I was twelve when I realised that I was a designer. I'd been given a book report as an English assignment, and I had never been so excited about a project in my life. The brief was simple; summarise the book. I spent hours on this assignment (the book was Eragon, if you were wondering). I summarised the 500 page fantasy novel into a short story version, and turned it into a picture book. I hand-wrote the text on all the pages, and slaved over the elaborate illustrations of dragons, mountains and magic. I carefully picked out the perfect cover stock (thick, red and textured like dragon hide), and bound it with black cord. I’m still proud of this book. Today, I may not be hand-crafting short story picture books, but I still get a flutter of excitement over impeccable typography and selecting the perfect stock. I love that as a creative, every new project is a fresh start. As a visual communicator, I take ideas, products and people, and package them in a way that makes people feel something (and then take action). As a print lover, I jump at any excuse to design some stationery, a book or a magazine. To view my most recent portfolio of work, visit www.darcylane.co