LET’S PARTY






Sol Butler:An Olympian's Odyssey through Jim Crow America




Who: Khari Johnson-Ricks (artist), University of Illinois Press 
When: Published January 20, 2026
Where: Books are Sold




Project manager and creative direction for the cover art of Sol Butler: An Olympian's Odyssey Through Jim Crow America. I was hired by the author, Brian Hallstoos, to advise on artist selection for the commissioned illustrations. I provided artist recommendations within budget, facilitated the connection with the chosen artist, Khari Johnson-Ricks, and served as liaison between the artist, author, and UI Press.

Once sketches and final artwork were approved, I created cover mockups to help guide layout decisions and ensure thoughtful use of the illustrations.

Scope of work included artist coordination, creative direction, communications guidance, and acting as an artist–organization interloper