Zines

A continued study of zine culture has influenced the design process of my art book. Below are videos from Fourteen-Nineteen, which are great as they allow you to view layouts of zines without having to purchase them. Other sites like Self Publish, Be Happy also provide insight into zine layouts by photographing the interior of the books they feature on their site. In addition I’ve also listed zine sites I regularly visit.


Emily Burtner - Untitled from Fourteen-Nineteen on Vimeo.


DSCF6540 from Fourteen-Nineteen on Vimeo.

Cafe Royal Books
Fourteen-Nineteen
JSBJ
kaugummi books
Pogo Books
Self Publish, Be Happy

experiments in book binding

 cover designs

 organising text and image sequence

 experiments in stitching

experiments in stitching

 experiments in stitching

 stitching refined

Above are pictures from my efforts to produce a self published book. The publication is almost complete. The process has been a long journey of scouting materials, observing paper weights and textures, developing book binding skills, finding threads whilst perfecting stitching methods, and continues with organising the innards of the book, placing the text and images in the correct sequence.

Shepherds Falkiners and Papier Design

I’ve found Shepherds to be an excellent source for book binding materials, from threads and papers, through to boning tools and other related hardware. Their "How to make Books" blog houses a very useful video, taken from their "Handmade Books" DVD, which is available from their online store. Alongside their online presence and London based store, Shepherds also runs short courses in book binding. It’s a definite must see for anyone interested in making their own publications.

Shepherds Falkiners store : http://store.falkiners.com/store/

Shepherds How to make Books blog : http://making-books.blogspot.com/

Ive also found these inspiring videos from Peter Baumgartner, a German book binder whose tutorials cover a multitude of binding techniques. The full English versions are available to buy through www.papierdesign.de



Found at: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-a-book-part-two



Found at: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-a-book-part-three

Here is an overview version of the tutorial in German



Found at: http://www.papierdesign.de/videos/videos-deutsch/buchbinden.html



Found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9WL3C9rItg

sculpting the inevitable part four

The Canford paper no longer holds its original appeal. Its desirable properties are waylaid by its impracticality as a printing paper. Unfortunately after several weeks of vigorous testing the paper has failed to wield satisfactory results forcing me to consider new paper stocks. It is an annoying set back but with no pre-set knowledge it is to be expected. As before, quality must be the staple.

Papers now considered,

Tetenel Spectra Jet Duo Print, 130gsm, a double sided Matt photographic paper
Found at: http://www.planetphoto.co.uk/shop/photo-paper/spectra-jet-photo-paper/a4-tetenal-spectra-jet-duo-print-paper.html
 
Bockingford Inkjet Paper, 190gsm, a paper that replicates traditional water colour paper.
Found at: http://www.artifolk.co.uk/catalog/products/digital_inkjet_papers/bockingford_inkjet_paper.htm

sculpting the inevitable part three

Below are journal notes detailing the books progress, the journey is almost a separate project all in its self. There are so many things that are crucial to a successful publication that I had never even considered before. Having the benefit of time allows me a trial and error approach. Though the final product still eludes me, I continue to throw energy toward the goal.

sculpting the inevitable part two

The design is almost complete. I have a strong cover suitable to the content. It frustrates me that progress is slow, the task a constant battle of trial and error. Will the Canford Snow White complete the look? Print quality must be the staple, everything else is secondary. The book consumes me.

Below are images and notes documenting the design process in hand with noted whims and additional research. My mind skips from one to the other, always looking for the next project. Also present is a list of local book binders that I've been encouraged to approach as they may be able to offer advice on materials, or even create a final piece beyond my own ability. Though I am sceptical of the costs entailed, the book is the key and a professional finish is desirable. If I am unable to sculpt it myself I may pursue these avenues.

I've been encouraged to approach local book binders

Design for book cover

Design for book cover

sculpting the inevitable

I am chasing my own tail testing competing paper stocks, pastel against parchment, watercolour against card, 150gsm against 240gsm. The vision is to showcase the final work in a self published book but finding the right paper is difficult. The success of the book dictates a keen eye to match content with colour and texture with mood. Daler & Rowney produce the perfect papers for the task with their Canford Snow White & Coffee. The paper can be found at Fred Aldous http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/shop-online/canford-paper-a4.htm for a fairly competitive price.

The book is the final product of a project not yet complete. I have previous images to allow the process to begin though these will not be used in the final piece. The idea is to remove the hurdle of trial and error that so eagerly consumes a book maker’s time, so that more energy can be focused on the books content.