LPA Today Magazine

I am a little tardy in getting this week's post published, but with good reason. I just put my 27th issue of LPA Today Magazine to bed. Yes, for the past seven years I have been the editor of the primary publication of Little People of America. If you don't know what LPA is, it is a non-profit organization led by and for short stature individuals of all ages, and their families. LPA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism, while celebrating with pride, our contribution to social diversity.

I joined LPA in 2002, and in 2005 I decided I wanted to give back to an organization that I so enjoy being a part of. I came to know that the executive committee was looking for a permanent editor for the publication, so I applied for the job.

LPA Today has served as a great creative outlet as well as a reason to keep my graphic design skills fresh. Since I haven't been freelancing on a professional basis full-time, LPA remained my one client, if you will. In addition to doing the visual graphic elements of the page, I also edited copy and wrote as well. I've always been proud of my journalism and writing skills, and LPA Today facilitated keeping those honed too.

To be honest, LPA Today is the one thing that I have done the longest in my life. I've worked at it longer than I was in college, longer than any 9-5 job I've had, longer than any other creative project I've been in charge of. I'm finding that such commitment has a surprising reward: a volume of content that provides an arc to see how my skills and esthetic has evolved over time.

The next issue is always a mixed blessing. I'm glad there is going to be one, yet challenged to keep the issues fresh, not only for myself, but for the membership. Because we live all over the country, the magazine is something tangible that connects us. Yet I know people have busy lives. My goal is to tell our members' stories in a way that honors them, yet also jumps off the page. To be substantive, yet pleasing to the eye. Full of information, yet quick to read. Sometimes as a designer you can't have it all. But I will never give up trying.

Note: For more information about Little People of America, go to www.lpaonline.org