CLIENT
Dorrance Publishing House
Dorrance Publishing Company is a book publishing house based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 1920 by Gordon Dorrance. After facing rejection from traditional publishers, Dorrance established the company to give aspiring authors a platform to share their work.
As one of their preferred contracted artists and designers, I played a vital role in transforming authors' words into compelling visuals. Working one-on-one with each writer, I helped bring their stories to life through thoughtful and engaging design. My collaborations spanned across a variety of genres, including horror, mystery, children's books, fantasy, and nonfiction. Below are some of my favorite projects I got to work on.
The Unicorn
Unicorns have long been symbols of mystery, wonder, and magic. But what if their story had a darker turn? The Unicorn by Margaret Beard Johnson reimagines the classic myths, transporting readers to a time when these majestic creatures roamed the earth in peace—until the arrival of the Hunters. As danger looms, the unicorns must find a way to survive.
This enchanting tale invites young readers to explore the magic that may still exist in the world around them. Paired with a beautifully illustrated cover—featuring a ghostly unicorn silhouette that allows each reader to envision their own idea of these mythical beings—The Unicorn is a timeless adventure that sparks imagination and wonder.
Unmasked
In Unmasked, Dr. Isabella Moretto shares a deeply personal and unflinching look into the struggles of physician mental health. She finds herself battling overwhelming despair, contemplating suicide as an escape from the pressures and hardships of her life. But ironically, it is during a global pandemic—when isolation is at its peak—that she begins to find healing. With the guidance of a mental health counselor and psychiatrist, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and recovery. She wrote this book in hopes her journey will encourage others to seek the help they need and remind them that healing is possible. The book’s cover art reflects this transformation, depicting a woman gazing into a shattered hand mirror—each fractured reflection revealing different versions of herself, unmasking the complexities of identity, struggle, and healing.
The Ancient Legacy
The Ancient Legacy follows a young princess as she steps into leadership to save her people in a time of crisis. Set in the world of Quandoria, the story weaves together magic, and adventure.
The cover depicts a queen seated in the heart of a dark blue forest. Her flowing blue hair and piercing red eyes command attention, while a golden crown of flowers and leaves rests atop her head—symbolizing both her nobility and the burdens she carries.
Charlie The Stink Bug
Charlie the Stink Bug by Rinnie Flynn is a heartwarming children's story about curiosity, kindness, and the unexpected friendships that can blossom when we embrace the unknown. Inspired by a real-life encounter, the book follows Rennie Flynn as she meets Charlie, a little stink bug who lands on her hand. Instead of shooing him away, she gently pets his back, talks to him, and watches in awe as he wiggles his antennae and even shows her his wings.
Through charming illustrations, readers follow Rennie and Charlie’s budding friendship, learning the value of respect for all creatures—big or small. The cover captures this magical moment, showing Rennie holding Charlie close to her face, unafraid to explore the world through curiosity and care.
Do What You Know Is Right
Lorenzo Kersey writes the book Do What You Know Is Right, which shares the story of his son, Dexter, struggling to find his way amidst the pressures of peer influence and life on the streets—a path that ultimately led to his tragic demise. Through his personal journey, Lorenzo sheds light on the painful reality that many families face when a loved one is caught between the right and wrong choices. The cover art captures this crossroads, depicting a young man spray-painting the book’s title onto a mural. The mural itself portrays two starkly different paths: one side flourishing with life and growth, the other bleak and abandoned—symbolizing the critical choices that define a young person’s future.
Come My Love
Come My Love by Claudette T. Bourque follows the seemingly perfect life of Kathleen, who has everything—a thriving business in Austin, Texas, and a devoted boyfriend who adores her. But when she begins experiencing a recurring nightmare in which she is the dying wife of a mysterious man, she starts to question whether her life is as fulfilling as it appears.
The book cover captures a pivotal moment from the story when Dr. Stone appears in Kathleen's bedroom late one night. Unbeknownst to her, this encounter is not just a ghostly vision—it’s a glimpse into her future, one that will challenge everything she thought she knew about love, fate, and destiny.
The Tale Of The White Cardinal
The Tale of the White Cardinal by D.M. Tbinoson is a children's book that thoughtfully introduces young readers to the topic of racial tensions. Through the story of a unique white cardinal, the book teaches the importance of acceptance and the harm of judging others based on their differences. This heartwarming tale helps children understand that while we may not all look the same on the outside, we all share the ability to show kindness, empathy, and love.
The cover beautifully illustrates this message, depicting various animals of different species gathered together at a local watering hole—symbolizing that, despite our differences, we can all come together in harmony.
Scotlander
Scotlander by Kent Taylor follows the journey of Duke Hendrickson, a humble farm boy who becomes a knight after pulling a sword from a stone. Trained in combat and armed with newfound strength, Duke is tasked with destroying the evil enchantress Veronica and her dark forces, all in fulfillment of a prophecy from God.
The cover illustration captures the beginning of Duke's knightly journey, showing him in his farmer clothes despite his new status as a knight. This moment reflects his humility and the contrast between his roots and the destiny he's destined to fulfill.
When The Moon Is Red
When the Moon Is Red by Philip L. Rettew continues the suspenseful journey from The Kovalenko Secret, escalating the urgency as domestic and international agents uncover evidence of an imminent, horrific terrorist attack on the United States. The cover illustration shows a remote cabin perched atop a mountain, surrounded by the dense woods, with a blood-red moon rising ominously behind it. This image sets the tone for the looming threat and the sense of impending doom.
