Adoption Profile Tips from a Professional Designer: An Interview with Joanna Ivey

Joanna Ivey, founder of Our Chosen Child, was interviewed by Rebecca Gruenspan at RG Adoption Consulting and shared her best advice on how to create an adoption profile book that feels authentic and memorable.

Keep it Concise

One of the most common pitfalls is making your text too long. Your profile should be short, conversational, and easy to skim while still getting your point across. Remember, expectant parents are often flipping through several profiles, trying to get a sense of who you are. If they connect with you, they may go back and read more deeply.

Photos often do the heavy lifting when it comes to showing who you are. In order to keep space for large, impactful photos, your text needs to stay concise. Use bullet points wherever you can to share information quickly and clearly.

Find Photos That Tell a Story

As you write your profile, make a list of your values, hobbies, and unique qualities. Then ask yourself, do I have a photo that shows this? A picture is worth a thousand words, and in an adoption profile, this couldn’t be more true.

Of course, not every value or quality can be easily captured in a photo, which is why it helps to be intentional. For example, if healthy eating is important to you, don’t just write about meal prepping or your love for Whole 30. Take a photo at a farmer’s market, in your garden, or even at a local grocery store that reflects your lifestyle. These kinds of photos help an expectant parent visualize the things that matter most to you.

Choose Group Photos with Personality

Family is likely one of the most important things in your life, and you’ll want to show that in your profile. But be cautious with large group photos. An expectant parent looking through multiple profiles may see dozens of extended family group shots, and they often blur together.

While those people are deeply meaningful to you, to someone flipping through a book, a large group photo can look like a sea of faces. Instead, think about how to showcase your family’s personality. Do you wear matching pajamas on Christmas Eve? Do you visit Florida together every summer? Photos that show the fun, adventurous, or silly side of your family are often far more memorable.

I’ve also seen amazing large group photos that work beautifully, like a family gathered around a campfire holding s’mores. These images are full of personality and give a real sense of connection. So it’s not about never including group shots. In fact, showing that you have a big crowd of support (especially with kids in the mix) can be powerful. The key is to choose photos that go beyond formality and truly reflect the warmth and personality of your family.