Behind the Scenes: Bringing "250 Years Young" to Life

At Studio Red Design, there is nothing quite like the challenge—and the reward—of transforming a collection of beautiful individual elements into a unified, engaging book. Our recent collaboration on 250 Years Young was a perfect example of this creative journey.

The Creative Ingredients

The foundation of this project was exceptional. We had the pleasure of working with the wonderful rhymes of author John Allen, whose words set a playful and rhythmic tone from the very first page. Complementing the text were the spirited illustrations by Deanna First. Her artwork is full of character and color, providing a rich visual world for us to explore.

The Design Process

Our goal was to weave the words and artwork into a seamless whole. Designing a children’s book is about more than just placement; it’s about pacing. We focused on creating a layout that guides the reader’s eye, ensuring that the interplay between the rhymes and the illustrations feels natural and immersive for both children and the adults reading along with them.

A Book for Every Shelf

Because we wanted this story to be accessible for different types of readers and collectors, 250 Years Young was developed for both hardback and softback editions with 32 text pages and fun endpapers in the hardback edition. The hardback offers a classic, durable feel perfect for gifting, while the softback is ideal for everyday storytime.

Working on this project reminded us why we love what we do: there is a unique magic in pulling together great art and great writing to create something the whole family can enjoy.

For more information about John Allen’s wonderful book, visit his website here.

“Alston Taggart and Studio Red Design were instrumental in bringing 250 Years Young: Happy Birthday, America! to life. From interior layout and typography to jacket design and final production-ready files, Alston turned a manuscript and a collection of beautiful illustrations into a finished book worthy of the story it tells - a premium, illustrated keepsake created in honor of America's 250th anniversary. She and her team brought a remarkable eye for detail, a calm and collaborative spirit, and a genuine investment in getting every page right. I trusted Alston with a project that mattered enormously to me, and she treated it with the same respect and care I did. Alston is the rare designer who is both exceptional at her craft and a true creative partner, and I recommend her and Studio Red Design without hesitation.”

—John C. Allen IV, Author, 250 Years Young: Happy Birthday, America!, President, The Allen Company, Director of Sponsorships & Strategic Engagement, America250