ABOUT
N-K Creative
Book covers, interior design and layout, print and ebook production, and publishing support.
Personal Service.
Innovative Design.
Quality Results.
N-K Creative began in 1987 as a graphic design studio, providing design and print services to businesses and organizations.
My path into book design began after I joined the St. Louis Publishers Association in 2004 and realized authors needed help bringing their books to life. Soon after, I began specializing in book design, combining my graphic design background and print production experience to help authors create professional books.
With 30+ years of design experience and more than 200 books designed, I help self-published authors and publishers turn manuscripts into professional, market-ready books. From compelling covers to carefully designed interiors and layouts, I pay attention to the details that make a book work. I also help authors prepare files for platforms such as KDP and IngramSpark.
My approach is personal and collaborative. I listen, offer design options, and share my experience so authors can make informed decisions. I believe authors deserve honest advice and a clear understanding of the publishing process.
My partner, Gary Kodner, helped build N-K Creative through his graphic design and print production expertise. He co-authored St. Louis Cardinals Uniforms and Logos with our son, Oliver. Today, Gary focuses on painting.
I continue learning about self-publishing through podcasts, articles, webinars, and professional connections, sharing useful insights with my authors.
Member:
IBPA Independent Book Publishers Association
SLPA St. Louis Publishers Association
St. Louis Writers Guild
Missouri Writers Guild
What You Can Expect
Experience: More than three decades of design expertise.
Creative Solutions: Thoughtful design tailored to each book and its intended audience.
Personal Service: A collaborative process built around listening and communication.
Attention to Detail: Careful consideration of typography, layout, and production requirements.
Reliable Delivery: Clear expectations and attention to deadlines and budgets.
THE FOUNDERS
The people behind the work
Built on partnership: Peggy Nehmen and Gary Kodner have collaborated in business and in life for over 30 years, providing creative services from their St. Louis studio.
Peggy Nehmen
ART DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT
Peggy combines her love of graphic design, typography, and publishing with thirty years of experience in a highly competitive field. She provides branding and marketing for self-published authors and organizations of all sizes across industry lines. Her ability to visually interpret and convey her clients' messages has made her a sought-after book designer and marketing professional.
Gary Kodner
ART DIRECTOR & GENERAL MANAGER
Gary is a graphic design specialist and fine artist. Together with Peggy, he has spent 34 years providing creative services in Sports Marketing, Corporate Identity, Print Collateral, Signage, and Book Design. Gary designed Redbird Relics, Treasures of the St. Louis Cardinals Museum, which received the prestigious International Sports Heritage Association award — "Best in Show." In addition to design, Gary creates original acrylic paintings; you can view his work in the Paintings gallery.
WHAT WE OFFER
Graphic Design Services
-
Logo Design
The single most important investment a company can make. We create dynamic logos, icons, and branding that define your identity and make a lasting impression.
-
Book Design
People judge a book by its cover. Your cover is your best marketing tool — we design covers and interiors that reflect your message and goals.
-
Magazines & Newsletters
Well-written content, photos, and layouts. We design fresh, eye-catching multi-page publications from concept to completion.
-
Infographics
A picture is worth a thousand words. We create visually compelling infographics that simplify complex subjects and drive sharing.
-
Brochures & Annual Reports
Professional print collateral that reaches your audience and strengthens your brand across every touchpoint.
-
Displays & Signage
From trade show displays to environmental signage — we design for impact at every scale.