Hola! I’m a jack-of-all trades designer with a sharp skill-set in illustration, packaging design, hand lettering, motion design, pattern design, and photography. I’m currently in publishing creating diverse books for your kids at Macmillan. My responsibilities in this Designer role include designing and art directing the packaged book from the final cover to the interior type layout. When I’m not designing kids products, I enjoy gardening, running, and biking to the beach.
Books I’ve worked on have been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, and several titles received The Society of Illustrator’s Original Art award. If you’re curious about illustrating children’s books – I wrote an article for Society6.
Selected clients include: Macmillan Childrens, Scholastic, Abrams, HarperCollins, Disney, Marvel, E-One, Lego, Pokemon, and National Geographic.
Books I’ve worked on have been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, and several titles received The Society of Illustrator’s Original Art award. If you’re curious about illustrating children’s books – I wrote an article for Society6.
Selected clients include: Macmillan Childrens, Scholastic, Abrams, HarperCollins, Disney, Marvel, E-One, Lego, Pokemon, and National Geographic.
EXPERIENCE
MACMILLAN
Designer
December 2019 – present
Editorial designer in the Macmillan Children's department. I design the entire packaged book experience from the jacket and cover reveal to the interior type layout. I'm responsible for managing and art directing freelancers and illustrators to communicate the visual narrative of the interior as well as an attention-grabbing cover.
Training courses: Photoshop Color Correction, Color Correction Foundations, Best Practices for Jacket Set-up, and Author Care Workshop
SCHOLASTIC
Designer (promoted from Jr.)
January 2018 – June 2019
During my time at Scholastic, I worked in the Trade-Licensing department where I designed and art directed children's books and products. Brands I worked with include Disney, Marvel, National Geographic, E-One, Peppa Pig, Lego, and Pokemon. I created trend-forward designs within each respective brand's guidelines to make market-forward products.
ABRAMS
Assistant Designer
August 2017 – January 2018
I designed a wide range of books from board books and picture books to middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. I also worked with the Art Director to implement and ensure smooth departmental workflow.
HarperCollins
Intern
May 2017 – August 2017
I collaborated with the HarperCollins Children’s Design and Marketing teams to successfully execute projects. Projects include scanning original art, typesetting, designing activity sheets, and assisting the Creative Director.
Designer (promoted from Jr.)
January 2018 – June 2019
During my time at Scholastic, I worked in the Trade-Licensing department where I designed and art directed children's books and products. Brands I worked with include Disney, Marvel, National Geographic, E-One, Peppa Pig, Lego, and Pokemon. I created trend-forward designs within each respective brand's guidelines to make market-forward products.
ABRAMS
Assistant Designer
August 2017 – January 2018
I designed a wide range of books from board books and picture books to middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. I also worked with the Art Director to implement and ensure smooth departmental workflow.
HarperCollins
Intern
May 2017 – August 2017
I collaborated with the HarperCollins Children’s Design and Marketing teams to successfully execute projects. Projects include scanning original art, typesetting, designing activity sheets, and assisting the Creative Director.
EDUCATION
KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE
2012 – 2016
B.F.A. in Graphic Design
& Creative Writing (Double Major)
Type @Cooper Public Workshop
Design for the Senses with Ellen Lupton
Brush Lettering with Ken Barber
AWARDS
WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKSintern grant recipient
BENJAMIN GILMAN SCHOLAR
grant recipient
IBM Workshop
CONTACT
︎ I’m available for freelance workmercedespadro.design@gmail.com
SOCIAL
︎INSTAGRAM︎WORKING
︎LINKEDIN
︎GOODREADS
︎STRAVA
︎ Resume
︎ All work © MERCEDES PADRÓ
