Editorial & Memoir Book Design
A Life Well Lived: Victor Raymond Titterington
by Dave and Seely Alder
Editorial & Memoir book design
This project involved the design and layout of a commemorative booklet created for the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, telling the story of Victor Raymond Titterington — a lifelong creator, builder, and nature lover whose generous bequest continues to protect natural spaces across Nova Scotia.
The booklet weaves together long-form narrative, archival photography, captions, and historical context, requiring a design approach that was respectful, readable, and emotionally grounded.
Project Overview
Client: Nova Scotia Nature Trust
Project Type: Commemorative booklet / editorial publication
Format: Printed booklet
Trim Size: 8 × 8 inches
Services: Editorial layout, book design, print-ready production
Project Goals & Context
The primary goal of the booklet was to honour Ray Titterington’s life and legacy, while clearly communicating the impact of his gift to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. The content spans decades and needed to feel cohesive without overwhelming the reader.
Key considerations included:
Supporting a long, narrative-driven story
Integrating a large volume of photographs and captions
Creating a calm, respectful reading experience
Reflecting the values of conservation, stewardship, and legacy
The design needed to step back and let the story — and the imagery — lead.
Design Approach
The booklet was designed with a classic editorial structure, emphasizing clarity, pacing, and flow. Typography and layout choices were intentionally understated, allowing the reader to move comfortably through the content while absorbing both the written story and the accompanying visuals.
A square 8 × 8 format was chosen to create an intimate, keepsake-like feel, well suited to a commemorative publication. Consistent margins, typographic hierarchy, and image placement help guide the reader through the different phases of Ray’s life while maintaining visual continuity throughout the booklet.
Editorial & Visual Considerations
This project required careful attention to detail and respect for the material. Design considerations included:
Long-form editorial layout for multi-chapter content
Thoughtful integration of historical and personal photography
Clear typographic hierarchy for headings, body text, and captions
Balanced image placement to support the narrative without distraction
Print-ready preparation for professional production
The result is a booklet that feels timeless, intentional, and aligned with the Nature Trust’s mission and gratitude for Ray’s property being donated to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.
Why This Booklet Design Works
Story-first editorial design that supports reflective reading
Respectful visual tone appropriate for a commemorative publication
Strong image–text balance across a lengthy document
Print-ready precision suitable for archival and public distribution
This project demonstrates how thoughtful editorial design can honour personal history while supporting the broader mission of a non-profit organization.
Design for Non-Profits, Publishers & Cultural Organizations
I work with non-profits, authors, and organizations to design publications that tell meaningful stories with clarity and care — from booklets and reports to full-length books.
If you’re creating a publication that needs to balance narrative, imagery, and purpose, I’d love to help.
Available at Nova Scotia Nature Trust
If you would like an electronic version of this publication, you can get more information on how to get a copy at the Nova Scotia Nature Trust shop.
