Rate My Professor Fiona Moffat

Fiona Moffat serves as the Production Manager and Senior Production Editor in the Research Division at Otago University Press, University of Otago, based in Dunedin, New Zealand. Throughout her extensive tenure at the press, she has been instrumental in the production, design, and typesetting of a wide array of scholarly books, literary journals, and catalogues. A standout contribution is her design of approximately 40 covers for Landfall Tauraka, Aotearoa New Zealand's premier literary quarterly, commencing with issue 214. From issue 225, following her return to full-time work after relocating back to Dunedin, Moffat has managed the typesetting for the entire journal. Her cover design process revolves around featured internal artworks selected by artists and editors, creating mock-ups with varied color schemes and text placements until a preferred version is agreed upon. She underscores the critical role of spine design for shelf visibility, noting the journal's history of style evolutions, including bold colors introduced around issue 158 and persisting since 2000. Recent updates for issue 250 include a more pocket-friendly format amid technological font challenges, while preserving 208 pages and 16 full-color art sections. Moffat favors designs such as Landfall 222 featuring Miranda Parkes' artwork, 235 with Kathryn Madill's painting, and 242 showcasing Conor Clarke's collaboration incorporating Braille text and audio links. She holds particular admiration for Leo Bensemann's graphic work on issue 81. Landfall Tauraka, in her view, archives vital art and typography from mid-twentieth century onward, highlighting emerging visual arts trends.

Moffat's portfolio encompasses designs for key Otago University Press titles including The Lives of Colonial Objects edited by Lachy Paterson, Angela Wanhalla, and Annabel Cooper; Liar, Liar, Lick, Spit by Emma Neale, at whose launch she spoke commending the poet's empathetic intelligence; Hiding Places by Lynley Edmeades; Ngā Pikitūroa o Ngāi Tahu; Only One Angel by Jan Kemp; and a publication featuring Jacinta Ruru and Linda Waimarie Nikora. Her layout for Across the Pass: A collection of New Zealand tramping writing selected by Shaun Barnett earned a shortlist spot in the 2022 Book Design Awards. She also oversaw production for the Otago University Press 2023 Catalogue. Beyond design, Moffat contributes to book launches and serves on the Friends of the Hocken Collections Committee. Her expertise enhances the presentation of New Zealand's academic and creative outputs, fostering accessibility and appeal for diverse voices.