SELECTED WORK / HILLHAVEN STUDIOS

CASE STUDY 04 / CREATIVE DIRECTION · BOOK DESIGN · VISUAL STORYTELLING

Little worlds.
Big imagination.

Three seasons, three imaginative worlds, and one familiar cast of characters. Margot & Waffle's Little Worlds is an independently developed children's coloring-book series designed to invite young artists into stories they can make their own.

Spooky Lane illustrated cover with Margot and Waffle
01 / Spooky Lane
Marigold Lane illustrated Día de Muertos cover
02 / Marigold Lane
Hollyberry Lane illustrated Christmas cover
03 / Hollyberry Lane

THE IDEA

One cast.
Many worlds.

Familiar characters travel through three distinct worlds, each with its own palette, architecture, and seasonal details.

Detail from Marigold Lane's vibrant illustrated world

THE EXPERIENCE

Made for different
little hands.

Three levels of coloring complexity in every book, from spacious first pages to intricate scenes. The illustrations make that progression visible.

Simple coloring design with generous open areas
01 / Sweet & Simple
Intermediate coloring design
02 / A Little More
Detailed coloring design
03 / Big Kid Challenge

01 / AUTUMN & HALLOWEEN

Spooky Lane

A playful nighttime world of pumpkin patches, autumn leaves, friendly bats, and cozy adventures. Difficulty levels: Sweet & Simple, Trickier Treats, and Tricky Business.

Spooky Lane simple coloring page
Sweet & Simple
Spooky Lane intermediate coloring page
Trickier Treats
Spooky Lane detailed coloring page
Tricky Business

02 / DÍA DE MUERTOS

Marigold Lane

A warm, flower-filled celebration of family, remembrance, and tradition. Marigolds, papel picado, candles, and festive streets create a distinctive setting. Difficulty levels: Sweet & Simple, A Little More, and Big Kid Challenge.

Marigold Lane simple coloring page
Sweet & Simple
Marigold Lane intermediate coloring page
A Little More
Marigold Lane detailed coloring page
Big Kid Challenge

03 / CHRISTMAS

Hollyberry Lane

A cozy holiday village filled with evergreen garlands, gingerbread treats, gifts, and snowy adventures. Difficulty levels: Sweet & Simple, Extra Sprinkles, and Candy Cane Challenge.

Hollyberry Lane simple coloring page
Sweet & Simple
Hollyberry Lane intermediate coloring page
Extra Sprinkles
Hollyberry Lane detailed coloring page
Candy Cane Challenge

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

From concept
to printed page.

The series combines original creative direction, AI-generated imagery, hands-on visual refinement, typography, and page design. The focus throughout was a cohesive character world, readable coloring artwork, and a finished book experience designed for children.

Role: Creative direction, concept and character development, AI-assisted image creation and editing, visual systems, typography, interior layout, and independent publishing. Illustration production used a combination of generative tools and hands-on creative work.

THE TAKEAWAY

Designing worlds children can finish themselves.

From a colorful cover to a black-and-white page waiting for its first crayon mark, the design carries the same invitation: come wander a little farther.

LET'S CONNECT ↗