created for HBE Publishing. The list grew each time the need for a new imprint came up, and it was challenging but very enjoyable to keep up with demand.
- Traditional Imprint – Young Adult
- Traditional Publishing – Graphic Novels
- Traditional Imprint – Children’s Books
- Traditional Imprint – Poetry
- Traditional Imprint – SciFi/Fantasy
- Traditional Imprint – Detective/Mystery
- Traditional Imprint – Westerns
- Traditional Imprint – Romance
- Traditional Imprint – Non-Fiction/Biography
- Traditional Imprint – HBE Publishing
- Traditional Imprint – General Fiction
- Traditional Imprint – Religion/Inspirational Fiction
- Independent Publishing – Young Adult
- Independent Publishing – Poetry
- Independent Publishing – Children’s Books
- Independent Publishing – Religion/Inspirational Fiction
- Independent Publishing – Graphic Novels
- Independent Publishing – Novelty
- Independent Publishing – SciFi/Fantasy
- Independent Publishing – Horror/Thriller
- Independent Publishing – Romance
- Independent Publishing – Non-Fiction/Biography
- Independent Publishing – General Fiction
Event Posters
Some of my favorite posters from the past few years. Most of the them are from events held or sponsored by A Book Barn and/or Wild About Books.
- Magic, Mystery, and Imagination!
- Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writers’ Festival
- California Bookstore Day
- Book Launch for Beth Bridges
Flyers & Brochures
I have more than these, but I’m just flat out too lazy to plug my computer tower in and grab the preview images. Rest assured, I’ve made brochures for several local companies and organizations, as well as the local branches of several international organizations. I know, I know, you’re thinking, “Dang it Josh, this is why I came here today! Why the heckle would I want to have bookmarks made when I could have brochures??” And you’re right.
- Westerners – Outside
- Westerners – Inside
- HBE Publishing – Outside
- HBE Publishing – Inside