Peachtree Spotlight: Nicki Carmack

The spotlight continues! We have spent the last several weeks highlighting some of the very talented people who work at Peachtree. In case you missed it, you can check out last week's post from Farah Gehy, our Special Sales Manager and Subsidiary Rights Director. Today we get to hear from Nicki Carmack, our Creative Director. 

Nicki answered some questions so that we could get to know her a little better. Check out her responses. 

Tell us about your history with Peachtree.

I worked as a freelance designer with Peachtree back in the 1990s and then pursued a design/marketing career in the financial industry. However, I returned to Peachtree on a full-time basis in 2012. I think my position is constantly evolving since I have to be aware of ongoing trends and technologies in the creative industry. I also work with a lot of different authors and illustrators each season so that creates new opportunities. Now I’m going to sound old! Next year it will be 30 years since I graduated from art school! Yikes! I first met Peachtree at a local book fair in Atlanta, shortly after moving to the U.S. from England. Since I had just left a publishing job in London, I was excited to find a local publisher.

What are your top three favorite books, any genre?

I’m not sure I can list just three, but probably any historical biography or murder mystery. My favorite all time book is Thérese Raquin by Emile Zola.

If you could be a literary character for a day, who would you be?

Some kind of detective. Probably Sherlock Holmes!

Who is your hero or role model and why?

My parents! They have been together for over 60 years and still enjoy life to the full. They have kept me well grounded too.

What is your favorite thing about working at Peachtree?

I work with such a talented group. It’s a pleasure to brainstorm new ideas and projects, and I feel we all have mutual respect for each other. You can’t ask for more than that.

In your position, what do you consider to be your secret weapon?

Multi tasking and diplomacy! I juggle many, many projects every day and have to stay on track to avoid missing deadlines. I also interact with a lot of artists, and giving constructive criticism and art direction—whilst still respecting the author and editors’ wishes—can sometimes take a little diplomacy.

Do you have any big interests or hobbies that you focus on outside of work?

I love to travel! I start planning my next trip before I’ve returned home from my current trip and love to build complicated itineraries and spreadsheets! Vacations are never a time for relaxation!

If, in an alternate reality, you were to have gone a completely different career route, what would you have done?

Definitely something in the fashion industry. During my days in art school I considered being a textile designer before focusing on graphic design. No matter what, I was always destined to pursue a career in creativity.


Feel free to write any questions or comments for Nicki below!