Designing a Book from Start to Finish: Behind the Scenes of Flatten Your Curve

When I first started working on Flatten Your Curve, I knew it was going to be something special. But I also knew that bringing a book like this to life, one filled with science, recipes, and real heart would be about so much more than just making it look good.

It would need vision, organisation, creativity, and crystal-clear communication at every stage.

Setting the Vision

From the very beginning, I was lucky to be trusted with the creative direction. I worked closely with the client to define the tone, the layout style, and the visual identity of the book. Making sure every design choice reflected the values behind it: warmth, accessibility, beauty, and trust.

Creative Problem-Solving in Action

No project is without its challenges — and a 300+ page book certainly has its share! Whether it was finding ways to organise complex information so it felt light and readable, tweaking recipes to improve flow, or adjusting layouts to better serve the content, problem-solving was a daily part of the process.

One of the biggest lessons? Creative work and strategic thinking have to go hand in hand. Every design choice wasn’t just about style, it was about supporting the reader's experience.

Managing the Moving Pieces

I also organised and directed the photoshoots, liaising with photographers to ensure we captured the essence of the book in imagery - natural, inviting, and unforced. I worked with printers, managed timelines, advised on materials, and even helped spot where chapters needed more (or less) explanation.

Clear, timely communication was critical. When you’re managing a big creative project, you’re not just moving your own work forward — you’re coordinating an entire team. Keeping everyone aligned was key to making the book come together seamlessly.

What I Learned (and Why It Matters)

Designing Flatten Your Curve taught me that big creative projects succeed because of:

• A strong, shared vision

• Willingness to problem-solve, not just design

• Clear communication across every stage

• A deep respect for the project’s heart and audience

Designing Flatten Your Curve wasn’t just a job for me, it was a true creative partnership. One that showed me how strategy, creativity, and collaboration can bring a project to life in ways that feel both beautiful and genuinely useful.

And honestly I can't wait to do it again.

If you’d like to see Flatten Your Curve, check out the website here!