Jennifer Tolo Pierce
Design Director
Chronicle Books
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Loved writing but wanted a chance to put making art first.
Decided to go into design to make a living knowing nothing about design but liking words and art.
After earning my second degree in design, worked at a boutique design and branding firm.
Moved across country to New York for a fresh perspective.
Moved back to California after being laid off in an economic downturn.
While working at another boutique design firm, decided to go for an MFA in Writing (poetry).
Designed several books through the design firm for Chronicle Books. I LOVE books.
Hired as Design Manager at Chronicle Books. Design, writing, art, storytelling, teamwork= dream job.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Design Director
I am a member of a team of people dedicated to sharing stories and bringing them to life in a meaningful, enduring way.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Design
Business
Communicating / Sharing Stories
Day to Day
Up early and reply to emails. Test different typefaces for a book layout. Research illustrators for a children's book or other project. Contact a photographer about an upcoming photoshoot and discuss styling and props for the shoot, models if relevant. Attend a creative meeting about an upcoming project. Art direct a design fellow. Meet with a Designer to review her projects. More emails regarding any one of my 20+ ongoing projects. Show & Tell with other designers. Design layouts. Repeat.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for middle school students
Know that this occupation exists. Know that design exists. Explore all of the various ways in which you can enter the design field. Learn about type. Learn about composition. Learn about publishing and what goes in to making a book. Learn about layouts. Find a mentor. Ask questions. Surround yourself with books. Look to history. Use your hands. Share your ideas and be open to feedback. Embrace digital but appreciate print, as well. Each medium tells the story differently.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Find that one thing and stick to it. Jack of all trades, master of none."
