Book Design
• Edmond Tupja •
Giving a vulnerable story room to breathe
When Translation Meets Design
I designed the cover and interior illustrations for Edmond Tupja’s book When the Pain Promises Love, a deeply personal account of raising an autistic son. I joined the project after my father translated the manuscript, which gave me an intimate understanding of the story and its emotional weight.
The book offers practical insight for parents on similar journeys, professionals working with autistic children, and anyone seeking to better understand the realities of autism. The visual direction needed to support that purpose without overwhelming it.
Working in InDesign, I created a clean, accessible layout and a restrained illustration style that let the author’s voice stay at the forefront. The design is intentionally simple and consistent, maintaining visual coherence while gently guiding readers through a sensitive, often challenging narrative.
Reflection
This project was particularly meaningful because it connected me to my father’s work as a translator. Designing for such an emotionally raw and personal story demanded sensitivity, restraint, and a willingness to let the author’s voice lead.
The core challenge was creating a visual framework that supported the narrative without overshadowing it. This wasn’t about making a bold design statement; it was about building a respectful vessel for an important story to reach the people who need it.
Ultimately, this project reinforced a core belief: design should serve the content, not the other way around. When the subject matter is this powerful, the designer’s role is to step back just enough for the words to be heard.