ome projects are about design, and some are about people. This one was both. As a Drury graduate, I was honored to work with David, the university's poet laureate, alongside the Ozarks Studies Institute at Missouri State to bring his autobiography to life. Our shared goal was a book that truly felt like David, from the first impression of the cover to the last page of his story. For the cover, that meant capturing his warmth and character at a glance; for the interior, it meant creating a layout that stepped back and let his words lead. Each party brought something different to the table: David brought his story and his voice, the Ozarks Studies Institute brought its care for preserving the history of our region, and I brought the design to tie it all together. That only came together through open communication, honest feedback, and plenty of revisions, each round refining the details until everything felt right. The finished book is a reflection of that partnership, and I'm proud of what we created together.