THE PROJECT: To create a cover for a memoir about forgiveness, acceptance, grief, growth, change — you know, family. It was a challenge that made my tummy feel fluttery — scared and excited — and not sure which emotion would win out. You know that one? My first few design samples were “safe”, but I knew the design needed to be more complex than a photo of the author in the water with a beautiful script font; it needed to have an edge, some tooth, some indication that this is the real thing, this is the story of a life and the cover needed to be as brave as the story within.