JULIE GUERASEVA

At LAIKA, I’ve produced over a hundred photoshoots, overseeing every detail from art direction to location scouting, to assembling teams. LAIKA is a Merit Award winner from the Society of Publication Designers in the category Photography, Entire Issue — the only magazine run by a sole individual to receive this honor.

LAIKA Issue #7 cover story with actress Harley Quinn Smith.

art direction by JULIE GUERASEVA.

photography by RYAN PFLUGER.

styled by JESSICA ZANOTTI.

hair and makeup by EMILY DAWN.

In 2012, I launched LAIKA Magazine, the first vegan lifestyle publication of its kind to produce a full range of original content. As the editor and art director, I lead a global collective of photographers, writers and illustrators. LAIKA’s coverage includes profile features, investigative reporting, fashion and beauty stories, and vegan recipes. Additionally, I design every issue and handle digital extensions. In 2015, I ran a successful Kickstarter campaign that exceeded its funding goal.

I created a custom logotype for Humans We Love — a woman-owned fine jewelry studio in the Bay Area. The founder wanted a typeface that would be singular to the brand and capture its blend of vintage and modern spirit.

Provided art direction for product photography and developed branding concepts for Olamina Botanicals, a Black femme-owned herbal apothecary.

Art direction and design

Client: Callisto Media

I art directed and designed a children’s book for 8-12 year olds featuring intricate stories and artwork about the magical worlds of the gods and goddesses that ancient Egyptians believed ruled over every aspect of their daily lives.

Art Director: JULIE GUERASEVA

Illustrator: MEEL TAMPHANON

Client: Callisto Media

Produced a video on Chef Greg Arnold’s plating style in conjunction with LAIKA’s story “Edible Art.”

Conceptualized, art directed and styled a variety of food and beauty stories for LAIKA.

art direction + design
by JULIE GUERASEVA

photography
by VANESSA K. REES, ASH BARHAMAND, PAIGE CARTER, BALARAMA HELLER

Art direction and design for a children’s book on mindful practices.

Client: Callisto Media

Art directed and designed the best-selling title for Callisto Media. The Plant Based Diet for Beginners has been at the top of the Amazon vegan cooking chart for over a year. My vision for the cover and interior was to show whole foods plant based cuisine as vibrant and dynamic, and more than just salad.

art direction + design
by JULIE GUERASEVA

Designed the custom logo and branding for Pathfinder, a marquee event series from Vegan Women Summit, a global events organization. Due to the success of Pathfinder, assets such as original background designs from my branding have been adapted across the parent organization’s various channels.

Created a range of hand-rendered lettering for various editorial.

Created photo illustrations for the democracy think tank non-profit.

Art directed and designed the 25th Anniversary package for Farm Sanctuary, the world’s leading farm animal protection organization.

Brand book art direction and design for Vaute, the first vegan fashion house to show at NYFW. I also created custom typography and handmade elements.

Conceptualized and constructed a variety of sets on shoots using props and handmade backdrops.

Developed concepts for original illustrations and worked closely with illustrators through all stages.

Illustrators: Camila Rosa, Marina Marcolin, Jayde Perkin, Jen Mussari, Holly Exley

Produced and directed a video on vegan chef Bryant Terry in conjunction with his story in LAIKA’s 4th issue.

Contributing designer on the 2018 Annual Report for the nonprofit advocacy group and think tank.

Provided creative strategy for video and site content of NRDC, the international environmental protection non-profit.

Creative strategy and art direction for the launch of athleisure and activewear startup Ethona. The stripped-down creative emphasized the brand’s low-fuss philosophy, and was implemented across digital and social.

Art directed and designed the best-selling title for Callisto Media, one of the few comprehensive cookbooks on the market featuring vegan versions of soul food classics. The goal of the art direction was to evoke comfort, fun and the dynamic range of the recipes.

YouTuber Madelynn De La Rosa for LAIKA Issue #7.
I created a playful atmosphere for expressive portraits, with a set and styling focus on vintage garments and pastel hues.

art direction by JULIE GUERASEVA.

photography by JULIA STOTZ.