Do you want to become a publication designer, or add publication design to your range of services?

With over 10 years of experience designing magazines and long-form documents, I can guide you through the technical intricacies of publication design, as well as help you develop the communication skills essential for working effectively on publication projects.

Rachel from Paper & Desk is smiling with a laptop in front of her, with the document on the left being a Word document draft of the content, and the document on the right being the finished designed publication spread.

I’ve designed publications for:

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

EDGE EARLY LEARNING

RIO TINTO

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

QUEENSLAND AMBULANCE SERVICE

MEAT & LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA

Hi! I’m Rachel, a freelance graphic designer and a publication specialist.

I started my design journey as a magazine designer, fell in love with the craft, and haven’t stopped since. These days, people often come to me for publication design, which then leads to other work like marketing assets, either within the same business or through referrals.

The key thing I’ve learned is that it’s not just about being a good designer, although that definitely matters. You also need to know how to communicate with clients in a way that keeps them informed and confident throughout the process.

That’s been a huge part of growing my business. Clients come back because they trust the quality of my work and because they know I’ll keep them in the loop.

Design and communication really go hand in hand, and that’s something I’d love to teach you.

An iPad featuring publications that Rachel has designed in Brisbane

Rachel from Paper & Desk, smiling and sitting at a desk with magazines and publications she has designed, in front of a white wall with magazine pages she has also designed.

Example of food publication designed by Rachel

Example of Brisbane real estate publication designed by Rachel

If you’d like to sharpen your skills in multi-page documents or start offering them as a professional service, I’d love to invite you to reach out using the button below:

Ask Rachel about teaching

Example of Queensland Ambulance Service publication designed by Rachel

Example of Rio Tinto publication designed by Rachel

I’m currently building out my course.

Here’s how I plan to help you become a technically confident publication designer who’s ready to work directly with clients:

Rachel taking a publication design brief with a client

Part 1: Technical know-how

I’ll teach you the key technical details behind publication design, from layout systems to typography, and how to create a cohesive story across multiple pages.

Part 2: Client communication

I’ll teach you how to handle client communication, from taking and clarifying a solid brief to keeping clients informed, so your work stays on track, on-brand, and meets client expectations.

Here is what my clients say about my work and working with me:

Publication-design-for-Queensland-Ambulance-Service

Big thank you for your professionalism and dedication

“I just want to say a big thank you for your professionalism and dedication. No task was ever too big for you and you were so efficient at putting the magazine together. Finally, I love the look of the mag. The colours, design and layout work really well… it is amazing. Thank you so much for all your hard work and enthusiasm!”

— Jo, Queensland Ambulance Service

Organised, responsive, and a fantastic communicator

“Rachel is not only a truly talented creative designer with a sharp eye for layout and publication design, but she’s also incredibly organised, responsive, and a fantastic communicator. She brought thoughtful, strategic recommendations to the table and helped us navigate some tricky stakeholder feedback with grace and professionalism.”

— Camille, Rio Tinto

Progress Magazine cover, which features a woman with long, wavy blonde hair standing outdoors near rocks and water, surrounded by large green leaves.

Incredibly talented… world-class editorial designer

“Rachel blew my expectations out of the water. Apart from being incredibly talented, Rachel is a joy to work with. She's fast, responsive, reliable, patient and direct in the very best way. I have had SO many compliments on the design. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a world-class editorial designer and creative partner.”

— Emma, Progress Magazine

Why choose me to help you on your publication journey?

🤓
I’ve got a PhD

Yup! I originally pursued one in Law and Economics to teach at university level (I’m a bit of a nerd), but detoured into design afterward. It shows I’m serious about teaching, and I now bring that experience into my own course.

📚
Seasoned specialist

I’ve been specialising in publication design for over 10 years. In a time where people change careers every 2/3 years, I’ve built deep experience by focusing on this craft consistently, working on publications day in and day out.

🤝
Easy to work with

Clients often tell me I’m easy to work with. Strong communication is a big part of that, and through my work with a Brisbane-based communications coach, I’ve refined those skills and can teach you to do the same.

Curious?

As mentioned, my course is currently being built, however I offer one-on-one sessions in the meantime.

Happy to chat more about what you (or your team) need to build out your publication design capability.