Gene Vosough's Passing Marks a Significant Loss for the Publishing Industry

What's Happening?

Gene Vosough, a renowned paper engineer, designer, and art director, passed away on July 25 in Baltimore at the age of 59 due to cancer. Vosough was born on November 3, 1965, in Baltimore and was the only child of an artist and industrial engineer father and a violinist and music teacher mother. His early exposure to the arts led him to develop a passion for painting and woodworking. After initially studying architecture at the University of Maryland, Vosough shifted his focus to advertising and design, which led to a brief career in advertising before he transitioned to freelance design work. By the late 1980s, he became an art director at Ottenheimer Publishers, known for children's pop-up and board books. In 1996, he joined HarperFestival at HarperCollins as a senior designer and later moved to Simon & Schuster's Little Simon imprint as an art director, where he collaborated with esteemed children's author Robert Sabuda. Vosough's career at Simon & Schuster ended in 2007, after which he returned to freelance work. During the pandemic, he moved back to Baltimore.

Why It's Important?

Gene Vosough's contributions to the publishing industry, particularly in the realm of children's pop-up books, have left a lasting impact. His work with Robert Sabuda on creating commercial 3D books for young readers was instrumental in advancing the technological aspects of book design. Vosough's expertise in using non-traditional inks and his role as an art director helped shape the visual and tactile experiences of children's literature. His passing is a significant loss to the publishing world, as he was not only a talented designer but also a mentor and guide to many in the industry. His influence extended beyond books, as he also created greeting cards and concepts for interactive playbooks, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

What's Next?

The publishing industry will likely continue to feel the absence of Gene Vosough's innovative spirit and artistic vision. His colleagues and friends, such as Bruce Foster, remember him for his generous spirit and infectious laugh, which suggests that his legacy will endure through the memories and stories shared by those who knew him. The industry may also see a renewed appreciation for the art of paper engineering and the unique contributions Vosough made to this field. As publishers and designers reflect on his work, there may be efforts to honor his legacy through exhibitions or retrospectives of his contributions to children's literature and design.

Beyond the Headlines

Gene Vosough's work highlights the intersection of art and technology in publishing, particularly in the creation of interactive and visually engaging books for children. His ability to navigate the complexities of printing and design challenges underscores the importance of innovation in the industry. Vosough's legacy also raises questions about the future of tactile and interactive books in an increasingly digital world, where the physical experience of reading is often overshadowed by digital media. His contributions may inspire future designers to explore new ways of engaging young readers through creative and interactive storytelling.