As the graphic designer for Makiah's Show and Tell, my role was pivotal in translating the author's vision into a visually captivating reality. Makiah's story of empowerment and self-expression, as she educates her classmates about the beauty and importance of her Black natural hair, inspired the design process. Through thoughtful consideration of typography, color palette, and imagery, and close collaboration with the illustrator, I ensured that the book met Makiah's standards. The result is a visually captivating publication that delights young readers and brings Makiah's empowering journey to vibrant reality.

Mint green packaging design with illustrated cartoon character and decorative patterns.
Children's book title page featuring cartoon landscape with school bus and pink clouds.
Copyright page from a children's book with standard legal text on white background.
A simple headshot portrait against a light pink background.
Colorful children's book cover showing an illustration with balloons and stars against a teal background.
Illustration of a child sleeping in bed with a pink nightcap while a striped orange cat rests nearby.
Illustration of a child sitting on a chair with an orange striped cat below.
Illustration of a child in a yellow sweater standing against a pink wall with an orange cat poster.
Text discussing hair terminology and suggesting alternative positive words against a white background.
Illustration of a child in a pink dress running on a path with an orange cat nearby.
Classroom scene showing student and teacher near a chalkboard with 'Lesson Plan' written on it.
Illustration of a yellow elementary school building with trees and a walkway leading to the entrance.
Text against white background describing a classroom discussion about hair and its importance.
A classroom scene with a chalkboard showing lesson plan text and stars drawn on it.
A colorful illustration showing decorative text that reads 'Curly, Coily & Kinky' with hearts.
A paper with text and decorative hearts displaying 'Curly, Coily & Kinky by Mariah'.
An illustration showing text about wearing colorful barrettes at the end of braids.
Students sitting on a pink rug for reading time in a classroom.
Children sitting in a circle on a pink carpet during story time.
Two students interacting on a pink classroom rug during reading time.
Text describing a student's discomfort when others touch their hair without permission.
Text showing dialogue about understanding personal boundaries and offering an apology.
Animated characters showing different facial expressions during a classroom interaction.
A cheerful girl in a yellow sweater and white pants stands in a doorway.
A yellow school bus drives on a winding road leading to a hilltop gazebo.
An orange cat sits beside text about a sleepover party on a pink background.
Text conversation about cultural head coverings on pale pink background.
Animated characters enjoying music and dancing at a slumber party.
Children sitting together at a sleepover snacking and relaxing.
Sleepy children yawning together at bedtime.
Pink hearts pattern background with text about friendship and slumber.
Acknowledgements page listing contributor names on white background.
Inspirational quote about Black women's experiences on white background with portrait.
Professional headshot on a pink background with text about supporting and empowering Black girls.
01 / 33



"Makiah Shipp is a native of Detroit, Michigan and an award winning Author, Speaker, and Civic Engagement Activist. At just 18 years old, she was the youngest to ever be appointed to the Ann Arbor Independent Community Police Oversight Commission. Among her many accomplishments, at just 20 years old, she published the children’s book Makiah’s Show and Tell. Makiah speaks on topics related to racial empowerment, education, and literacy."

-MakiahShipp.com


She has successfully completed her first elementary school book tour across Southeast Michigan, and we are thrilled to be in production of her second book, set to be published in 2024.

Students gathered in a classroom for an educational presentation with colorful banners on the wall.
An author stands next to a promotional book tour sign with decorative artwork.