Living In The Red
Services Book Cover and Interior Design
Client Nicole Wilson via The Self Publishing Agency
Date 2020
Project Overview
In Living in the Red, Nicole Wilson candidly shares her journey from financial despair to empowerment, specifically targeting millennials and Gen-Zers grappling with debt. The challenge was to visually convey Nicole’s transformative narrative in a way that was both compelling and relatable, capturing her shift from a life of financial pretense to one of genuine financial literacy.
The Solution
Drawing from Nicole’s vivid recounting of her twenties—marked by instant noodles, credit cards, and the façade of a perfect life—the book design took shape around a standout image that vividly captured the essence of her story.
On the cover, Nicole is depicted sitting on a stool, casually holding a cup of ramen in one hand and surrounded by shopping bags in the other, symbolizing the juxtaposition of casual survival and consumer excess. The title "Living in the Red" weaves and entangles around her, visually representing the complexities and constraints of her financial entanglements.
This design resonated deeply with Nicole’s candid and insightful exploration of her financial experiences, including dodging creditors, utilizing dating apps for free meals, and juggling two jobs after being laid off.
Extended Narrative
Nicole’s story, as shared in Living in the Red, includes humorous yet sobering anecdotes that many young people can relate to, from avoiding creditors to the realities of sudden unemployment. Her book offers valuable insights into the common financial predicaments faced by younger generations and provides practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Nicole’s transformation into "Debt-Free Nicole" introduces a dialogue about money that encourages her peers to reassess their values, change their financial mindsets, and confidently navigate their way out of debt.
Impact
The book’s design has played a pivotal role in engaging readers with Nicole’s strategies for financial freedom, serving as a visual metaphor for the journey out of debt and into financial literacy and independence. By aligning the visual storytelling with Nicole's personal and relatable content, the book not only attracts readers but also empowers them to start their own conversations about money and personal value.
“Laura was a pleasure to work with. From our first meeting, she was attentive, approachable, and creative, and from the moment I saw her work, I knew she was the person I wanted to work with.
When I walked away from our initial chat, I was excited to share the professional photos I had shot in anticipation for this project. Laura was happy to review the photos and decide if she would go with her first ideas or if she would be able to use the photos I sent her.
A few weeks passed and I received the first two concepts and I was blown away. I was in love with both concepts. She had struck a chord with me and I was speechless.
Between concepts, she was prompt at responding to emails and very detailed in her thoughts behind her work. This type of professionalism and attention to detail showed me that she took my project seriously and was passionate about making it the best cover possible. She also went the extra mile to ensure I was happy every step of the way.
During the final part of the process with the interior of the book, I was having a tough time with the blank pages between chapters and she came up with a brilliant design to blend the chapters together and it looks stunning. She replicated an old journal cover which fits the style of my book.
After a few more concepts, we finally decided on the final cover and I am in love with the end product. From start to finish, I would recommend Laura time and time again. She is an exceptional designer and person.
Thanks again Laura. I really cannot say enough.”
