Quarto Books commissioned us to design Cards Against Negativity (by Kim Davies & Dr. Pooky Knightsmith) — the first in a series — followed by Cards Against Burnout. These guidebook + card sets are built to help people break negative thought patterns, prevent burnout, and support mental well-being.
Our role
We designed the covers, interiors, and illustrations across both sets. We established a recognisable series look and feel, using bold typography, vivid colour palettes, and foil finishes to bring the illustrations to life. Inside, we worked with conceptual illustration for psychological themes, creating visuals that help readers engage with abstract ideas in a clear way.
Expressing psychological themes through design
The design approach helps make invisible mental processes visible. The conceptual illustration supports the text, offering prompts and metaphors for ideas like resilience, recovery, or reframing thoughts — marrying visual energy with introspective content.
Impact
The Cards Against series combines playful packaging with conceptual design, helping make wellbeing advice engaging, practical, and easy to share.
