The Ink Sniffer

I have always loved books. As an ardent reader, part of the experience I always enjoy is the way a book feels, smells and sounds. I have a library of traditional books and am building a library of e-books, which brings a different experience to reading.

So when I came across this TED Talk by Chip Kidd, book designer at Alfred A. Knopf, I viewed it several times. With humor, a few moves and a simple Powerpoint, he shares stories about designing books and the experience of book as object. So I’m sharing it here.

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Alvalyn Lundgren

Alvalyn Lundgren is a creative entrepreneur, podcaster, and author who has been freelancing for more than 40 years. She is the founder of Alvalyn Creative, a strategic creative consultancy focusing on brand strategy, visual design, and illustration for businesses, organizations, and independent authors. She is also the founder of several educational initiatives: Freelance Road Trip, Occuprise Network, and Alvalyn Creative Academy, and teaches part time in professional design programs with UCLA Extension and ArtCenter Extended Studies. She resides in southern California. She is the creator of Freelance Road Trip — a business school and podcast for creative freelancers. She teaches design and design practice in certificate programs and independently. Her new book, "Freelancing By Design: Essential Strategies and Proven Tactics To Build a Thriving Freelance Business From Your Creative Work" releases on July 1, 2026.