Lincoln, Neb.--For senior graphic design student Ellie Maxwell, what began as a classroom assignment became a professional milestone—designing the published cover for a new novel, “Spirits Do Not Rest: Heartbreak at Wounded Knee,” by author Margaret Lukas.
The opportunity emerged through a design lab course taught by Assistant Professor of Practice in Graphic Design Jen Landis, where students are regularly paired with real-world clients. In this case, the client happened to be close to home. Lukas is Landis’s mother, and she was seeking a compelling visual identity for her forthcoming book.
“I was in Jen Landis’s design lab class where she finds real world clients and design work to help us build our skills and portfolio,” Maxwell said. “Margaret Lukas is Jen’s mom and was looking for a cover design for her new book, so Jen brought the project to our class. Four people submitted initial concepts, and mine was chosen to be further developed and eventually published.”
That selection marked the beginning of an intensive, collaborative design process that pushed Maxwell’s technical and conceptual abilities while giving her a rare glimpse into professional creative work before graduation.
Maxwell’s final cover is striking and somber, featuring ghostly imagery that reflects both the narrative and historical inspiration behind the novel. While “Spirits Do Not Rest” is a work of historical fiction, it draws from the real-life tragedy of the Wounded Knee Massacre—a deeply painful chapter in American history.
“While the book is a work of fiction, I wanted to capture the chilling reality of the massacre and highlight the children that were killed,” Maxwell said. “Margaret actually had sent me a photo of Lakota children that she had found during her research that stuck with her, which is what we ended up using for the final cover. She wanted to represent them and really drive home the fact that these were innocent people—children and families—that were brutally killed.”
The result is a cover that attracts attention but also invites reflection. By centering the humanity of those affected, Maxwell’s design aligns closely with the author’s intent and underscores the emotional weight of the story.
“Margaret’s phenomenal writing captures and immerses you in a disturbing history that is hard to face,” Maxwell said. “You will come out of this book a changed person.”
The project also offered a valuable lesson in collaboration, as Maxwell worked closely with both Landis and Lukas throughout multiple rounds of revisions.
“I worked closely with both Jen and Margaret,” she said. “We went through a series of revisions and feedback after the initial concept was selected, with Margaret providing inspiration and feedback on what would capture the story best, and Jen helping with design techniques and composition. I definitely would not have been able to design a successful cover without either of them.”
Landis said Maxwell’s design was impressive.
“I was so impressed by Ellie and her design for this book cover project,” she said. “She took the lead on the communication with Margaret and worked hours and hours on the design until it was perfect. I love how it turned out.”
That iterative process mirrors the realities of professional design work, where feedback, flexibility and communication are essential. For Maxwell, it was an opportunity to refine not only her technical skills but also her ability to adapt and respond to client needs.
“I learned a lot about rolling with the punches—making adjustments, changing direction and knowing it’s not personal and is only making my design better,” she said. “I also had to get a lot better at Photoshop very quickly. Most importantly, though, I learned a lot about the Wounded Knee Massacre. I think it is so important for everyone to be as informed as possible about our country’s history, good and bad.”
Although Maxwell had previous experience designing conceptual book projects in coursework, this marked her first published cover.
“This is my first book cover design—at least my first real one,” she said. “I took a publication design class last semester where we designed a book concept, both the interior and the jacket. But seeing my designs on Amazon, in stores, on my bookshelf at home, is surreal.”
Maxwell credits her experience in the graphic design program at Nebraska for preparing her to take on this project.
“This is an incredible program,” she said. “The teachers, the courses, the resources and the friends I’ve made have all been invaluable to me in my growth as a designer.”
The program goes beyond technical training.
“This program does everything they can to build your skills as a designer and as a person so that by the time you graduate, you not only have countless new skills and experiences under your belt, but also the confidence to take on anything that comes next.”
In addition to the book cover, Maxwell currently serves as a creative media intern with Husker Athletics, where she has designed t-shirts and explored photography. She also previously contributed to a comic book project for the Lincoln Family Medicine Center, aimed at explaining its residency program to patients.
“Hopefully I’ll have more cool projects to come,” she said.
Originally from Richardson, Texas, Maxwell’s path to Nebraska was not straightforward. Her father and several relatives attended UNL, but she initially pursued other programs before ultimately finding her place in Lincoln.
“I’ve had a bit of a chaotic college experience and tried other design programs that just weren’t the right fit,” she said. “Eventually, I decided I might as well apply to UNL and came to find out they have a great graphic design program. Coming here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
That journey, she said, has shaped her perspective and contributed to her success.
“I would say maybe I should’ve just listened to my parents in high school, but I don’t think I would’ve gotten as much out of my time here without the path I took to get here,” she said.
As Maxwell prepares to graduate in May, she is already setting her sights on what’s next. Her ultimate goal is to work in sports design, a passion reinforced by her time with Husker Athletics.
“I ultimately want to be a sports designer. That’s where my passion lies,” she said. “But at the end of the day, I love designing, and I am so excited to keep doing that in whatever field or manner that comes my way.”
She is currently exploring opportunities, including the possibility of an NFL design internship and is eager to begin a new chapter after graduation.
“College has been a very long road for me, a road that I am very grateful for,” she said. “But I am definitely ready for the next chapter in my life. I’m still on the job search, but I am hoping to land an NFL design internship for the 2026 season. Mostly, I am just excited to find a fulfilling job, maybe move to a new city and have a fresh start after all these college years.”
Maxwell has a broader message for fellow students navigating their own paths.
“Something that I learned the hard way is that there is no one right path,” she said. “Almost all of the best memories I’ve made and coolest opportunities I’ve gotten have come only because life didn’t go according to plan. The hard times help you grow, the good times will make the hard times worth it, and you shouldn’t worry about what other people are doing.”
Maxwell’s experience designing a published book cover demonstrates the power of experiential learning.
“I’ve definitely bragged about it to everyone I know because I am just so excited and can’t believe I was given this opportunity,” she said.
