Nghi To, a 2024 graduate of Tyler’s MFA program in Graphic & Interactive Design (GAID), has been selected for a prestigious Chronicle Books Design Fellowship, awarded by the independent book publisher to talented, emerging designers.   

Chronicle Books is a San Francisco-based publisher and distributor of illustrated books, gifts, toys, and games for children and adults. To is one of three early-career designers chosen among a high volume of applicants for this year’s cohort of the publisher’s competitive design fellowship program. The fellowship runs from July 9, 2024, through June 27, 2025. 

“I am really excited to receive the Design Fellowship from Chronicle Books. They truly are a dream company for me,” To said. “Their work in creating joyful, creative, and empathetic experiences through thoughtful book designs that emphasize diversity and understanding really aligns with my goals as a designer coming out of Tyler.” 

The year-long program offers fellows the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in book design. Each fellow is mentored by an in-house designer and works across the company’s creative departments — including editorial, production design, and marketing — to help design distinctive books and gifts, in addition to overall branding. The fellowships are offered as salaried positions with benefits. 

"This fellowship is a remarkable achievement, recognizing only the most talented emerging designers. Being chosen for this program is a testament to Nghi's exceptional skills and creative potential,” said Kelly Holohan, Professor and Program Head of Tyler’s GAID program. “Nghi's success in securing this fellowship underscores the excellence of her work and her promising future in the design industry.” 

Chronicle Books’ publications and product offerings span art, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, humor, self-help, wellness, children’s books, and stationery, among other categories. 

“My program and cohort at Tyler have really prepared me for taking on this opportunity,” To shared. “I’m going to miss everyone and my time at Tyler so much.”