Legacy books—those commemorative, keepsake-style publications—are some of the most meaningful projects we get to create. Whether honoring decades of progress, celebrating community milestones, or telling an organization’s story, these books become tangible expressions of pride, memory, and identity. But how do they go from a simple idea to a finished piece that people keep for years? Here’s a look at how we bring legacy books to life, from concept to completion (and beyond)

1. The Spark: Defining the Purpose

Every legacy book begins with a conversation. What are we celebrating? Who’s the audience? What kind of feeling do we want people to have as they flip through it? We collaborate closely with our clients to define the purpose and set the tone—whether it’s formal and historic, or imaginative and storybook-like.

2. Content Gathering: Mining the Gold

We roll up our sleeves and start digging—through archives, old photos, interviews, past campaigns, and anything else that helps bring the story to life. These moments, big and small, are what make the final piece feel personal and rich. And when needed, we help guide interviews or curate the narrative direction to make sure nothing gets lost.

3. Concept Development: Setting the Tone

Our design team begins sketching out visual concepts—mood boards, sample spreads, cover treatments. Whether it’s inspired by vintage storybooks or Norwegian door designs (yes, we’ve done that!), we look for a visual metaphor that fits the theme and message. Typography, layout style, and color come into play here.

4. Writing & Editing: Shaping the Story

With content in hand, our writers step in to weave everything into a cohesive, compelling narrative. We match the tone to the organization’s voice—thoughtful, celebratory, nostalgic, or forward-looking. Then our editors polish each word to ensure clarity and flow across every page.

5. Design & Production: Bringing It All Together

This is where the magic happens. Our designers layout the content, balance imagery with story, and build an immersive visual journey. We obsess over the small details—border styles, spacing, print specs—because we know that craftsmanship matters.

6. Printing & Delivery: Making It Real

Once everything is approved, we prepare the files for print and work closely with our print partners to ensure the final product matches the vision. Most of our books are professionally printed as perfect-bound softcovers—sleek, high-quality, and built to last. From cover to final page, we focus on clean execution and attention to detail so the finished book feels cohesive, intentional, and worthy of the stories it holds.

7. The Archive: Preserving the Legacy

Even after the books are delivered, their story continues. Some end up in libraries, boardrooms, family bookshelves, or digital archives. For us, the most rewarding part is knowing these books are kept, shared, and remembered. They’re not just design pieces—they’re legacy pieces. Want to see what a legacy book could look like for your brand, school, or organization? Let’s start the conversation.