I love books. I love design. That's the secret!

Cover design and interior layout created for Francisco Rafael's "Beast Mode Tactics" © Olivier Darbonville

I’m a self-taught designer whose journey began back in 1996 while working on a school magazine. Looking back, I’m not sure it could truly be called “design.” My first layouts were created in Microsoft Word, filled with loud colors, too many columns, and plenty of childish WordArt — but every journey starts somewhere.

Once the layout was ready, I printed copies on an inkjet printer and distributed them to classrooms myself. A few years later, I found myself working with QuarkXPress, collaborating with a professional printing house, and managing a small subscription system that allowed our publication to reach a wider audience.

I remember carrying external hard drives to the printer and receiving freshly printed magazines — still warm, with the unmistakable smell of ink and paper. That moment stayed with me. Even today, whenever I buy a book or magazine, I instinctively smell the pages before reading (yes, I know — it’s a habit!).

Technology, tools, and the industry have changed dramatically since then, but one thing has remained constant: my passion for design.

What Do I Love Most About Design?

Simply put, I love design because it allows me to create a small world of my own — small, but meaningful.

Book layouts hold a special place in my heart because I genuinely love books. Becoming a book designer was never a coincidence; it was a natural extension of being a lifelong reader. A bookworm needs books to live in — and for me, designing book interiors feels like giving those worlds their structure and form.

Authors write the story, but designers prepare it for the stage. After all, no one wants to see a beautiful model wearing an ill-fitting dress.

My dream client?

My ideal client has four key qualities:

1. Responsive

2. Responsive

3. Responsive

4. Focused and clear about their goals

Good communication and shared vision make the creative process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

What Helps My Creative Process?

For me, creativity often begins with solitude. Stepping away from distractions — even for just an hour a day — allows ideas to settle and evolve naturally.

Working from a dedicated home studio helps me disconnect from the outside world when necessary. And yes, two essentials fuel my workflow: tea and a reliable internet connection.

Client Success Stories

Most of my clients are authors and publishers. I make it a point to read each manuscript before designing its layout, because understanding the content is essential to creating meaningful design.

Some projects have been especially rewarding. I’ve worked with authors who began quietly but later published multiple books, growing their audience and receiving strong reader feedback along the way. Watching that journey unfold is one of the most satisfying aspects of my work.

My Best Advice for Designers

• Love design — if it doesn’t make you happy, it may not be the right path.

• Be patient — great work takes time (and usually more than six days!).

• Invest in yourself — every new skill is a step forward.

• Stay true to your vision — your design is your signature.