Avan Cantrell

Cookbook Concept – Multipage Document

Multipage book layout for a simple family cookbook. I used a modular parent page and spread system in InDesign with mirrored spreads, allowing flexibility to pick and choose pages that complimented individual recipe length and allowing section indexes to alternate existing on the left and right side of their spreads. 

I laid out a common conversions and measurements page behind the front cover for easy reference, while the inner back cover has a lined rule for adding more handwritten notes after printing.

A series of mockups depicting a simple cookbook. The cover says "Family Cookbook 2026" on it, while the interiors feature floral dot motifs along the pages. There is a fake sticky note on a recipe spread for biscuits.

Pattern Brushes

In Illustrator, I made pattern brushes inspired by family dishware. Working with pattern brushes allows me to place motifs along vector paths and edit them quickly. Variables like color and thickness can be adjusted after the fact, without having to manually redraw patterns repeatedly for different shapes.

A simple vector stroke in a wave repeated 4 times. The top vector shows a basic stroke, while the ones below follow the same path but depict items like spoons, checkerboards, and floral dot patterns.
A series of 3 squares over 3 circles. Each column of shapes depicts a different pattern: A floral dot motif, alternating forks and spoons, and a checkerboard pattern. The squares feature floral corner tiles that are not depicted in the circles.

See Sample Spreads (PDF)

Cookbook Sample Pages

Selected Work