Megan Ott Graphic Design

This redesign for Stephen Ambrose’s Band of Brothers is one that seeks to reach a younger audience and those who are unfamiliar with the television miniseries based on this book. The silhouettes of the paratroopers, overlaid with the texture of a WWII–era musette bag, march beneath a map of the Bastogne campaign, which first brought Easy Company to the attention of the world. (13.2 x 9.2 inches)

This social issue poster brings to light the devastating plight of child soldiers. The viewer is drawn in by the calm blue background and the image of the infant. Upon closer inspection, the viewer is confronted by the object of the infant’s desire: a mobile of AK–47s. Information about the issue is presented along with a way for the viewer to learn more. (11 x 17 inches)

Since many people prefer to keep track of their schedules electronically, the style and aesthetic of print calendars are now able to trump functionality. This calendar features an iconic quote from a classic film along with a cutout graphic of one or two of the main characters. While visual appeal is more important here, some functionality remains; each Sunday in a month is in color. (11 x 17 inches)

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a very personal and profound story about the power of words. To create a personal connection between the object of the book and the reader, hand–painted lettering is used in combination with a well–worn old book cover to suggest the book could be the journal or story of the reader him– or herself. (10.3 x 7.5 inches)

These fliers were designed for the band Glass America for a concert in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Creating a legible yet artistically intriguing flier was the main goal. The flier featuring the tree was chosen as the final design. (8.5 x 11 inches)

This redesign for John Steinbeck’s classic saga, East of Eden, brings together the central themes and symbols of the novel. The roots reference both the connection between man and earth and the generational nature of the story. The striking image of the boy works well with the time period during which the story takes place. (20.1 x 8.5 inches)

The Orvieto Anthology chapbook is a collection of student poetry. The handwritten-style typography alludes to the traditions of poetry. The cover photograph is the view of the small Italian town of Orvieto where the collection was written and compiled. (5.5 x 8.5 inches)

This short animation began as a part of an illustrated classic movie quote calendar. The simple illustration provides visual interest yet allows the text to take center stage.

The Pandora’s Box DVD case draws on the rationality of the aesthetics of the New Objectivity art movement to which was added a touch of German Expressionist drama to reinforce the themes and style of the film itself. (10.8 x 7.25 inches)

These posters advertise Café Montanucci in Orvieto, Italy. They are designed in a simplified Art Nouveau style with handrawn type to evoke the days when cafés were hotbeds of social and cultural activity and provided a place for artists and intellectuals to interact. (10.5 x 25.5 inches)

Megooligan & Sons is a fictional publishing company for which I created the branding and two book jacket designs (see The Book Thief and Band of Brothers). After researching existing publishing companies and gathering information about the publishing industry as a whole, I came up with the name, crafted multiple logo variations, and created the final logo set (bottom image). It was then applied to stationery and book jacket designs. For more information about this project, please view the process book.

Through my photographic work I strive to capture unique and often-overlooked moments in time, moments of genuine humanness. The editorial style is accessible without sacrificing visual interest.