With over 20 years of experience in the publishing and entertainment industries, Rick DeMonico is a seasoned art director known for his creativity and imagination. He is currently the Senior Art Director at Albert Whitman & Company, where he oversees the design and production of a diverse range of children’s books. Prior to this role, Rick spent 13 years at Scholastic, where he designed numerous New York Times bestselling books.
Rick has also designed books and publications with top names in the industry, including Abrams, Disney, Life Magazine, Little Brown, and Simon & Schuster. Additionally, he has consulted and designed for major brands such as Jim Henson Productions, Nickelodeon, Pepsi, Sesame Street, and Tommy Hilfiger.
A graduate of the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Graphic Design, Rick is also an active SCBWI speaker and illustrator portfolio reviewer, dedicated to mentoring the next generation of creative professionals.
Heather Barber is a seasoned design and marketing expert with over 20 years of experience in the creative industry. Originally moving to New York City with just $500 and a dream, she pursued her education at Pratt Institute and honed her performance skills at HB Studio. A true creative at heart, Heather is rarely seen without a sketchbook in hand and thrives on tackling new challenges. Passionate about the arts, she enjoys music, theater, dance, and fine art—and is a strong advocate for supporting her local community.