Publishing Design / Task 3A
20.9.2022 - 18.10.2022 (Week 04 – Week 08)
Adeline Wong Chyn Nee / 0344017 / Mr.Vinod N
Publishing Design
Task 3A
Lectures
Lectures from weeks 01 to 05 can be found here
INSTRUCTIONS
Task 3A: Book
(15%) - Individual
Week 04 – Week 08 (Due Week 09)
Continuing from task 2, we are required to
complete the book with our 16 pages of visuals.
Coherent to this final task, we are to show the
developing phases that lead to the book.
The exercises are as follows:
A. Format Development
Starting with our book development, we carried
out a format development in class while we were
doing our task 1 exercise 2, where we did mockup
making for our book by choosing a book size that
is smaller than A4 but bigger than A5.
The book size I have chosen is similar to a
storybook/ artbook where the height is similar to
the width of the book, making it square-like. The
measurement was:
200mm x 230mm (chosen size)
I eventually chose the 200mm x 230mm size
because of the amount of space I can use to
create a more zen-like layout and thought that a
wider book size would suit it best.
Fig. 1.3 Mock-up making - (Measuring)
Fig. 1.3 Mock-up making - (Cut-out)
Fig. 1.4 Mock-up making - (Comparison to A4)
B. Grid System
From our previous exercises, I have determined 3
types of grid options to apply to my book, with
this, I incorporated my first page from the first
chapter to test the grids. From there, I chose one
grid that I prefer more as it suits the book's
format best.
I went for option one as it appears more balanced
for my ideal book.
Determined Grids:
Fig. 2.1 Three determined grid options
Determined Grids (text applied):
Fig. 2.2 Three determined grid options
(with text)
C. Layout Reference
This week, we started on our 2nd project which is
the layout for our book. We were told to look for
our layout references and typefaces that we wanted
to use for the book.
D. 1st page to the end of 1st chapter
During week 6, e showed our progress from my first page to the end of the first chapter. After the feedback session, I improved the layout, and body text to make it airier, as my style is sen-like and the contents should follow that.
- Rescale page numbers on the content page
- Increased leading for all body paragraphs
- Spread out and unclutter paragraphs
- Make consistent the headings
- Added more visuals to accompany the body texts
The before and after thumbnails can be seen in Fig. 3.1 below.
Fig. 3.1 & 3.2 Thumbnail of 1st page to end of 1st chapter (before & after feedback)
1st page to the end of 1st chapter (JPEG):
Fig. 3.3 - 3.15 JPEG of 1st page to end of 1st chapter (after feedback)
1st page to the end of 1st chapter (PDF):
Fig. 3.16 PDF of 1st page to end of 1st chapter (after feedback)
E. Complete Thumbnail Layout
These are the thumbnails that we export each week during class to show our progress, everything from the layouts before feedback to the improved ones after feedback.
1st Attempt:
Fig. 4.1 Development 01 (week 06)
2nd Attempt:
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Fig. 4.2 Development 02 (week 06)
3rd Attempt:
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Fig. 4.3 Development 03 (week 06)
4th Attempt:
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Fig. 4.4 Development 04 (week 07)
5th Attempt:
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Fig. 4.4 Development 04 (week 08)
F. Complete Thumbnail Layout (Colour- PDF &
JPEG)
I exported the thumbnails of my final layout in JPEG and PDF to show clearer details.
Fig. 5.1 Complete thumbnail layout 1 of 3 (JPEG)
Fig. 5.2 Complete thumbnail layout 2 of 3 (JPEG)
Fig. 5.3 Complete thumbnail layout 3 of 3 (JPEG)
Fig. 5.4 Complete thumbnail layout (PDF)
G. Test print spread
For class on week 7, we were tasked to print out a test spread to see what the final printed book would eventually look like. From this printout, I noted down some details to improve such as my barcode size, spelling errors, point size, and some visual details.
Fig. 6.1 Front photograph of the test print spread
Fig. 6.2 Back photograph of the test print spread
Fig. 6.3 Staplered center photograph of the test print spread
Looking at the test printout, I noticed a repeating problem with the visual where the parts including gradients are not printed accurately. This is something I need to pay attention to when printing the actual book.
Fig. 6.4 Missing spot on visual with gradient (page 8)
Fig. 6.5 Missing patches on visual with gradient (page 13)
Fig. 6.6 White patch on visual with gradient (page 16)
Video on the test printout:
Fig. 6.7 Video on the test printout
H. Colour printout of Mockup
Attempt #1
The following week, I attempted to print the colored book at a printing shop in ArchPrint, Cyberjaya. This was my first attempt (which cost RM45...). However, this attempt is only to get feedback from Mr.Vinod and the next one would be the improved and final one.
From the feedback session, these are the details to improve on my second attempt:
- To use warmer paper
- Add white space around barcode
- Use more textured cover/ paper
Fig. 7.1 Attempt 1 (Left) and Attempt 2 (Right)
Attempt #2
For my second attempt, I went to Angel Printing House in Subang Jaya with my coursemate and best friend, Adena! Here's a bereal we took that day.
Fig. 7.2 BeReal with Adena at Angel Printing House.
The following are the side by side comparison of my first and second attempt at the colour printed books. My second attempt, which is the one ont he right, is visibly warmer as I warmer papers instead this time. I think it gave the papers a bit more life. The barcode (refer to Fig. 7.4) is also improved.
Fig. 7.3 Cover page, first attempt (left) second attempt (right)
Fig. 7.4 Back cover page, first attempt (left) second attempt (right)
Fig. 7.5 Title cover page, first attempt (left) second attempt (right)
Fig. 7.6 Chapter one page, first attempt (left) second attempt (right)
Fig. 7.7 Chapter two page, first attempt (left) second attempt (right)
Fig. 7.8 Chapter three page, first attempt (left) second attempt (right)
Video of colour printed book:
Fig. 7.9 Video on colour-printed book
I. Export Spreads (JPEG)
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Fig. 8.20 Final book spread (PDF)
J. FlipHTML
FEEDBACK
Week 06
General Feedback:
In class, we were told that the alignment of the text should be paid attention to, for now, we have to focus on the layout but have to remember this. We are advised to put dummy page numbers on the contents page for indication. Although not all headings have to be the same, it is best to do so as of now for our level of experience. We can avoid using the grid once our foundation and layouts are fixed, as long as we can find the balance, we can try to make the layout slightly edgier. If our page number exceeds 34, we have to add four just like how we did the exercise. We cannot design the book cover until the book is done, because we have to know the overall look of the book to determine the cover page. Don’t do longkang (rivers), absolutely no but if we want to, make it consistent and intentional-looking
Specific Feedback:
Mr. Vinod advised that I should have lesser leading space for the title heading. I was reminded to add a content heading, and dummy page numbers on the content page. I was advised to bring the heading from the rest to the introduction and content page. The zen-ness is good, keep it up.
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Week 07
General Feedback:
All exports have to be 300 dpi, print another colored thumbnail before printing everything, and refer to books to check the barcodes, it cannot be too close. After making sure, everything is good, print the cover. Sometimes, printers don’t staple them properly, if they don’t, ask for a discount muahaha. On the FB page, there is a list of printing places, Angel printing is good. First color mock-up, can get paper options there. We must finish the book before we start our task 3.
Specific Feedback:
Letter spacing between the content and the rest, a little bit of letter spacing
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Week 09
General Feedback:
We were briefed about our brand guideline which is task 3B. We were told that before determining anything, we are to determine to the size of our e-book, which comes before any grid, content, or margin. There are no facing pages and gutters for this task. After determining these 3 things, we have to have a grid system. This is a landscape-long space, so we have to showcase something bigger than the document. The links we use can be to enlarge a certain element, ones that open up to a new page or a connective page to the current one. This is a screen reading document so different point sizes, so the min pts for text should actually be 16 pt+ instead of 9-10 pt. Students tend to have very little content (texts), but sometimes less is not more so it’s better if we discuss what we’re writing, so it functions as a guide to make sure they are doing it correctly.
Specific Feedback:
Mr. Vinod commented that a warmer paper would be much preferred as it looks too white now. The paper cover is too smooth, a more textured cover would be better. Taylor’s press shouldn’t have that much importance, so I should change it to align left. The content and work is good.
REFLECTION
Experience
Throughout this task, I got to experience and learn first-hand the fundamental of a book, its publication elements, and how they are applied to the books that we read every day. With the knowledge I acquired from working on the exercises in this task, I got to understand the story behind the book I hold such as what is an imprint, how pages work, and why should they work that way. I feel that it also made me appreciate the book I have even more. Although I has some uncertainties throughout the overall experience, I did enjoy working and learning from what I was doing.
Observation
When trying to print the black and white pages for Mr. Vinod to review and give feedback, I observed and learned from my friend Adena how to print book pages manually. It is the process of rearranging the pages on your InDesign spreads so that when it is printed and folded, it becomes a book automatically. It took her some time to learn and figure out but when she finally did it, she taught me and some other classmates how to do it. I think in the future if there are any projects or tasks that require me to print a book, I would like to try this method.
Findings
In this task, I discovered even more features on InDesign that helped me to complete the exercises smoothly, such as the wrap-around shape feature, paste in place, and many export settings such as Adobe print which exports PDF and the print option which allows us to export thumbnails of our spreads. Not only that, I have yet again familiarised myself on a much deeper level with the known features of InDesign. I feel that the more I did my exercises the more i am comfortable with the software.
FURTHER READING
Fig 9.1 The Vignelli Canon on Design by Massimo Vignelli
A. Focused content for further reading: Layouts
From reading this topic, I have gathered and written my part of the conclusion. Firstly, written in the book are the various reasons why layouts are used and why it is so important to use them.
All publications have different layout requirements, and the task of the designer is to sift through the images to select those that best portray the essence of the content. From there, we are to create an icon (an image that expresses its content in the most memorable way).
The most important aspect of a layout is still the grid, as it provides consistency.
Fig 9.2 Visual from page 42 of The Vignelli Canon on Design
- The basic grid should be devised according to the nature of the publication: 2, 3, or 4 columns for a book or a brochure, and 6 or more, for a newspaper.
- Next is adding horizontal divisions which will provide the number of modules per page. Again 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or more, according to the various need of the publication.
From the book, I also learn that although great designs can be achieved without the use of the grid, the grid is still a very useful tool to guarantee results. Ultimately the most important device is the management of the white space in the layouts.
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