Publication + Book Design
The Lion’s Tale
Journalism
Commissioned by Report for America, The Lion’s Tale: Reflections from Black Publishers on Covering Their Communities is a stunning, full-color coffee table book that amplifies the voices of Black publishers across the United States. Through deeply personal essays, photographs, and historical reflections, the publication captures both the triumphs and challenges of those who have carried the torch of truth and representation in local journalism.
Inspired by the Zimbabwean proverb — “Until the lion tells his story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter” — the book serves as both a reflection and a reclamation. Each spread is an homage to the Black press: its courage, its legacy, and its enduring mission to tell stories that matter.
Deliverables
- Coffee Table Book
Services
- Creative Direction
- Book Layout & Design
- Pre-Press Production
- Print Consultation
Design approach
The creative direction for The Lion’s Tale was rooted in storytelling — ensuring that each publisher’s voice had space to shine while maintaining visual cohesion across chapters. The design drew inspiration from modern editorial style, mixing bold typography with generous white space and photography to create rhythm and narrative flow.
The lion motif on the cover served as both metaphor and design anchor — symbolizing pride, courage, and legacy. The layout design emphasized readability and elegance, balancing personal reflection with documentary strength.
Every detail — from the choice of fonts to the color palette — was curated to evoke heritage and honor the Black press’s role as a cornerstone of community and truth. The pacing of the spreads allowed stories to breathe, while subtle visual transitions mirrored the book’s thematic movement from history to hope.
Project Specifics
Client: Report for America
Deliverable: Full-color, 100+ page hardcover book
Format: Coffee table publication with narrative essays, photography, and archival imagery
Contributors: Black publishers and reporters across the U.S.
Collaborators: The GroundTruth Project and the Kellogg Foundation
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