Jason Alejandro
@jalejandro / jasonalejandro.com
Pronouns: He/Him
Where are you from?: South Brunswick, NJ
Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic / Latinx
Languages: English and Spanish
Where do you currently work at?: Studio Alejandro (years of experience working in and with University Press)
Current Position / Role: Principal/CreativeDirector
If you transitioned out of the industry, where did you work before? How long did you work there?: I'm actually a full-time educator, currently working as an Assistant Professor at The College of New Jersey. I maintain an independent design practice working primarily for university presses, as well as some independent and trade publishers. Previously I worked as a book designer at Princeton University Press from 2008-2016. I started there as a junior designer working on interiors and covers. I was a senior designer before leaving to take a position as an art director for a creative agency.
One favorite book you've designed and why?: The 100th Anniversary edition of Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity. I was able to create some custom typography for this iconic physics theory, as well as print on a holographic paper. The appearance of the holographic paper changes relative to the lighting in the space the book is in. It might appear silver-y in one room or like a rainbow gradient somewhere else.
How did you get into design?: I think I've always wanted to be some kind of a designer. I initially started out in architecture school. Before that I was interested in industrial design—maybe designing cars. My mom was an English teacher and my dad painted landscapes as a hobby. It seems it was inevitable!
What do you like about being a book designer in publishing? : While I no longer work full-time in publishing, I do enjoy working alongside people (in both of my roles) who love to read books! As an educator and researcher, I am constantly reading. But I also make sure to read for fun when I can. I have always enjoyed school and learning. It doesn't seem like that will ever change for me.
Tell us a surprising fact about you?: I have 4 kids! And we do a lot of road trips and traveling as a family. So far, we've been to 48 U.S. states and we're hoping to see the remaining 2 states (Hawaii and Alaska) in the near future.
What did you learn about publishing that you wish you knew before? :One thing that I didn't realize until I was working in publishing was just how collaborative it is. It often takes a village to make a book!
What's one goal you have for yourself in this industry?: To work on projects that I am proud of—projects that align with my values and ideals.
How do you overcome a creative block?: Take a break, get up from my desk, go for a walk, listen to music, read something, hang with my family/kids, move to a different medium (draw, cut, build, etc.).