I’m Kristine Nelson, art director, designer, and principal of StoryLook Design.

A native of Michigan, I grew up “up North” on the Leelanau Peninsula, an area known for its stunning natural beauty, abundant lakes, quaint small towns, and postcard-perfect four seasons. Living in this area in my early years had a big influence and might be the reason I chose art and design as a career. Nature is perfectly designed, as are we.

Later, moving south to Grand Rapids where I attended Kendall College of Art & Design, I was offered a position as a designer in a book publishing company in one of my first jobs after college. I knew right away I’d found my calling.

StoryLook Design became a reality in 2012 after many rewarding years working in various publishing design settings. It was then that I made the exciting (and scary) decision to go out on my own. I left my comfortable position as senior art director for Zonderkidz, the children’s book imprint of Zondervan / HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

Creatively inspired by energetic people who are passionate about their projects, their books, their stories, their art; I love to discuss ideas and explore the possibilities in an easy, natural partnership. A good communicator and listener with a genuinely collaborative approach sums up my work style. Assignments are handled with careful project management and organizational skills with particular sensitivity for those involved in the creative process. Naturally detail-oriented, my approach to design is both imaginative and methodical, embodying the belief that the design is in the details. “The details are not details; they make the design.” —Charles Eames

Still surrounded and inspired by the beauty of nature and water, my husband and I live in rural West Michigan on a small lake just north of Grand Rapids, not far from the shore of Lake Michigan. Our two spoiled tabby cats, Max and Ty, are the rulers of our household and home office. 😊

I’d love to hear from you, to learn about your project, and to work with you! Feel free to email me at kris@storylookdesign.com or by using the contact form.

Sincerely,
Kristine . . . or you can call me Kris. I go by both.