Welcome to Staff Spotlight! Get to know the dedicated staff at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, who work year-round to support the success of the Scholastic Awards.

This month, we’re highlighting Design & Production Associate Sam Jeffords!

Describe your role at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.

I am the Design & Production Associate at the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. I work with the Alliance’s art director to design whatever our team may need. We create social media posts, event signage, invitations, video reels, publications, and just about anything you can think of. We even designed the blog that this is being read on right now! It really depends on the day.

What is your favorite book of all time, and what makes it so special to you?

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It’s the building block of so many horror and science fiction novels, and I’m a huge horror buff.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I’m a plant person. I have a large collection of houseplants, south-facing windows, and thankfully, very patient roommates who don’t mind my hoard.

Favorite snack or drink while working?

I have an unhealthy obsession with yogurt covered pretzels.

Favorite song or album at the moment?

“Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party” by Hayley Williams. A no-skip album for me.

Name three famous artists and/or writers you would invite to a dinner party.

Walter Wick, Jan Brett, and Maurice Sendak   

A Scholastic Awards alum who inspires you and why?

Marc Brown. I originally went to college for children’s book illustration and Arthur was my favorite growing up. He’s also a genuinely kind and caring person, the exact guy you’d picture when you imagine a children’s book illustrator!