Vermont : A Love Story
Lila and Theron
It ’ s hard to not peer in every corner and drawer and shelf in the studio , where current projects intermingle with samples from the printer and posters from the 80s and 90s .
Laid out on a classic old drawing table , I saw multiple variations of cover designs for Lila and Theron , a book by Vermont author Bill Schubart . Each would have been superb for the book . There were pages and pages of exquisite covers : trees , barns , houses , all different , all interpreting the story Bill beautifully created .
“ Mason has worked with me on many books ,” Schubart said . “ He understands Vermont as a ‘ state of being .’ Being a Vermont writer , almost all , not all , but almost all my books reflect some aspect of Vermont culture or the fact that I ’ ve lived here for 75 years . The creative process of deciding on one cover is a delicate process . I revere Mason . He is pious and funny . Ferociously intelligent , self-deprecating , no vanity . He ’ s a consummate designer . I would trust him with anything .”
Northshire Bookstore
Mason designed the logo ( among other things ) for the nationally-known Northshire Bookstore in Manchester , Vermont . The store is a jewel , with rambling rooms tumbling one into another , old staircases , used and new books , impressive author events , and a personality that is truly unique .
“ A logo can be the most difficult piece for a designer ,” Mason explains . “ Clients want the logo to tell absolutely everything about the business : We sell books and dishes , and used and new books . And candles and kid ’ s books , and oh yes , we ’ re in Vermont .”
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