I’m Working!

Newly designed cover for Feminine Transitions.

I haven’t blogged in a while as I’m heavily indulged in Feminine Transitions.  Although I am enjoying the process I must admit it’s bitter-sweet. I love the creative aspect of this journey and I’m truly enjoying the folks I’m meeting along the way. However, I would honestly prefer to leave the technical part into the hands of a professional (in that particular area).  On the bright side, I am learning more than I’ve ever known about book publishing and the energy, time, creative and technical aspects involved in it.

I finally found a graphic artist to layout the design for me. This is where my project is at the moment.  Presently, I’m gathering leads info for online, radio and TV interviews.  As of last week, my press kit is complete. Since writing is not one of my strengths (and I’m not afraid to admit) I’ve had great success hiring contractors from Elance to complete writing materials, including my press kit. A job well done it was!

Here are a few mock-up pages:

Layout 1

Layout 2

Feminine Transitions page Layout 4

Feminine Transitions Layout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More work has to be done but Feminine Transitions is closer to its completion. Travel exhibits and speaking tours are to come. I’ll continue to keep you posted along the way. Or feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed by making a donation or pre-order. Know that I am working diligently to publish this baby.

Stay connected via my website and social media pages:

www.Alyscia.com
www.twitter.com/AlysciaCPhoto
www.facebook.com/AlysciaCPhoto

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Feminine-Transitions/274566029321211
www.alysciacunningham.tumblr.com

Feminine Transitions Re-Design

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 title spread

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!

Old sample page layout

New sample page layout

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?