Memoir Transforms into Timeless Tribute
Working on Forever Blooming, Leslie Volker’s memoir, was a journey of transformation—both for the book and for me as a designer. Leslie had initially self-published her story under the title Undercurrent—a book that unfortunately reflected the pitfalls of vanity press publishing: a lack of attention to detail and disregard for professional standards. She sought to enrich the narrative and elevate its presentation for this new edition.
Reflections
Introduced by her writing coach in late 2019, I was struck by Leslie’s determination to ensure her story was shared with care and creativity. Little did I know we were embarking on a journey of over two years to create the book of Leslie’s vision.
I embraced the challenge of crafting a design that matched the introspective and resilient tone of Leslie’s writing. Her vision for the book’s aesthetics included a yellow rose for the cover, with blue irises woven in somewhere. And although flowers were central to her identity, she was adamant that her memoir should not resemble a gardening book or look “self-published” like the first edition.
This discussion inspired over a dozen initial concepts, from contemplative to bold. Further discussions led me to a stylized yellow rose, a rough handwritten title font, and a light, weathered wood background.
The interior design unfolded with equal care. Chapter titles mirrored the cover’s personality, complemented by floral divider lines featuring daisies, another of Leslie’s symbolic blooms. Restoring thirteen family snapshots provided by Leslie required balancing black-and-white and color formats, honoring her legacy with precision and artistry.
The project experienced pauses and shifts, including a pivotal decision to partner with hybrid publisher Wise Ink. This decision, and Wise Ink’s embracing of my design, allowed us to complete the memoir with industry-level support while retaining the integrity of my original designs. Yet, the process stretched over two years, with frequent stops and redirections that tested everyone’s patience. Despite these challenges, the dedication to Leslie’s vision remained unwavering.
One bittersweet aspect of the project was Leslie’s declining health. She passed away before the book’s completion, leaving Forever Blooming as both a personal triumph and a tribute to her life. The memoir was printed and shared with her loved ones, who celebrated her resilience and story at her memorial service. While the publisher and the family decided to limit the book’s availability—as a deeply personal keepsake for her family and friends—I wish the book had made it into wider circulation as Leslie originally intended.
Although the back cover design—a carefully crafted field of blue irises—was mostly replaced by a large photo of Leslie, I believe the book remains a testament to her strength and my commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship. Projects like this embody my approach to design—balancing professionalism with creativity and whimsy, even for heartfelt topics. Forever Blooming reminded me of the transformative power of collaboration and the importance of honoring a story with care.
