Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these books different from regular coloring books?
Every book I make starts with your own family photographs. I convert each photo into bold, high-contrast line art — a clear face, a familiar place, an object that mattered. There’s nothing generic in the book. Every page is someone or something your family already knows.
That matters most when memory is fading. A cartoon flower means nothing to someone losing their memories. A picture of the house they raised their kids in can start a conversation.
Do you use AI?
Yes, and I want to be straight about it.
I use an AI tool to make the first rough conversion from photo to line art. That first pass is never the final product. Instant AI filters often get faces wrong. They change the shape of a jaw or an eye just enough that the person no longer looks like themselves. For someone with memory loss, that small change can turn a familiar face into a stranger’s.
So I review every page myself, by hand. I correct what the software gets wrong. That review is why your book takes 3 to 5 business days instead of 3 minutes. The goal is simple: your loved one should see a face they know.
Why does the process take 3 to 5 business days?
Because of the hand review described above. I will not ship a page I haven’t checked myself. Speed is easy. Getting a face right is the whole job.
How do I send you my photos?
After checkout, you’ll get access to my image intake form. Upload your photos there.
You don’t need a scanner. A clear phone picture of a printed photo works fine — lay the print flat in good light and shoot straight down. If you want tips on gathering photos in the first place, I wrote about that in The Photo Hunt.
What type of photos work best?
Send the sharpest, clearest version you have. The best photos have:
- One clear subject
- Natural light
- A simple background
Avoid heavy blur, faces covered by hands, extreme side profiles, and photos changed by beauty filters.
Photos need to be at least 150 DPI to print well. If a photo is too blurry or too dark to trace accurately, I won’t guess at what a face looks like. I’ll email you and ask for a different one, and your order simply pauses until I have a photo that will work.
Can I use professional photos, like studio portraits or wedding photos?
Be careful here. Professional photos are usually copyrighted by the photographer, even when you’re the one in them. You need the photographer’s permission — or ownership of the rights — before I can use them.
When you upload your photos, you’ll check a box confirming you have the right to use each image. That responsibility sits with you, so if you’re not sure about a professional photo, choose a family snapshot instead. Those usually make warmer pages anyway.
What happens if my photo is rough, damaged, or fuzzy?
I look at every photo before work starts. If a photo is a little rough, I’ll do my best to sharpen it and repair cracks — that’s part of the service. Old and imperfect photos are often the most meaningful ones, and most of them can be saved.
If a photo truly won’t work, I don’t cancel your order. I’ll email you a secure link so you can send a clearer image, and work continues from there.
What happens to my photos after my book is made?
I keep your uploaded photos for up to 30 days after your order, in case a replacement or reprint is needed. After that, they’re deleted.
Your originals never leave your hands — you’re only ever sending me digital copies. For the full details, see the Privacy Policy.
What is the Family Story page?
The Legacy and Story bundles include a short family history page at the front of the book. It grounds the reader in facts they can recognize — names, years, and important places — before the coloring begins.
I print it in large, bold type that’s easy to read, and I write it at a simple reading level so it stays clear for someone facing memory loss.
How do I write a strong Family Story?
Give me clear facts, not a long biography:
- Names, birth years, and important places
- Exactly three major life events — a wedding, a long career, a favorite hobby
- Under 200 words
I’ll take your notes and shape them into a short, dignified introduction. You’ll always sound respectful of the adult receiving the book, because that’s the standard I hold every page to.
Why spiral binding instead of staples?
Staples and stitched spines can scratch or tear thin skin, and many older adults have fragile skin. Spiral binding removes that risk. It also lets the book lie completely flat on a table or a wheelchair tray, so no one has to hold it open while they color.
Why is there no clear plastic cover?
Plastic covers create glare under bright indoor lighting. That glare can be disorienting for someone with cataracts or macular degeneration. Instead, I use a heavy matte cardstock cover and thick matte interior paper — no glare, and marker ink won’t bleed through the pages.
What should we color with?
Colored pencils and markers both work well — the thick matte paper keeps marker ink from bleeding through. For someone with arthritis, low vision, or a weaker grip, the right tools make a real difference. I wrote a full guide here: The Caregiver’s Guide to Selecting Coloring Tools for Memory Loss.
Are there hidden fees for shipping or taxes?
No. The price you see is the price you pay: $39 for the Keepsake Bundle, $69 for the Legacy Bundle, $129 for the Story Bundle. Tax, printing, and domestic shipping are all included.
How long until the book arrives?
Plan on about two weeks from the day you upload your last photo to the day the book is in your hands. That covers my 3-to-5-day hand review, printing, and shipping.
If you’re ordering for a birthday, a holiday, or a planned visit, build in that two weeks — and a little cushion never hurts.
Can I check my order status?
Yes. I’ll email you at each stage — when your photos pass review, when your book goes to the printer, and when it ships. If you ever want an update in between, email me at hello@lineagelines.com and I’ll answer directly. You’re dealing with one person here, and that person is me.
Can I send the book as a gift?
Yes. You can ship to any address — a family member’s home or a care community. Just let me know it’s a gift and I’ll make sure no pricing paperwork goes in the box, and I can include a short gift note if you’d like.
Do you ship internationally?
Not at this time. I ship within the United States only.
What if my book arrives damaged?
Email me within 7 days of receiving your book and I’ll replace it at no cost. A quick photo of the damage speeds things up.
Because every book is custom-made from your photos, damage in shipping is the one thing I replace — the full terms are in the Refund and Returns Policy.
Do you work with memory care facilities?
Not yet — but I’d like to. If you’re an activity director or administrator and want to talk about how these books could work for your residents, email me at hello@lineagelines.com. I’m open to discussing a collaboration.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, a qualified mental health professional, or other licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, dementia care strategies, or psychological burnout. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this content.
Lineage Lines Studio: Created from experience, not theory.