“Jana’s layouts make me want to write.”
Skills
→ Art Direction for books and magazines
→ Redesigns & Launches
→ Visual Storytelling
→ Conceptual Typography
→ Consultation
→ Team Building
→ Team Leadership
I’m an art director and designer with many years of editorial experience at renowned publishers in the U.S. and Germany. My area of expertise is storytelling through conceptual typography and design, allowing me to forge a strong visual connection between content and reader. My current focus lies on book design, but I am also available for select magazine work.
My work for magazines has been honoured by the Type Directors Club, the Society of Publication Designers (where I currently serve on the Board of Directors), and the German Art Directors Club. Over the years, I have built up a large international network of illustrators and photographers.
A background in journalism and design—including a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism and a master’s degree in magazine design—gives me a unique insight into the publishing world. A sense of humor, patience, and over two decades of professional experience also help.
Experience
→ FREELANCE ART DIRECTION & DESIGN — Ankerherz, Claassen, dtv, Edison Magazine, Hanser, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Remote Daily LLC, Red Bull Media House (Benevento Publishing), Rowohlt, Stanford, University, Zsolnay
→ Sports Illustrated Deutschland Kouneli Sports GmbH — DESIGN DIRECTOR
→ GQ Germany Condé Nast Germany — HEAD OF EXPERIENCE DESIGN
→ Fast Company Magazine — DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR
→ Condé Nast Portfolio Magazine Condé Nast — SR ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
→ O, the Oprah Magazine Hearst Magazines — JR DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR
→ Outside Magazine — DESIGNER
→ Reuters Los Angeles — REPORTING INTERN
→ Bloomberg News Frankfurt — REPORTING INTERN
“Jana is the kind of Art Director and graphic designer who understands your ideas as an editor better than you understand them yourself. She knows exactly how to visually take your storytelling to a higher level and makes your pieces pop off the page. Furthermore she is delightful to work with, a great and trusted colleague and even though we work in two different – but of course complementing – fields I learned so much from her and consider her a great mentor. ”
“The most beautiful book in a long time about the most beautiful woman of her time. I am a book maniac. Perhaps I should mention that first. But even I rarely get to hold such lovingly crafted books in my hands. The paper flows like cream between the fingers, under the dust jacket is a linen cover with magnificent metallic embossing. The design by Jana Meier-Roberts is also unusually exquisite, and yes, this is the first time I have looked in the imprint to see who is responsible for the layout and mention the person responsible, because what she has done there goes far beyond the usual.”
“Jana was one of the first art directors who ever commissioned me... this was in 2003, just after I finished my studies at SVA. One never forgets these early commissions. They help you stand on your own feet and allow you to develop your practise. Since then I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jana on more than 100 illustrations. Such long lasting relationships between a commissioner and an illustrator are rare and are very much appreciated.”