Ahhh! My book was printed and bound today.
I actually changed the size of my book from 8.5x8.5" to 5x7". Though it is significantly smaller, I thought the size was fitting as it has a handheld map quality to it.
I also didn't do white/white cover. I drew out the topographical map of Algonquin Park and by the looks of it, it would have been more than complex to apply a vinyl sticker on the cover due to the tiny islands and levels of relief. Instead, I opted for the topographical map to be on the cover at 75%, which I'm satisfied with.
I did end up going with perfect binding and I am happy I did. The design of my book and cover is very contemporary and fits well as a unified piece. I'll try to take some photos tonight. Although I'm worried that due to the size of my book, people will think it is a book that lacks content or even quality. :( I think my book was nicely designed and it is reflective of my experiences, it's just I've seen books from my peers and they used complex materials and binding - while I stuck to more contemporary forms that suit my book. Or maybe I shouldn't worry. I'm happy with what I did for this class. If there were more time, I would definitely add more content from my trips.
The only thing: I printed one copy...
I'm now afraid to leave this out when I'm not present at my booth because I want this book to be in pristine condition for external assessment. Worse comes to worse, I can print and bind another copy on Tuesday.
I hope everyone else's books are coming along great. I can't wait to see them all!
I'll try to post some photos of my finished product.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
I just wanted to thank everyone for their valuable input! I think everyone raised interesting and valid points and I will definitely consider them as I progress with the book. I hope my input was helpful to everyone as well. Thanks again! :)
Here are few more spreads that I've been working on the past few days.
My other sister and I have this inside joke about deers. We haven't seen any on our trips but we always joke around about them. This spread is different from the others, in the sense that it is black/white but only because there's another part of the spread coming :) You'll see!
A few years back, a little frog decided to hang out where we'd enter/exit our campground to go canoeing. My sister and I nicknamed him Joey - for some unknown reason - but I was able to get some super great shots of him, and I knew I had to include him. I think this spread is missing another element? I feel like putting in an illustrative pattern.
Here are few more spreads that I've been working on the past few days.
My other sister and I have this inside joke about deers. We haven't seen any on our trips but we always joke around about them. This spread is different from the others, in the sense that it is black/white but only because there's another part of the spread coming :) You'll see!
A few years back, a little frog decided to hang out where we'd enter/exit our campground to go canoeing. My sister and I nicknamed him Joey - for some unknown reason - but I was able to get some super great shots of him, and I knew I had to include him. I think this spread is missing another element? I feel like putting in an illustrative pattern.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Question #3 - Style
With each of my spreads being treated differently in terms of typography, composition, etc., will that make my spreads disconnected from each other?
I mean, each spread has a story to tell... an experience to share. These stories have happened (for example, I was in a canoeing and happened to canoe right under a low tree filled with spiders) or these stories were made up based on the content (like the ant eating spread - obviously I couldn't hear it crunch on the leaves but that's what it was doing when I was taking the photo - see the image below)
So uh, my question again is: with each of my spreads designed differently, will that make my spreads disconnected from each other? Will it still look "together"?
I hope that makes sense..
I mean, each spread has a story to tell... an experience to share. These stories have happened (for example, I was in a canoeing and happened to canoe right under a low tree filled with spiders) or these stories were made up based on the content (like the ant eating spread - obviously I couldn't hear it crunch on the leaves but that's what it was doing when I was taking the photo - see the image below)
So uh, my question again is: with each of my spreads designed differently, will that make my spreads disconnected from each other? Will it still look "together"?
I hope that makes sense..
Question #2 - Binding
I like the idea of having a perfect bound book. It looks clean and it looks professional. I'll also be able to do the labour myself at the print shop I work at, which will save me some time.
But am I closing my options? Should I consider other binding options that were demoed in class?
I do like the idea of a hardcover book... but I think that the time frame between now and Grad Show is too short if I did it by hand or at a professional binder. :(
But am I closing my options? Should I consider other binding options that were demoed in class?
I do like the idea of a hardcover book... but I think that the time frame between now and Grad Show is too short if I did it by hand or at a professional binder. :(
Question #1 - Map
As mentioned in my presentation, I really want to integrate a topographical map of Algonquin Park. I was lucky enough to find someone kind enough that openly shares a complete (and up-to-date) .AI map of the park on his website.
The only problem I am facing with this map, is how to integrate it into my book. Here are 3 ways I was thinking of integrating my map:
1) White on White Cover
I will have the topographic map printed on white vinyl and I will assemble the vinyl sticker upon my cover. I like this idea because from afar, the cover will look nothing more than a white sheet but upon closer inspection, the map of Algonquin Park is in full detail.
2) Moving Map
I loved Marion Mayr's Dissected Matter book. She was able to make movement in her book by shifting and adding lines in succession. Please see this link: Marion Mayr - Dissected Matters. I like this idea because of the movement and fluidity... however, I don't know if it will work well with my spreads. I don't want to bombard my spreads...!
3) Map Cut Out
I bought the stencil knife that Reg suggested. It is pretty cool and I really want to use it! I fell in love with idea:
.. the only problem with this is the amount of accuracy and time-consuming cutting. Given the amount of time left, it will be hard to not make a mistake. The last thing I want is to cut all the pages and find out that I screwed up a page .. just before I bind.
The only problem I am facing with this map, is how to integrate it into my book. Here are 3 ways I was thinking of integrating my map:
1) White on White Cover
I will have the topographic map printed on white vinyl and I will assemble the vinyl sticker upon my cover. I like this idea because from afar, the cover will look nothing more than a white sheet but upon closer inspection, the map of Algonquin Park is in full detail.
2) Moving Map
I loved Marion Mayr's Dissected Matter book. She was able to make movement in her book by shifting and adding lines in succession. Please see this link: Marion Mayr - Dissected Matters. I like this idea because of the movement and fluidity... however, I don't know if it will work well with my spreads. I don't want to bombard my spreads...!
3) Map Cut Out
I bought the stencil knife that Reg suggested. It is pretty cool and I really want to use it! I fell in love with idea:
.. the only problem with this is the amount of accuracy and time-consuming cutting. Given the amount of time left, it will be hard to not make a mistake. The last thing I want is to cut all the pages and find out that I screwed up a page .. just before I bind.
Whee!
After spending quite a bit of time on my book, I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere! All photos were taken by me but in some cases, the credit will be one of my sisters who accompany me on these trips. Below is some important information regarding my book and some spreads that I've been working on. I've included a variation of each spread to show my concept, development and overall thinking.
About My Book:
Souvenirs of Algonquin Park is a visual essay of my various experiences camping at this beautiful provincial park. My book will have a hybrid of images, text and illustrations working together to produce this visual essay. My book will NOT be in chronological order of events as mentioned in the previous post. After speaking with Winnie (which was super helpful!) we both agreed that chronological is too expected... which is why my book will be a mish mash of ALL my trips with no care for date, rather, it will be based on emotions and the experiences that accompany the photo, text or illustration. Each spread will be different from each other. There will not be a background story for each spread - each spread is designed to be an open-thinking process for the reader about my experiences... OR is a story in itself for the spread.
Again, here are the final specs of my book:
Finished Size: 8.5 x 8.5"
Binding: Perfect Bind
Cover Paper: Domtar Plainfield Digital Opaque 80# Cover - Britewhite
Inside Paper: Domtar Cougar® DigitalChoice 70# Text
4 Colour CMYK with bleeds
Spread A: Handdrawn type FTW! (it's still rough and needs to be cleaned up)
Version 1:
Version 2: I played with size to make one wonder how can a small ant make so much noise?
Spread B:
Spread C: I love the idea of hiding text within the images... as these images are SO beautiful and speak for themselves.
Version 1:
Version 2:
About My Book:
Souvenirs of Algonquin Park is a visual essay of my various experiences camping at this beautiful provincial park. My book will have a hybrid of images, text and illustrations working together to produce this visual essay. My book will NOT be in chronological order of events as mentioned in the previous post. After speaking with Winnie (which was super helpful!) we both agreed that chronological is too expected... which is why my book will be a mish mash of ALL my trips with no care for date, rather, it will be based on emotions and the experiences that accompany the photo, text or illustration. Each spread will be different from each other. There will not be a background story for each spread - each spread is designed to be an open-thinking process for the reader about my experiences... OR is a story in itself for the spread.
Again, here are the final specs of my book:
Finished Size: 8.5 x 8.5"
Binding: Perfect Bind
Cover Paper: Domtar Plainfield Digital Opaque 80# Cover - Britewhite
Inside Paper: Domtar Cougar® DigitalChoice 70# Text
4 Colour CMYK with bleeds
Spread A: Handdrawn type FTW! (it's still rough and needs to be cleaned up)
Version 1:
Version 2: I played with size to make one wonder how can a small ant make so much noise?
Spread B:
Spread C: I love the idea of hiding text within the images... as these images are SO beautiful and speak for themselves.
Version 1:
Version 2:
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Quick Update
Here's a quick update on my progress!
Book size: 8.5x8.5"
Binding: Softcover
I've compiled all my images and most of my text.
I've also compiled about 25 images that I can use for reference for my illustrations. I've decided that my illustrations will be hand-drawn, scanned in and will be overlaying my images. Below are some examples of the illustrative style I would like to approach:
I'm still undecided as to how I want to integrate the map into my book... I originally wanted the map to reflect the parks I've visited in Algonquin but I've come to realize that I "just" keep track of all the parks I've visited. This book will be showing multiple trips and multiple years... so it would be hard to integrate that... BUT scratch that. I think I can section them off by year and integrate the map in each section :)
I know time is running out but I think I can pull this off.
Book size: 8.5x8.5"
Binding: Softcover
I've compiled all my images and most of my text.
I've also compiled about 25 images that I can use for reference for my illustrations. I've decided that my illustrations will be hand-drawn, scanned in and will be overlaying my images. Below are some examples of the illustrative style I would like to approach:
I'm still undecided as to how I want to integrate the map into my book... I originally wanted the map to reflect the parks I've visited in Algonquin but I've come to realize that I "just" keep track of all the parks I've visited. This book will be showing multiple trips and multiple years... so it would be hard to integrate that... BUT scratch that. I think I can section them off by year and integrate the map in each section :)
I know time is running out but I think I can pull this off.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Type Exploration
For my book, I am planning to use a sans serif typeface. I haven't decided yet but I am torn between: Univers and ITC Franklin Gothic. Below is my type exploration for my cover/title. The title of my book is called Souvenirs of Algonquin Park.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Project Concept/Proposal
If there is one thing I look forward to at the end of the school year, it is camping. I love spending time outdoors especially when I can leave the city and my daily routines. I love the crisp air, and the sheer satisfaction of reaching a beautiful landscape after hours of hiking. I have only camped during the summertime but I am looking to expand that by doing either a fall, winter or spring trip. I love all the provincial parks I have visited...
For my term project, my book will be focusing on my travels to Algonquin Park. Located in the Canadian Shield, Algonquin Park is one of my favourite spots in Ontario. Even though I have only explored and travelled various sections of the park, I find its beauty alluring. Its landscape is inspiring and I still want to explore the rest of the park. It has so much history and I'm fascinated by it.
In terms of content, my book will have a heavy focus of personal photographs, notes and illustrations. In addition to notes, quotations may be used but no large bodies of text will be present.
Another visual element that I would like to incorporate is a topographical map of the park. I love the texture and the look of a topographical map, especially since I believe that a map is a creative piece on its own. I am looking to do this through the cover (embossed) or the inside pages of my book (2 options> 1: designed to look like a 3D map or 2: have the map visually 'move' within the contents). Below are examples of how I would love to incorporate the map into my book (I will choose only ONE option):
>If I were to pursue a cover with a topographical map of Algonquin Park, I would like the map to be embossed, thereby allowing the reader to feel the unique contours and geology that the park has. I would also opt for a white hardcover with its title treated in a very simple and elegant manner to allow the topographical map to speak for itself.
>I think this book is absolutely gorgeous but I have found very little information on it. Through observation, each page has the same copy but is cropped off to resemble a topographical map. I think it's great, and I would love to pursue this.
>These books were designed by Marion Mayr (see her awesome work here: http://maid.sonance.net). The lower pictures were very inspiring. I'd love to have that transparency and movement within my book. Please visit this link to see some awesome videos that show the beautiful flow and movement within her books!
For my term project, my book will be focusing on my travels to Algonquin Park. Located in the Canadian Shield, Algonquin Park is one of my favourite spots in Ontario. Even though I have only explored and travelled various sections of the park, I find its beauty alluring. Its landscape is inspiring and I still want to explore the rest of the park. It has so much history and I'm fascinated by it.
In terms of content, my book will have a heavy focus of personal photographs, notes and illustrations. In addition to notes, quotations may be used but no large bodies of text will be present.
Another visual element that I would like to incorporate is a topographical map of the park. I love the texture and the look of a topographical map, especially since I believe that a map is a creative piece on its own. I am looking to do this through the cover (embossed) or the inside pages of my book (2 options> 1: designed to look like a 3D map or 2: have the map visually 'move' within the contents). Below are examples of how I would love to incorporate the map into my book (I will choose only ONE option):
>If I were to pursue a cover with a topographical map of Algonquin Park, I would like the map to be embossed, thereby allowing the reader to feel the unique contours and geology that the park has. I would also opt for a white hardcover with its title treated in a very simple and elegant manner to allow the topographical map to speak for itself.
>I think this book is absolutely gorgeous but I have found very little information on it. Through observation, each page has the same copy but is cropped off to resemble a topographical map. I think it's great, and I would love to pursue this.
>These books were designed by Marion Mayr (see her awesome work here: http://maid.sonance.net). The lower pictures were very inspiring. I'd love to have that transparency and movement within my book. Please visit this link to see some awesome videos that show the beautiful flow and movement within her books!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Books!
A few weeks ago, the Toronto Reference Library was having a clearance sale on their withdrawn/used books at the BookEnds South store. I was able to pop by and check out what they had to offer... and I was able to find some goodies!
My sister found the 'Life of Pi' in mint condition. Since she loved that book (and I haven't had a chance to read it), we decided to purchase it. I can't wait to get a chance to read it.I found a plethora of books that I wanted to take home and cherish... but seeing how they were all heavy hardcovers, I really had to choose what I really wanted. I picked up three books in total: 1 softcover book on Danish Films and two hardcover books published in 1989: Speciality Food Packaging Design and the Encyclopedia of Vanished Species.
I thought the book on Danish Films was quite nicely designed and unique. There were no barcodes, its title on the spine or other essential book prelims. The inside pages were so simple and well-designed. The images used were also very striking and spoke for the movies well. My only complaint was the spacing between paragraphs: non-existent. Because of the lack of space and/or indent, it was hard to distinguish between paragraphs and sometimes it was hard to read.
The book on Food Packaging Design was old. The dustcover was tattered and had a coffee stain but that didn't deter me. Some of the packages were well-designed and could pass for something designed today. I removed the dustcover to check out the actual binding and it was actually nicely done. They also had the title debossed into the cover and foiled along its spine. I love package design and even though some of these packages are quite old, it still interests me.
The book on Endangered Species wasn't the best designed piece (though the illustrations and typography were treated fairly well). I chose to buy this book because of the contents (it's hard for me to pass up something that has to do with nature + animals). It's a sad fact that humans have been affecting the natural state of the earth... and I hate to see wildlife disappear. Some of the illustrations were fantastic and I can't wait to be able to sit down and read this book.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Greetings.
This blog will be used to tell the stories of my inspirations and development of my Book Design course.
This Book Design course has been one of the courses that I have been interested in taking since first year. I've seen past projects and they've been nothing but top-notch and inspirational. I can't wait to get started on my book (even though I'm sure I won't get much sleep by the end of it!) and to see what my fellow classmates will produce (which will no doubt be amazing!)
This Book Design course has been one of the courses that I have been interested in taking since first year. I've seen past projects and they've been nothing but top-notch and inspirational. I can't wait to get started on my book (even though I'm sure I won't get much sleep by the end of it!) and to see what my fellow classmates will produce (which will no doubt be amazing!)
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