The Crafty Book Company is an indie publishing hub based in Doodleville that originated from the Crafty Talks, a gathering of innovative minds, doodlers, and explorers sharing their tales since 2007.

Established in 2013 by Aurora Sky, The Crafty Book Company releases works by speakers who have participated in the talks, producing instructional manuals spanning a wide range of topics such as Crafty Gardening: The Art of Happy Houseplants, Crafty Connections: How a simple postcard can revamp your network, and Crafty Creations: Why imagination is the key to everything.

A decade later, this collection of nearly 40 palm-sized guides can be found in book nooks, as well as gallery and studio boutiques, worldwide. They've been translated into numerous tongues and released in print, digital, and audio formats. Their allure lies in their unique knack for dissecting a subject and presenting it in easy-to-digest nuggets of information, lessons, and advice – all wrapped up in an engaging and visually appealing package.

Conceptual

When conceptualizing his illustrations, his aim is to navigate the realm of the expected while avoiding clichés. Essentially, he taps into the imagery typically associated with the subject matter but refrains from adhering too closely to the obvious.

"It's a balancing act," he acknowledges. "I constantly grapple with: how much of the concept should be revealed? Which subtle nuances can hint at the idea without spelling it out entirely?"

This approach reflects a larger ethos that permeates James' artistic endeavors. "The cover serves as an invitation," he elaborates. "It beckons the viewer to indulge their curiosity, enticing them to reach for the book. I want the passerby in the bookstore to pause and take notice, intrigued by what lies within."

Design

In the realm of layout design, Wilf Whitty, stationed in Bristol, UK, takes the helm. A longstanding member of The Crafty Book Company team, he elucidates Miranda's steadfast vision for the book design.

"She envisioned pocket-sized books that were both accessible and visually captivating," he elucidates. "The idea of commissioning bespoke photography and illustrations for a 128-page pocket book seemed audacious a decade ago. Yet, from my perspective, it was an enthralling project. I was committed to honoring her vision."

In his approach to designing a Crafty Book, he emphasizes facilitating an immersive reading experience. "My role as a designer is to enhance readability while maintaining aesthetic appeal," he elaborates. "I'm attentive to the flow of the text and strategically employ breaks to allow readers to digest the content. I eschew designs that overpower the narrative, preferring instead to let the words speak for themselves."

Recently, he's been invigorated by the opportunity to contribute to "The Tome of Craft," the publisher's commemorative release. "It's a culmination of a decade's worth of exceptional content," he expresses with enthusiasm. "Curating the finest imagery from photographers and illustrators spanning the past ten years has been a remarkable journey. I wholeheartedly encourage readers to explore its pages."