Editorial Design | Art Direction | Illustration Direction | Brand Development

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Taste of the States is the second cookbook created for Keep Your Daydream, transforming a traditional recipe collection into a culinary road trip across America. Inspired by the Leach family's travels to all 50 states, the book celebrates the regional dishes, local traditions, and unforgettable people that make American food culture so unique.

The creative direction blends editorial storytelling with travel-inspired design, allowing readers to experience each state through its signature flavors. Alongside recipes, the book features destination highlights, food essays, original illustrations, maps, and local recommendations, creating an experience that is equal parts cookbook, travel guide, and celebration of American culture.

As Creative Director and Lead Designer, I developed the visual identity and editorial design system for the publication, creating hundreds of page layouts, custom illustrations, infographics, maps, and supporting graphics. Every design decision was made to reinforce the feeling of a cross-country road trip, balancing beautiful photography, engaging storytelling, and approachable recipes into a cohesive visual experience.

The result is a richly designed publication that invites readers to travel the United States one meal at a time, discovering the stories, traditions, and flavors that connect communities from coast to coast.