KAREN POLASKI

WANTS YOUR BOOK TO SHINE

I’m a dedicated creative professional with broad and deep experience
in book design, communication, and process management.

I'm a talented designer.

I care about the concept and the details.

I know the creative process.

I love deadlines.

I solve problems on the fly.

I collaborate.

I learn from every project.

I don’t take myself too seriously.

I want to make beautiful books with good clients.

about

BEAUTIFUL

COVERS & INTERIORS

I’m an award winner because I design each book to enhance an author's message, intrigue a shopper, and create an engaging experience for a reader. I bring a commitment to excellence, a devotion to details and an unflagging sense of ownership.

RELIABLE

COMPOSITION & PRODUCTION

I know layout, composition, and manufacturing inside out. You can trust me to deliver final files that will please your author and printer. From directing illustrations and developing infographics to tweaking typographic details, I do it all.

COMMUNICATE

HAPPY

AUTHORS & PUBLISHERS

A successful book is the result of collaboration. I honor an author's vision, consult with editors, adhere to professional standards — all within budgets and deadlines. My goal is to create a polished product that everyone will be proud of.

skills

Elbert Hubbard

I don't read a book; I hold a conversation with the author.

quote 1

COMMUNICATE

work

Magaret Atwood

A word after a word after a word is power.

quote 2

HISTORY

MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

I built and managed teams of designers and production artists providing editorial, packaging, marketing, advertising and event design. In addition to creating most-beautiful-in-niche products, we increased efficiency and on-time performance, while regularly coming in under budget.

Sounds True / Louisville, Colorado / Multi-media publishing company

Catalyst Communication / Boulder, Colorado / National syndicated marketer for independent retailers

New Hope Communications / Boulder, Colorado / Publisher of trade magazines

DESIGNER & ART DIRECTOR

For smaller companies and working independently, I have been a one-woman creative department, handling everything from developing strategy to design, copywriting, client relations and press checks.

Cogent Communication / Lafayette, Colorado / Independent design, writing and project management

Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine / Denver, Colorado / Regional consumer magazine

New York Times Magazine Group / Trumbull, Connecticut / Publisher of trade magazines

COMMUNICATE

history

Celeste Ng

The story is truly finished–and meaning is made–
when the reader enters.

quote 3

LET’S COMMUNICATE

Thanks for visiting. Please share feedback, questions and ideas for working together.

communicate