Tahlia Conrad-Hinga - Publications

Book:
The Eldest Girl
Olivia Aroha Giles
Huia Publishers
2024

Cover Designer and Illustrator: Tahlia Conrad-Hinga

The cover for The Eldest Girl draws inspiration from emotive 1960s poster design — playful, bold, and richly textured. Influenced by the graphics and visual styles of Paul Rand and the raw, layered energy of Andy Warhol’s Mick Jagger series, the design explores themes of identity, mystery, and emotional distance within a fractured family.

At its centre, two ambiguous female figures appear both elusive and interconnected, inviting readers into the story’s core question: Who is the eldest girl?

Mixed-media illustration, hand-drawn typography, and vibrant colour work together to balance nostalgia with a influences of the film industry, positioning the book as an invitation into a dramatic, cinematic story.

Book:
Mahi a Atua
Mark and Diana Kopua, Lisa Cherrington
Huia Publishers
2025

Cover and Internal Designer: Tahlia Conrad-Hinga

Mahi a Atua presents a Māori wellbeing framework grounded in pūrākau, using atua narratives to explore mental, emotional, and spiritual health through a Māori worldview.

The book pairs kaupapa-driven writing with expressive illustration and considered, spacious typography, using cultural symbolism, colour, and composition to deepen understanding and cultural, spiritual resonance.

Together, the content and design create an accessible, holistic resource that honours mātauranga Māori while supporting reflection, learning, and healing.

Book series:
Takarangi Series (reprint)
Various Authors
Huia Publishers
2024

Cover Designer: Tahlia Conrad-Hinga
Pattern Illustrator: Jake Wilkins-Hodges

HUIA was approached by Te Takarangi to collaborate on the reprinting of a selection of Māori-authored non-fiction books featured in the Te Takarangi 150 book list. The aim was to update and elevate these important academic and cultural texts for a new audience, while honouring their original intent and significance.

This series of reprints presented an opportunity to create a cohesive yet diverse visual identity that speaks to both the academic nature of the texts and the cultural significance they hold.

The design concept centres on pattern iconography as the primary visual language. Six base patterns were developed, each inspired by Māori whakairo (carving patterns), and then tailored for each book in reference to their themes and genre. These patterns are symmetrical and repetitive, highlighting toi māori principles of balance, rhythm, and interconnectedness.