Nora Ephron Speech
Experimental Publication
Female empowerment is still a major topic today, much like it was in 1962 when talented writer and director Nora Ehpron graduated from Wellesley Women’s College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. After graduating college during a time when women were treated as unequal and less than compared to their male cohorts, Ephron dives deep into an empowering and motivational message to encourage the graduating class of 1996 to keep fighting and keep pushing for women’s success and equality.
Working as a metaphor for the bold, powerful nature of women, the color palette includes bright, saturated pinks to create a visually demanding focal point. With hints of light yellow and orange, the overlays and accents visually contrast and balance out the powerful color. In terms of the imagery, it was necessary to highlight strength and power. The weathered, naked statue on the cover represents how women have been neglected and torn down over time, but still stand tall on a foundation as strong as a statue to continue fighting for equal rights. With the strong themes of feminism, strength, and community in mind, the format of the publication pays tribute to the powerful and inclusive mood Ephron was portraying.
“Whatever you choose, however many roads you travel, I hope that you choose not to be a lady. I hope you will find some way to break the rules and make a little trouble out there. And I also hope that you will choose to make some of that trouble on behalf of women. Thank you. Good luck. The first act of your life is over…”
-Nora Ephron
Nora Ephron Speech Collection Bookmarks
Original Bookmark Collection
Using the specific imagery from the publication, these one-of-a-kind bookmarks provide an everyday reminder for the readers. Reminding women that they are strong, powerful, and capable of anything every time they open their book, these bookmarks serve as a positive and uplifting message.
Listen to Nora’s inspiring message anytime with this special edition recording of her 1996 Commencement Address to the women of Wellesley College.
Foldable Posters
Located in each publication, these foldable posters can be ripped out and then hung up or placed wherever desired. Much like the bookmark collection, these posters take specific lines and quotes from Nora Ephron’s speech and are paired with specific imagery in order to serve as a reminder.
