HELPING A STORY FIND ITS VOICE
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Designing a reading experience worthy of the story inside.
Some stories don't need to be louder. They need to be heard.
It's Just a Hiccup is a deeply personal book that offers encouragement, perspective, and hope to readers navigating life's challenges. My role was to create a visual experience that supported the author's message, allowing the story to take centre stage while making it approachable, engaging, and easy to connect with.
The Opportunity
Some projects begin with a creative brief. This one began with a friendship.
I met Trish Exton-Parder while we were both working at the Calgary Zoo. After more than 30 years with the organization, Trish welcomed me onto the team, and despite the difference in our ages and careers, we quickly became close friends. During my maternity leave, we'd often meet for dog walks, and over the years we stayed connected.
In 2022, Trish mentioned she and Corinne Wilkinson were writing a book. Before long, the three of us were gathered around my dining room table talking through ideas, page layouts, and how the story could come to life visually. What began as conversations between friends naturally evolved into a creative collaboration.
My Role
Working closely with Trish and Corinne, I designed the book from cover to cover, developing the cover artwork, interior layout, typography, and supporting graphics to create a reading experience that felt warm, approachable, and true to their message.
As the project evolved, so did my role. After months of collaborating on the design, Trish and Corinne invited me to contribute a personal section about balancing a creative career and motherhood. Becoming both the designer and one of the contributors made the project deeply personal in a way I hadn't anticipated.
A Favourite Moment
Attending the official book launch was a full-circle moment.
Standing alongside Trish and Corinne as they celebrated the publication of a book they had poured so much of themselves into was incredibly special. Seeing readers connect with their words reminded me that great design isn't just about creating something beautiful. It's about helping people connect with a story.
Knowing I had contributed both as the designer and as one of the voices within the book made the experience even more meaningful. What started as a conversation between friends became a project we'll always share, and that's something I'll never forget.
The Outcome
The finished book reflected the care, vulnerability, and optimism that Trish and Corinne poured into every chapter. Through thoughtful design, it became an inviting reading experience that supported their message while giving readers space to connect with it in their own way.
For me, it remains one of those rare projects where friendship, creativity, and storytelling came together in a truly meaningful way.
It's Just a Hiccup was recognized as a finalist in an independent book award program following its publication.
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