In conversation with Dominique Jones
IN CONVERSATION WITH
DOMINIQUE JONES
Dominique Jones is currently working as a Designer at Dutton, a division of Penguin Random House. She graduated from Mercy College in 2018, with a BA in Graphic Design. In July 2020, she created Blk + Brwn Book Designers. A platform for Black and Brown book designers to share their work, connect, and share their experiences within the publishing industry.
What does a day in the life of Dominique Jones look like?
Everyday is different but I generally have a to-do list for myself to keep track of things. It consists of titles and book jackets that I have to work on until the very end.
How did you get into the world of book cover design?
Like most people, it happened unexpectedly and wasn't something I thought existed. I'm forever grateful to have the opportunity to be in this industry and after +2 years later...I'm still here and loving every moment of it.
You have designed some really fabulous covers. My favourite lately is the Black Girl, Call Home cover. What's been the most memorable cover for you, and why?
Thank you, I appreciate the compliment. It's hard to choose which is my favorite, they are all my babies (haha)! My most memorable cover(s) would have to be the repackages for Lorriane Hansberry. It's been a few years since I drew anything and of course it brought some fear into the mix but once I let that go, it felt like old times in college.
You run a business called Blk + Brwn Book Designers, could you tell me more about that?
To start, I wouldn't call it a business. To me it's a community of dope designers...I just bought us closer together. It became a platform because I was frustrated and felt alone being the only Black designer on my team. In the end, I've connected with close to 20 Black and Brown designers and (hopefully more to come) across the industry and worldwide. Blk + Brwn Book Designers just made its first 1 year anniversary and I'm stoked to see what's yet to come. We share the works of Black and Brown book designers, post jobs/freelance opportunities and have a freelance directory. Our goal is to support, connect and inform young designers about the industry in hopes to see more diversity across the board.
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| Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson |
What are you currently reading?
I'm currently reading Seven Days in June by Tia Williams for a book club I recently joined.
What book would you recommend to my readers?
Wow, it's so hard to choose but I would definitely say Hell of a Book by Jason Mott. It's going to be my second time reading it soon. It's honestly one HELL OF A BOOK you don't want to miss.
