POLARIS’ WORLD
Illustration | Book Design & Publishing | Web Design | Marketing & Events
Birdhouse Publications LLC wrote a manuscript book based on true events about a deaf and blind dog named Polaris. The intention was to build awareness for differences, and spark thinking at a young age about how others may experience the world differently from them.
They just needed an illustrator and visual designer…
This project is the whole shebang. What started as just an idea to write a book about differences, became a huge illustrative project with PR, social media, merchandise, web design, events, fundraisers, and more.
Key Deliverables
Click on each image to learn more
The process started with a draft of the book, given to me by the Author. She gave me an outline of what they were thinking for visuals:
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Because Polaris can’t see or hear, “Scent clouds” would represent people
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Seasons will change, and the dog, Polaris, will age throughout the book
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Two birds would be the humor of the story, and follow the story
I provided examples of what I imagined for the book: bright and colorful, almost like watercolor.
This image was the first drawn media for the book, and my initial reaction to reading the manuscript! Over time it changed, but I still love the way it looks.
Concept
I went through many different design iterations. The main thing holding me back was … me! I struggled with feeling like nothing was perfect.
After a lot of trial and error, and overcoming perfectionism, I finished and printed a 54-page storyboard.
This was my first time designing a book, so I did a lot of research
There needed to be front and endpapers, An inside title page, A copyright page, and Page count structure
We annotated the finished storyboard with suggested edits to the text structure, flow, and design to then start illustrating.
Storyboarding
Illustrated the full book, refining characters, scenes, and visual humor. Incorporated feedback from authors at each step, balancing expressive storytelling with clarity, while ensuring the illustrations conveyed the story’s deeper social message. The illustrations took months to finish!
Each time I finished a page, I would upload it to a shared document for review so I could get feedback as I worked.
Illustration
Oversaw the book’s production, including proofs, and print quality checks. Helped get the isbns and copyright data. We published hardcover and paperback through Ingram Spark and Kindle Direct Publishing; the book is available on Amazon and in Bookstores.
My personal goal was to be available in Barnes and Nobles!
Created digital .epub and .kpf files in order to publish on iBooks and Kindle.
We are also looking into making an interactive ebook with animations, sounds, and read-aloud capabilities for an accessible experience for everyone.
Publishing
Customers were routed to the Polaris the Deaf-Blind Dog website from social media posts to buy the book, stay up to date with events, and sign up for newsletters.
I wanted every step of the way to be cohesive for people interested in Polaris, the book, or both.
Updating the website to match the style of the book, both to maintain consistency, but also to push Polaris’ brand beyond that of just a couple of people with an interesting dog.
A professional, polished, cohesive website could make this entire thing.
I updated the user interface and flow of the website to keep the design and brand language consistent.
Website Design
Developed merchandise inspired by the book, from prints to themed items.
Merchandise
Created posts and social media plan for the book’s release and events. I also created brand guidelines for future posts on Polaris’ account.
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Social Media
I went through many different design iterations. The main thing holding me back was … me! I struggled with feeling like nothing was perfect.
After a lot of trial and error, and overcoming perfectionism, I finished and printed a 54-page storyboard.
This was my first time designing a book, so I did a lot of research
There needed to be front and endpapers, An inside title page, A copyright page, and Page count structure
We annotated the finished storyboard with suggested edits to the text structure, flow, and design to then start illustrating.
At our first event, “PAWS & Pages”, we sold 52 books in two hours!
Events & Fundraisers
Polaris Finds His Family is the first book in a series of three. We have begun development for the next book, Polaris Goes To School, available in late 2026!
Series
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Achieved #1 New Release in three children’s book categories on Amazon from October 15th to October 17th
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Sold 85 copies on Amazon within the first three days of launch
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Raised $300+ for local Animal Rescue (AJK Family Rescue, Austin TX)
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Received a foreword from Stanford pediatrician, Toby Hays, and several other endorsements from child therapists, teachers, and pediatricians
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Available in Round Rock Public Libraries, Hutto Public Libraries, local book stores and more to come!
Impact
GALLERY
