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Feminine Transitions Re-design
I’M IN LOVE!
No more…”What is Feminine Transitions?”
It was a bit frustrating when I received responses via email or my social media pages asking, “What exactly is Feminine Transitions?” At first I would pause and say, to myself, “What do you mean? Can’t you tell by the cover?” In order for me to process this, I had to take myself out of the equation (as the Creator of Feminine Transitions) and look at it as an outsider. My niece really helped me to clarify the difference. She told me that she liked my old design but, comparing the two, the old resembles a poster and the new looks more like a book. She also mentioned that the various images above shows a transition of ages and tells a clearer story.
The new design of the front and back cover as well as the inside page were created by Robin Benson, a retired publications designer from the UK. I originally contacted someone to do a book review for Feminine Transitions. However, because this contact does not evaluate photography books, he referred me to Mr. Benson. After connecting with Robin and sending him a few jpgs of my book layout, which I constructed myself, he informed me that my publication was in need of serious help.
Let me first admit that I AM NOT A DESIGNER! Due to the fact that I am self-published and wearing many hats, I did what I thought was (or should I say looked) best at that moment. Mr. Benson never said my arrangement was horrible but made very valid points, as a TRUE DESIGNER should, about the consistency, flow and color scheme. Although I previously hired someone to do the actual pre-press work for me, he never mentioned or made reference to any of Robin’s points. All I can say about that is…ASK FOR WORK SAMPLES before hiring anyone. Lesson learned!
So instead of white type on black pages, Feminine Transitions has a beautiful color spread that really compliments the portraits. Not to mention, I’ve learned more about design in the two months that I’ve connected with Robin than I have in life thus far. Did I mention, Robin’s helped me free of charge? When he first introduced that idea of course I was extremely appreciative of his offer. I also thought, YES! MY GOOD KARMA HAS COME BACK TO ME. I pride myself on sharing what I’ve learned along the way by passing the torch. What use is it to have a wealth of information and talent and keep it to myself?
Although I loved MY previous design of Feminine Transitions, I AM IN LOVE with the new. I see growth in it, just as I do in myself. I am so very thankful for the continued blessings that are showered upon me. Mr. Benson is one of them. I thank you for your sincere advice and guidance and send many blessings back your way.
What are your thoughts?
Alyscia Cunningham 