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Working in graphic arts since the 1970s, I am able to offer integrated services in all aspects of publishing—from book design for self-publishing projects, copywriting, editing, restoration of photos, resumes, certificates, catalogs, labels, and more.

I work with both local and long-distance customers, often receiving images and text electronically, then sending back proofs and finished copy. However, I also enjoy working with clients in person, making minute to minute decisions together — especially when working with websites or photographs. Once a book or catalog is ready for press, I can speak to the printer about details, send off the final copy, and assist in pre-press forms and desicions.

Creation Designs also offers greater integration by coordinating with a network of specialists in logo design, illustration, videography, and web desiign . . . although I sometimes also design websites.

After studying at two art schools, receiving a college BA in art plus a teaching credential, I realized that my primary love was calligraphy. I combined working as a calligrapher in the 1970s and 80s with teaching at local schools. I let my K-12 credential go in favor of a lifetime adult school credential and was still able to teach italic and calligraohy as a specialty teacher to K-12 students as well as college students and adults. Along the way, my work was pulished in several books, catalogues, on maps, posters, menus, business cards, invitations, etc. I have participated in gallery shows as well.

My passion for desktop publishing began to manifest in the 1990s when I became editor and co--publisher of Sojourn Magazine, followed by my publishing Grace Millennium, both quarterly regional magazines. The first issues were delivered to the printer on huge layout sheets; all photos were digitized and pasted up alongside text. After 4 1/2 years, I was able to deliver the entire magazine on a computer disk. Then came book design . . . while still carrying on with my great love for calligraphy and teaching.

Some of my book & CD designs and selections of photography are on a these self-styles websites: Book Design, Music and Poetry CDs. My website, Photos by JJ, still displays a 2012 Willits California Kinetic Carnival Event. Hoewever, the out-of-date slide shows on that site used Javascript, now passé.

However, I have posted some older Event Photographs on Wix; Nature and Music Photos on Weebly and a series of fun people photos on Flickr and Facebook.

In 2013, while at a wonderful seminar with the Association of Personal Historians in Washington D.C., I was introduced to a well-made hand scanner. This has allowed me to scan photos without removing them from their albums—saving the photos from damage and saving a great deal of time as well.

I now have 15 years experience putting together books using photos and text for my own: My own Family History Book and a 450 page commissioned Family History that I edited and restored photos. I have also designedand printed over a dozen personal history and annotated Travel Photography Books, plus books by other authors: Poetry, Fiction, and Non-Fiction (hard or soft cover). You can read an array of Testimonials from some of the people I have worked with through the years.

Contact and Payment