Hello.

I’m Ellen Shapiro: writer and graphic designer. For my own books, I do both. This dual practice shapes how I think and work.

For example, every decision in my new historical novel, The Secret Buttons, is mine: the words, format, art direction, and typography. It’s a story about immigration, resistance, and two girls who won’t wait for someone else to save them — and save others.

This site covers a lot more ground: Articles in design magazines; a career’s worth of design projects for corporate and nonprofit clients; some of my favorite essays; a media schedule with podcasts and appearances; and information about my work as an expert witness in trademark and copyright cases.

Dive in, please.