I’m passionate about working with bold brands to create designs that are not just beautiful but full of meaning.
Let’s bring your vision to life!
Let’s bring your vision to life!
Now, I design across web, graphic, social media, and print (I still adore print!). My inspiration comes from nature, whether it’s a walk in the forest, a trip to the mountains, or a calming yoga session.
Hi! I’m Kateryna, and creativity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I loved making my own magazines, cutting out pictures, and designing layouts—it was my favorite way to bring ideas to life.
Project Overview
This project was the creation of a 372-page book documenting the 250-year history of a Swiss family. The book combines written history, genealogy, archival photographs, historical documents, and personal letters, forming a comprehensive and visually rich narrative. My role covered the full design process—from layout and typography to photo enhancement, cover design, and print preparation.
The final result is a thoughtfully structured book that serves as both a historical record and a visually engaging keepsake for the family.
The final result is a thoughtfully structured book that serves as both a historical record and a visually engaging keepsake for the family.
Layout & Visual Hierarchy
The book's layout balances historical authenticity with modern readability. I used a structured two-column format for dense text sections, ensuring a smooth reading flow, while full-page images and carefully placed visuals provide breathing space and enhance engagement.
To differentiate types of content, I introduced a visual hierarchy:
To differentiate types of content, I introduced a visual hierarchy:
- Main body text uses a clean, serif typeface for classic elegance and easy readability.
- Chapter titles & headings use a decorative, historically inspired font to reflect the book’s theme.
- Historical quotes and letters are placed on a beige background resembling aged parchment, visually distinguishing them from the main text.
Photographic Enhancement & Placement
With approximately 250 photos in the book, many required careful retouching in Photoshop to restore quality, adjust contrast, and enhance details while preserving authenticity. The placement of these images was carefully considered:
- Full-page images, like the 1860 grain sack from Friedrich Glutz, provide a strong historical presence and allow readers to engage with artifacts in detail.
- Archival photos and documents are integrated within text-heavy pages, positioned near relevant passages to reinforce the narrative.
Cover Design
The cover features a family crest taken from the first family house, a key historical symbol linking past and present. The color scheme was carefully chosen to reflect tradition and sophistication, incorporating deep, muted tones with subtle textures reminiscent of old bookbindings.
Working process
Research & Material Organization
- Collected and cataloged letters, photos, and historical records.
- Analyzed existing materials to determine restoration needs.
Photo Editing & Restoration
- Enhanced and retouched aged photographs using Photoshop.
- Adjusted contrast, sharpness, and clarity while maintaining authenticity.
Layout Design & Content Structuring
- Created the page layout, balancing text, images, and white space.
- Designed specific templates for text-heavy pages, full-page visuals, and letter excerpts.
Typography & Styling
- Selected serif fonts for readability and historical relevance.
- Applied decorative fonts to headings and historical inscriptions.
Final Adjustments & Print Preparation
- Made final refinements to margins, spacing, and image alignment.
- Ensured print-ready formatting with high-resolution images.
Used Tools
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Figma (for preparational stage)
Final Result & Recommendation
The completed book serves as a deeply personal and historical artifact, preserving the family’s legacy in a refined and meaningful way. Through thoughtful design, careful restoration, and a well-structured layout, I ensured that each page contributes to a cohesive storytelling experience.
This project highlights my ability to merge design, history, and storytelling into a compelling piece. It showcases my expertise in layout design, photo restoration, typography, and creative direction, making it a strong addition to my portfolio..
