Blurbox Media and Design

01/04/2026

The official book launch day for the workspace book ‘born out of necessity: 40years of workspace draperstown’

01/04/2026

Book layout and design by blurbox media and design.
This was the final and printed copy of ‘Born out of necessity: 40 years of Workspace Draperstown’. The content was written by Michael McGlade with photos and memories shared by members of the workspace group and supporters.
A great catalogue of history and of community work over the last 40 years in draperstown, Magherafelt and further afield.
This was a great project to be a part of and certainly the largest book I have ever compiled into one design.

01/04/2026

Here I am sitting with my copy of the book I designed for the workspace draperstown.
Using the writing of Michael McGlade and photographes and memories provided by workspace members, I created a layout and book cover design that best expressed the stories and the people who were telling them.
This is a real full circle type project for me as I did the Go for it programme to set up my business with Workspace all the way back in 2009 and steps to work in 2011 when I set up my company. It’s been great finding out even more of what this group does and provides both in businesses and in the local community.
If you can get a copy I highly recommend you do.

design

16/02/2021

I decided recently to join the Association of illustrators (AOI) and create an online portfolio to promote my illustration work there. It's been a great opportunity to think about my process in creating a final illustration and what different illustrators have inspired me over the years. I'll be adding more to the portfolio over the next little while but the content currently there should give you an idea of my style and the way I like to work.

Laura Crossett has an MDes in Design and Communication from Ulster University and has been running her own design company since 2011. Finding herself “in a wild and wonderful land..

06/10/2020

Just a little inside look at the making of the sketchbook that I created for submission to the Brooklyn Arts Library. Filled to the brim with illustrations, limericks and lettering - there's always one more story so there is.

This year I became one of the many official artists to partake in the Sketchbook Project for the Brooklyn Arts Library. It was definitely a challenge to complete it the way I wanted to but it was well worth the effort.

01/10/2020

Recently gave my website a fresh new look in order to showcase all the projects I have been involved in. You'll get a better idea of the kind of work I do and maybe pick up a few ideas for what your business or project needs to move forward. See you there!

06/07/2020

I recently had the opportunity of creating feature illustrations and cover art for a children’s story by writer Nicola Ferris with BearPress publishers.

‘Happy Harry’s world turns upside down’ is a brand new children’s book taking a unique look at COVID-19 and lockdown to help children to talk about their experience.

The illustrations inside were specifically created in a way for children to add in colour and bring this world to life.

The beautifully rhyming story is a great way to encourage reflection and can provide a starting point for dialogue.

If you would like your own copy they are available to

buy here www.bearpress.uk/q/hhbpf

03/06/2020

I recently had the opportunity to work with the Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre on creating an animation for their Volunteers' Week. This animation was just one of the ways they wanted to express their thanks for all those who have given their time and energy to volunteer. If you feel like you would like to volunteer then please visit their website or get in touch with them for more information - their details are at the end of the animation.

The Volunteer Centre created a thank you animated video to mark Volunteers' Week 2020.

03/04/2020

3 Tips from a Graphic designer in Lockdown.

1. Wash your hands AND your mobile.
Your mobile is actually pretty gross - and you put it near your face! If you have a tablet, don’t forget to wash that too.

2. Watch out for too much screen time.
I spend most of the day in front of the computer and then most of the evening still in front of it as I stay in touch with friends and family. By the end of the week my eyes are wrecked. Where you can take a break from it, do it.

3. Search out some sunshine
I mean this literally - if the sun is out go stick your face out in it. You’ll feel better. Why not enjoy a cup of coffee while you’re out there?
But I also mean find the good parts of your day, write them down, rememeber them because they are there. Find ways to amuse yourself - and if it’s something that would be worth recording because it would make a friend laugh? - then send it to them.

24/03/2020

Lockdown has taken a lot from me - there's just no way I'll be fit to go out in search of another letter K for my sign! But the key to getting by is finding small ways to amuse yourself, sharing it with others and then coming to the realisation that with most of your time spent inside looking out, you should probably clean your windows. :D