Featured Publishing Professional: Rae Crawford
As sent to Jess Harold
Why did you decide to work in publishing?
Even from a young age, I was fascinated by book design. I would spend hours in bookstores (R.I.P Borders) and my local library picking up books and studying every detail, the art, the type, the effects. While I can appreciate a book’s contents, I am completely guilty of judging books by their covers. One of the goals of my life has been to make beautiful books for others to enjoy and marvel at.
For the longest time, people told me that books were only illustrated and designed by a very lucky few which only made me want it more. Eventually, I studied graphic design at College of DuPage in Illinois and communication design later at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. I had incredible professors and mentors along the way who instructed me in a myriad of artistic disciplines. But it was my children’s book illustration class with the incredible and lovely, Pat Cummings, where I really took the dive into publishing. I joined SCBWI, went to all kinds of talks and events, busted my hump designing book covers, interiors and illustrations, leading to me getting internships at Penguin Random House and Open Road Media Publishing. I came work with my current team at Scholastic, Cartwheel Books, after working a job in UI after graduating and the rest is history.
What advice would you give your younger self or for younger POC starting out?
Don’t forget to celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Express gratitude for getting where you are, but never stop yourself for dreaming for more.
What is a book you’ve worked on that you’re most excited to see out in the world?
Definitely All Because You Matter written by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier. It’s a beautiful tribute to Charles’ son. Between Charles’ lyrical writing and Collier’s illustrations, designing this book was an absolute joy. It deserves all of the awards and praise it has received including but not limited to a place on the New York Times bestseller list. But there are even more amazing and inspiring titles coming down the pipeline very soon that I can’t wait for the world to see.
Is a book you’ve read that you go back to over and over again?
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. A book about Iranian Revolution could very easily felt very heavy and bleak. But I love how Marjane tells her story in this humorous, genuine way without taking away from the gravity of growing up with war, government corruption, and religious sexism. To me, this book is the gold standard of memoirs.
How do you think managers can be better advocates for retaining people of color?
I am fortunate to have a team that values my contribution and efforts. That being said, it’s important managers acknowledge their influence and act responsibly. Employees of color should be treated with respect and consideration not just when microaggressions are being discussed, but at all times, in meetings, in one on ones and even off the clock. How managers act towards BIPOC employees sets an example for the rest of the staff.
Rae Crawford is a junior designer at Scholastic with Cartwheel and Orchard Books, where she designs novelty and pictures books. She is also an illustrator, writer and comic artist. She is also the creator of the webcomic, I’m Broken, Send Help. Rae currently lives in NYC with her partner, her iPad and a few assorted stuffed animals and plants. Find her on Instagram and Twitter @itsraecrawford.