Editorial Design

To design for a publication in the state were I was born and raised was a perfect job to say the least. No matter the story, I felt connected to the people, the traditions and the uniqueness that makes North Carolina such a great state.

My role, as a designer for Our State Magazine, required the ability to read the stories for upcoming issues and determine the appropriate freelance photographer to bring the story to life. I would offer detailed information and images needed as well as determine payment based on our budget. Once I received the photography back, I would select images, color correct as needed, design the piece, prepare files for printing and/or digital application, approve printer files and archive all assets.

Photography: Stacey Haines. Art Direction and prop styling: Katherine Dayton and Deanne O’Connor.

Coastal Air

Daisies & Dogwoods – A Photo Essay

Worms & Coffee

Katy Caroline – Her Own Vision

Carolina Arts Department

A Growing Collection

Mr. Steven Burke

Tar Heel People Department

Writer: Daniel Wallace Photographer: Stacy Haines

Photography: John Autry. Art Direction: Katherine Dayton

Photography: Lissa Gotwals. Art Direction: Katherine Dayton

Photographer: Joey and Jessica Seawell. Art Direction: Katherine Dayton.

Cookbook Design

Being from the south, I have always had a love for cooking and for cookbooks. My kitchen is full of church cookbooks from all over North Carolina.

While working for Our State Magazine, I was given a most exciting challenge to create a Southern Sweets cookbook with the caveat that we had only enough in the budget for the photographer and a few props – oh and we had a quick turn-around. The design would be the easy part but who in the world would have time to bake all of the items in the cookbook, for free? I decided it would be worth a call to our local community college to see if their students in the culinary program would be interested. We would dedicate a page to speak to their culinary program and in return they would create each one of the recipes for us in the props supplied. It was a fantastic partnership and allowed the culinary students to see their creations in print.

Photographer: Matt Hulsman. Stylist: Matt Hulsman & Katherine Dayton. All photos owned by Our State Magazine.

Photographer: Matt Hulsman. All photos owned by Our State Magazine.

Photo Art Direction

Whether it's standing knee deep in the snow in the beautiful Colorado mountains, carefully arranging desserts in the studio for a cookbook or shooting a product on a white background, the goal is the same; be authentic to the brand and capture an image that will inspire the consumer. These images can only happen when there is a synergy of people and personalities on a shoot. I can say I've been lucky enough to work with some of the best in the industry.