Open to opportunities

Michael Caputo

@michaelcaputo

I create standout book covers, interiors, and paper-engineered publishing projects from concept through print production.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead and deliver high-quality print, book, and branded publishing projects, collaborating with editorial, production, illustrators, freelancers, and vendors from concept through final production.

I’ve created high-profile publishing work for NBC’s “Making It,” the Caldecott Awards program, and the New York Book Show. Across Quarto Publishing, Zibby Media, and freelance clients, I develop covers, interiors, print-ready mechanicals, and novelty book layouts.

I lead projects from manuscript to bound book, coordinating editors, illustrators, freelancers, vendors, schedules, budgets, and production. My work includes cookbooks, journals, children’s books, licensed entertainment titles, pop-up books, and branded publishing products.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Freelance Art & Design Manager

Zibby Media / Zibby Publishing

Apr 2024 - Sep 2024 (5 months)

Worked directly with Publisher and Editorial Director on all aspects of creating novels and memoirs, including 3D layouts, cover concepts, and interior text styles. Instituted a digital and printed catalog of all titles and created various covers for different editions.

Art Direction Design Management Cover Design Interior Design Print Production Cataloging Metadata Management

Art Director / Senior Designer Manager

Quarto Publishing

Feb 2022 - Dec 2023 (1 year 10 months)

Oversaw creation of all print-related projects including cookbooks, journals, and custom titles. Conceptualized covers and interiors, prepared printer mechanicals, and supervised a team of designers to ensure schedules and budgets were met.

Art Direction Print Production Color Correction Project Management Team Leadership Budget Management Vendor Management Freelancer Management

Freelance Book Designer / Art Director / Paper Engineer

Self Employed

May 2011 - Feb 2022 (10 years 9 months)

Offered freelance design services for various clients with end-to-end support in production and pre-press processes. Designed and engineered popup books, including for NBC's 'Making It' and the Caldecott Awards program.

Book Design Art Direction Pop Up Books Production Project Management

Book Designer / Art Director / Paper Engineer

Sabuda & Reinhart Studios

Managed and designed in-store signage for Borders Books holiday displays and traveled to overseas vendors to manage printing and assembly. Collaborated with New York Times best-selling authors and publishers on marketing materials.

Book Design Art Direction Print Production Vendor Management Marketing Materials File Management

Senior Designer / Paper Engineer

Penguin - Little Penguin Workshop

Oversaw creation of publishing brand strategy for licensed products and movie tie-in projects. Collaborated with editors and production to ensure on-time delivery and high print quality, and managed freelance and illustrator schedules.

Brand Strategy Art Direction Project Management Print Production Scheduling

Designer for Harper Festival

Harper Collins

Designed and branded an updated line look for a series of books targeted to early readers. Organized, budgeted, and scheduled illustrators, and coordinated with marketing for special displays and posters.

Design Branding Budgeting Scheduling Marketing Coordination Print Production

Designer for Simon Spotlight

Simon & Schuster

Attended meetings and pitched concepts for licensed titles, prepared and managed project budgets and schedules, and maintained communication with departments and illustrators. Partnered with production to color correct projects.

Design Budget Management Scheduling Color Correction Project Communication