Grumbalina

Client

Grumbalina

Industry

Arts & Culture

Website

Grumbalina is a children’s book written by Karina Fredericks and illustrated by Dan Abdo - a playful, imaginative story brought to market through Daddy The Agency and distributed across the UK and Europe by Black Label UK. Working independently, Bradley Leivars supported the project through detailed design production and brand rollout, translating a vibrant world of colour and character into printed, physical form.

The project required precise technical adaptation to prepare the book for international print and distribution. Originally created in RGB and formatted to US sizing, every layout was restructured for UK print specifications and reprofiled for CMYK colour output. Each page was meticulously proofed, with attention to pagination, alignment, and image fidelity. Gloss pages were selected to intensify colour and enhance the vivid, cartoon-inspired illustrations.

Beyond production setup, Leivars refined multiple layout elements and helped extend the Grumbalina brand across a suite of supporting materials, including stickers, maps, apparel, and digital assets. All additional items were developed in close collaboration with Fredericks and Abdo, ensuring consistency with the book’s visual language while adapting artwork for diverse print and fabric applications.

The process required both technical discipline and creative sensitivity; balancing the precision of production design with the playfulness and warmth of the Grumbalina world.

The expanded visual system supported a broad marketing and promotional campaign led by Daddy The Agency, spanning social media, influencer partnerships, and press outreach. Promotional bundles including the book, stickers, and branded clothing were distributed to influencers, celebrities, and media outlets such as The Sun, appearing widely across social platforms.

In retail, Grumbalina reached audiences through Waterstones and independent bookstores across the UK, and was introduced to schools throughout Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire as a creative resource for children learning English. The project’s success extended into European markets, establishing a strong foundation for future editions and translations.

Through careful adaptation and thoughtful execution, the production design elevated Grumbalina from concept to cultural object; preserving the imagination of the story while ensuring technical excellence across print and brand applications.

Author: Karina Fredericks
Illustrator: Dan Abdo
Print & Distribution: Black Label UK
Production Design, Layout Refinement, and Brand Collateral: Bradley Leivars