Human rights activist Eric Greitens already had compelling content for his book Strength & Compassion. His moving photographs, taken in seven countries, accompany stirring essays that convey the book’s message — that despite the destructive impact of war, violence and poverty, people are still able to find the strength to continue…and in the process inspire hope in humanity.
Our challenge was to use design to take Greitens’ content to the next level.
To reflect Greitens’ message of life interrupted, we cut several of the photographs at the edge of a right-hand page, wrapping the rest of the image around to the next page. This treatment paralleled the rhythm of the photo subjects’ lives — the interruption of life by poverty or violence — while suggesting the hopeful continuation of life even in the face of hardship. On the practical side, this treatment prompts readers to turn the page.
To underscore the author’s theme of the human spirit shining through adversity, we inserted photos into each essay’s over-sized one-word title, such as Pity, Dignity and Courage.
Many photographers might have bristled at the idea of interrupting, cutting, and cropping their work, but Eric Greitens didn’t. In fact, he called our design “masterful” and “incredible” and credited us with helping to make his award-winning book what it is today.
When you put your heart into a project, the material develops a strong voice that clearly speaks to the author’s theme and captures the attention of critics and jurors. This was the case with Strength & Compassion. The book has won 12 major awards, including silver medals from The Communicator Awards and Summit Creative Awards, along with a gold medal from the Hermes Creative Awards.
Click to view what author Eric Greitens said on C-SPAN BookTVabout our design treatment of his book .
Want a complimentary copy of Strength & Compassion? Give Beth a call at 703-469-1900. Complimentary copies are limited to the first 10 requests.
To purchase or take a closer look at Strength & Compassion, go to: www.ericgreitens.com
How can design make your content leap off the page?
Whether you’re developing a book, catalog, or other bound volume, we can add to it a meaningful extra dimension — design that carrys your message with meaning and makes it come alive for your audience. Contact Beth Singer at beth@bethsingerdesign.com or at 703-469-1900.
