Bal Harbour

IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL media, connecting in the physical world can be a challenge, especially for the print industry. In the face of competing with limitless, instant information online, to survive in this current climate requires progressive methods of tactile engagement. Ilona Oppenheim, a Miami-based graphic designer and founder of Tra Publishing, has built her company on the sensory experience of a beautifully made book. Oppenheim set out to inspire readers one arresting tome at a time, from poetry and architecture to compilations of Cuban art and literature. Tra Publishing was founded in 2016 with the goal of "[inspiring] social and environmental awareness through the arts," says Oppenheim. Beyond that, she approaches her work as an art form in and of itself— each book is the product of creative exploration, not just in the content or subject, but in the binding, the feeling of the pages, the font and layout. Tra's team of skilled graphic designers coupled with Oppenheim's own background in branding and design fuels the company's mission to highlight an author's work in a compelling way. Tra has hit upon this synergy with artists such as Michele Oka Doner—her book "Intuitive Alphabet," a series of photographs documenting various objects the artist has collected on the beaches of Miami, was the first title Tra published—and Doug Meyer, whose "Heroes: A Tribute" is a collection of portraits celebrating the creative minds who were early victims of the AIDS crisis. Oppenheim describes the process for these types of projects as a careful one, aligning with the author on how to best bring the vision to life. is brings to mind the question of how a design- driven entity can maintain its own identity without impacting the work of the author or artist. e answer? Creating space for unorthodox collaboration. Oppenheim identifies this as one of the pillars of Tra: "We have amazing, award-winning graphic designers on our team, but we encourage our authors to be involved in the bookmaking process if they choose to do so. e books are a reflection of their art, and we welcome their input," she says. "To be able to stay true to this goal, it is important that we carefully select our artists and authors and that we are aligned with their vision." Tra brings more than just design expertise to the table—Oppenheim takes great pride in the quality of the books themselves: "e tactile element is present in each book and is expressed through the paper, special printing techniques, the feel of the cover and more," she says. "Our books include elements of surprise expressed either through bold graphics, papers, color or other aspects of the design." Special collector's editions allow for more extensive creativity with the final product, using unexpected materials like handmade paper, or even including a one-of-a- kind drawing in each collector's edition. When asked how she navigates a print-based business through the increasing focus on the screen sphere, Oppenheim emphasizes the human desire to connect: "e physicality of our books is what I feel draws people to connect with them. I am hoping people slow down when they hold [them] and appreciate the experience," she explains. "Beyond the subject matter, the object itself elaborates on the story, and it's something that cannot be experienced digitally." 90 BAL HARBOUR Booksmart Publishing innovator Ilona Oppenheim is approaching the art of bookmaking with an unconventional and wholly collaborative spirit. BY SIMONE SUTNICK PORTRAIT BY NICK GARCIA Top to bottom: "Locust Projects: The 20th Anniversary Retrospective," "Heroes: A Tribute" by Doug Meyer and "Spirit of Place" by Oppenheim Architecture, all published by Tra Publishing.

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