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Hardie Grant Books

A contemporary celebration of hand printing

Book titled "Modern Block Printing" on a warm terracotta background, with bold red typography and a hand-printed floral and bird illustration in black and red. Subtitle reads "Over 15 projects designed to be printed by hand," with the author's name, Rowan Sivyer.

Modern Block Printing by Rowan Sivyer showcases the art of hand printing through 16 inspiring projects — from greeting cards and fabric prints to clay creations and festive gift wrap. We were commissioned to design a book that reflects Rowan’s influences, making pattern, colour, and craft feel fresh and relevant.

Open spread from Modern Block Printing.
Open spread from Modern Block Printing, featuring a step-by-step guide on how to create a potato-printed tote bag.

Our role

We delivered the cover design, internal layouts, and step-by-step illustrations. The aim was to balance style and substance — making the projects visually beautiful but also easy to follow.

Chapter opener from the Modern Block Printing.
Open spread from Modern Block Printing, featuring a colourful patchwork.

Bringing colour and pattern to life

Throughout the book, colour and pattern merge playfully, echoing the organic and decorative motifs that underpin Rowan’s work. Bold typography, strong photography, and a positive palette combine with technical instructions for each project, letting readers move confidently from concept to creation.

Open spread from Modern Block Printing, featuring a photo of a dog and explanatory text.
Open spread from Modern Block Printing, featuring explanatory text and a black and white pattern.

Impact

Modern Block Printing positions traditional techniques in a contemporary, creative context — appealing to today’s makers while celebrating the beauty and versatility of hand printing.