September 14, 2011

Listen, Learn, Love, Opera by Thomson Smillie - Book Design and Cover Illustration


For the past 10 months or so, I have had the pleasure of working with Louisville performing arts writer, Thomson Smillie, on a book about learning to love Opera. He wrote this book based on talks he gives on high-end cruises around the world. The speech attendees begged him to produce a book they could take home to learn more, so here we are.

We decided to publish with CreateSpace because I had just had an excellent experience with them while designing and publishing my dad's book.

To my delight, Thomson also asked me to illustrate the cover of the book based on the facade of La Scala milan. Future editions might even incorporate more illustration work throughout.

The proof arrived yesterday, to which Thomson said, "It's not what I expected... it's far more beautiful!"

We quickly ordered the first batch to arrive just in time for Kentucky Center's Carmen performances, where Thomson will be selling copies.

I highly recommend you pick up a copy while you are there, or purchase one directly from him ahead of time so you can appreciate Carmen to its fullest! The book is also available through the CreateSpace store and Amazon.com (will link once the product page is ready).

This was a fun project and I had a great time getting to know Thomson and his wife. He's full of ideas so I'm certain this won't be our last encounter!

Thanks for reading,

Cat


Cat Scott
Louisville Graphic Designer and Illustrator
@gato108
www.CatScott.com

48 comments:

Jason Larimore said...

The book really does look amazing. Congrats on all of your hard work paying off!

Ashley Cecil said...

Way to go Cat! It looks great.

voyance sérieuse said...

une esquisse digne d'un pro

Dr Ron Gallemore said...

Thank you for sharing such a good blog. I enjoyed reading it. Hope to read more post from you.
Check here

Teaching jobs Sussex said...

How useful information! You make our life better and more beautiful. Thank you. Teaching jobs Sussex

san diego water damage repair said...

Your article makes us very happy. Many thanks again
san diego water damage repair

dich vu seo said...

I am waiting for this information. Join now to share and to make our world more interesting
cong ty seo

virtualoffices09 said...


Thank you for stimulating my brain with this bright and observant post.
Virtual Offices

Unknown said...


You have a knack for writing thought provoking posts and I thank you.bend implant dentist

Unknown said...


Your take on the topic is certainly interesting and well done.
bend teeth whitening

Unknown said...


You have a unique point of view on the topic and I appreciate that.Pevonia skincare

Unknown said...


You've made some valid points and I think you're spot on.
bend cosmetic dentist

Unknown said...



Thank you for stimulating my brain with this bright and observant post.Virtual Offices

Anonymous said...


Your writing is very informative and really made me think.
click this meeting room - Location Wilmington Delaware

maqsiks said...



I love how the blogger did their research beforehand and I believe that this was written correctly.dog cancer

Unknown said...


Although I don't agree with all your observations they provide food for thought.
dog cancer

Unknown said...


What you say is true and I completely agree with your point of view.
check this out Virtual Office

Unknown said...


This is a well written blog and I come back often to see new posts.
bend family dentist

iphone game developer said...

Hire Appster.com for mobile application development. We specialize in android applications, Iphone applications, ipad Applications, google applications and more...
iphone game developer

Unknown said...


Your take on the topic is certainly interesting and well done.
Read here to office space for rent

Chair Rentals NYC said...

718-789-9200-Best prices & quality for party, event, tents, table, chair, & linen rentals from NYC to Queens to Brooklyn, Manhattan, & the Bronx.
Party Rentals Brooklyn

Unknown said...


Your point of view is unique and very astute.
Click here office space for rent

ikaritalist said...


Thank you for a well written post, it really made me think.
bend implant dentist

virtualoffices09 said...


I love reading posts with such a fresh point of view on this interesting topic.
Get more information Virtual Offices

Unknown said...


I love how the blogger did their research beforehand and I believe that this was written correctly
canine tumors

Anonymous said...


Your astute observations have given me much to think about.
bend family dentist

ly said...


Your point of view is unique and very astute.
virtual offices for rent Wilmington Delaware

buy facebook likes said...

Thank you for stimulating my brain with this bright and observant post.

SCHWINN AIRDYNE AD6 REVIEWS said...

Your views are certainly interesting and they give me much to think about.

Unknown said...


You've made some valid points and I think you're spot on

temporary office space Manhattan NYC

body max rider fan bike exercise bike said...

I love how the blogger did their research beforehand and I believe that this was written correctly.

solid hex single dumbbell said...

How useful information! You make our life better and more beautiful. Thank you

Unknown said...


This subject interests me greatly and I think what you said is right on.
commercial offices for rent Weston Florida

buy youtube likes said...

Thank you for sharing such a good blog. I enjoyed reading it. Hope to read more post from you.

halong bay cruise said...

How useful information! You make our life better and more beautiful. Thank you.

personal injury lawyer san diego said...


You've made some valid points and I think you're spot on

thokcor said...


Your views are certainly interesting and they give me much to think about.
cyberknife

buy youtube likes said...

People can have their different opinions on the subject matter and I believe that you have written your opinions down thoroughly.

buy youtube likes said...


The information on this blog is always stimulating to read.

Unknown said...

I am impressed by the way you covered this topic. It is not often I come across a blog with captivating articles like yours . That was a very helpful piece – thanks! buy youtube likes

buy facebook likes said...

People can have their different opinions on the subject matter and I believe that you have written your opinions down thoroughly.

buy facebook likes said...

Thank you for providing such a thoughtful post, I really enjoyed it.

buy youtube likes said...

I am impressed by the way you covered this topic. It is not often I come across a blog with captivating articles like yours . That was a very helpful piece – thanks!

buy facebook likes said...

I love how the blogger did their research beforehand and I believe that this was written correctly.

Unknown said...

The information you provide on this blog is awesome.
buy instagram likes

fifa14.vipmmobank said...

The particular statboosting products presented a lasting improvement in order to wellness, injury, or even manacooldown lowering and could be bought several times.The majority of the specialty products you may also have purchased multiple times to increase the particular item's rank and its performance.
Cheap Fifa 15 Coins

Fut 15 coins

mmo25 said...

Microsoft affirms it may well keep an eye on which communication "to the particular magnitude permitted by law, however we can't monitor your entire Support and make no make an effort to achieve this.
FFXIV Gil

FFXIV Gold

خدمات منزلية said...

مجاري دبي
شركة تنظيف المجاري