Diartist Graphic Design

Admiral Vat Smith by Graeme Lunn

Review by Aircrew Book Review (Andy Wright)
…the author follows VAT's life through his early years and into the Royal Australian Navy, his eventual pre-war qualification as an observer, serving on HMS Ark Royal until the carrier was lost, attacking Scharnhorst (per the cover), catapulting in Fulmars, catapulting from HMAS Canberra in the Pacific (VAT was on board during the Battle of Savo Island), terms as Air Staff Officer Afloat (back with the Royal Navy) and Ashore (back in Australia tending to the British Pacific Fleet), carrier life in Korea, command at sea and ashore, and the highest of upper echelons. It's a story that encounters some of the greats of the Fleet Air Arm – 'they have their exits and their entrances'; VAT 'in his time plays many parts'.

Photo reproduction is superb with some lovely half-page plates dedicated to images whose quality deserves such treatment. Several maps are also presented; they, and the layout, are very clearly the expert work of Di Bricknell. A Tasmanian graphic designer, Di's work needs to be seen by a much wider audience. Her signature is evident throughout Avonmore's titles and her map work has graced the pages of aircrew authors such as Kristen Alexander, Graeme Gibson and Ian Campbell, to name a few.

https://aircrewbookreview.blogspot.com/

Kriegies: The Australian Airmen of Stalag Luft II by Kristen Alexander

27 June 2024: Winner, Nonfiction, ACT Literary Awards 2024, self-publishing category
Judges comments: Kristen Alexander has produced a meticulously researched, accessible and wide-ranging study of a group of prisoners of war whose experiences are more encrusted in legend than most. Stalag Luft III was the setting for ‘The Great Escape’, made famous in the book by Australian writer and former POW Paul Brickhill and the acclaimed 1963 film. Alexander’s story is of the Australians in the camp, and it is a gripping one of their experiences from capture to return – when, indeed, they managed to survive the war. The research, based on family records and extensive work in public archives, underpins a model social history that contributes to our understanding of the physical and emotional experiences of POWs, as well as the hardships endured, outside the barbed wire, by those who loved them.  

http://www.kristenalexander.com.au/kriegies-australian-airmen-stalag-luft-iii-0

Love, Passion & Cruelty in Van Diemen’s Land by Malcolm Ward
(Published by GSBHS)

Love, passion and cruelty in Van Diemen’s Land is an edited collection of George Meredith’s love letters to his wife, from the early 1800s including some introductory chapters on George Meredith by the author, delving into the metaphors Meredith used in his letter writing to his wife, which used the garden as a theme of sexual description.

A Voice down the Line by Simmone Croft

A young man from Clare, South Australia sets out for adventure in the Northern Territory during the Second World War. He could never have imagined the events that would unfold. Henry Scott "Scotty" never did things by halves. He was always on the go, searching for adventure, and wanting to make the world a better place. He loved deeply, drove fast, never shied away from a challenge and followed his passions. He was many things. A linesman for the Postmaster General's department. A survivor of the bombing of Darwin. A born storyteller and keen historian. A horticulturalist. A musician. A builder. A bush barber and outback dentist. A "Silent Mayor" for the town of Katherine. A recipient of the Medal of Australia.Written by Henry Scott's granddaughter, A Voice Down the Line, shares the remarkable story of a true Territory character. This book is not just full of words, but outback friends you're going to love to meet.

100 Years of the May Shaw by Hilary Burden (published by Craig Johnston)

A history of the May Shaw Nursing Home (Health Centre now), has been researched and wonderfully written by Hilary Burden. May Shaw and the local Glamorgan Spring Bay Historical Society had so many historic documents and images for the book (so much had been kept by May Shaw!). This book was an absolute pleasure to design and desktop-publish as it was all about the local history of this remote rural town, where nursing and medical assistance is still so important. Craig Johnston OAM (Publisher and previous Chairman) has laid down the history for future generations to read, Craig’s generous gift will be truly appreciated for many years to come. Book launch will be held on 31 October 2020 at the Swansea RSL adjoining space.

Worth Fighting For by Norm Cramp

Another special book highlighting the plight of Territorians in all wars. A 40 page book about particular servicemen with photos, I wanted this to be a tribute to their service. The use of white space and fonts led me to a simple style. The cover is bold with a blend of images and one Indigenous Territorian deep etched photo with the NT flag as the focus. A very enjoyable book to design and desktop publish.

Indiaman by Elizabeth Rushbrook

Published in 2012 this hard bound (self-cover) book details a trip from Madras to London by my client in 1965. My client had taken photos which had been kept in the form of slides for many decades and these were digitised and lovingly touched up by photographer and specialist Ray Joyce. A special account of this very personal trip is now available for family members to read. A simple design format was adhered to and the end result showcases the story and images clearly. My client was enthralled with the result and gave me a signed copy in appreciation.

Path of Duty by Graeme Gibson

A huge hardcover tome of over 500 pages, printed in Tasmania and bound in Melbourne, Path of Duty is fantastic. The author Graeme Gibson had collated hundreds of images over many years and wrote this factual account of 16 Squadron SAAF. Printed in 2013 this massive book was crafted to exacting specifications, artwork had been commissioned for this book and when all items were ready Graeme contacted me to design and desktop publish. The end result is a testament to Graeme’s hard work and perfecting style. Many hand drawn maps were done in Adobe Illustrator for this book by me, a very enjoyable book to work on.

Without Precedent by Owen Zupp

Another hard bound book with dust-jacket this 350 odd page book was desktop published and designed by me, the cover was in the minds-eye of the author for many years and it was my job to make the design a reality. This author knew exactly what he wanted and it was my job to enact his wishes and produce the artwork in a timely way. A great job to work on (all via email and phone calls), I hope to work with Owen again some day as he was really good to work for.

Many books by Dr Tom Lewis OAM

Books designed and desktop published over many years for Dr Tom Lewis including;

• A War at Home

• By Derwent Divided

• Honour Denied, Teddy Sheean A Tasmanian Hero

• Darwin’s Submarine I-124

• Submarine Six, Australian Naval Heroes

• Zero Hour in Broome

• Carrier Attack, Darwin 1942

Also produced with Editor, Dr Tom Lewis for 10 years, a quarterly magazine Headmark Magazine for the Australian Naval Institute.

She looks like Hermann Goering: Let’s call her Glenys–A Memoir by Glenys Rich

A hard bound book with dust-jacket, this book was designed and desktop published by me. We worked through phone calls and emails, the author supplying images to be scanned and word files of the text. After printing, Glenys sent me a copy with inscription “ For Di, Whose excellent artistic skills are exceeded only by her patience and tolerance, thank you so much, Glenys”. I am sure I don’t know what she meant by this as Glenys was a joy to work with!

Hurrah for the Next Man by Phil Davenport

The late Phil Davenport lived a fantastic long life and I was privileged to design and desktop publish his book Hurrah for the next Man–a personal account of his service-time during WWII. I was fortunate to meet Phil and he gave me a signed copy of his book. Please find a review of his book here.