UAL Degree Show Catalogue Printing: Their Print Journey

A5 Portrait
4pp Cover onto 300gsm Silk
Matt Lamination to outer
84pp Text onto 130gsm Silk
Four colour throughout
Perfect bound

UAL degree show catalogue printing

The annual degree show catalogue printing for the BA Jewellery student group shows our willingness and talent to once again produce printed catalogues for their graduate show. The final show is an exhibition where the top class students showcase their work, and the catalogues serve as a guide to the artwork on display.

The Allure of Craftsmanship

In a world where mass production often overshadows individuality, the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design course at Central Saint Martins (CSM) stands as a beacon for bespoke creativity. This case study delves into the journey of the Graduate Showcase Platform who once again chose Ex Why Zed to bring their intricate jewellery designs to life in print.

Author Bio: A Gem in the Making

Our featured artist is a recent graduate of the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design course at CSM. This course is not just about crafting jewellery; it’s about redefining the art form. With a curriculum that spans from traditional craftsmanship to digital techniques, it’s a breeding ground for the next generation of design mavericks.

Print Journey: the Narrative Archive with Ex Why Zed

From the initial glimpse of the email conversation, Holly is inquiring about a quote for the University of the Arts BA Jewellery Catalogues for 2023. Our Account Manager, Mike, acknowledged the request and we started discussing the print specifications based on the previous year’s catalogue.

I’ll now delve deeper into the conversation to capture the essence of the interactions, Holly’s aspirations for the project, and how Ex Why Zed provided solutions and support.

1. The Inquiry: Holly initiated the conversation by inquiring about a quote for the BA Jewellery Catalogues for 2023, indicating a longing to transform her group’s artistic endeavours into A5 artist catalogue printing.
2. Intelligent, Friendly Advice: Mike, with a welcoming demeanour, reflected upon the previous year’s print specifications, which was deemed as a solid benchmark. He provided a detailed quote, beautifully encompassing specifications like silk cover, matt lamination, and foiling for the outer cover. Mike was transparent about the pricing difference for options with and without foiling. He further highlighted the timeline intricacies, emphasising the time-intensive nature of foiling.
3. Feedback and Confirmation: Holly acknowledged Mike’s comprehensive response and committed to discussing the quote with her tutors. Soon after, she expressed her group’s enthusiasm to collaborate with Ex Why Zed for their ‘Art catalogue printing. She presented a detailed schedule, emphasising key milestones like proof delivery and sign-off dates.
4. Iterative Collaboration: Mike and Holly engaged in a dance of back-and-forth communication. Mike, with an eagle’s eye for detail, pointed out the urgency of receiving the finalised artwork for the UAL student printing project. Holly’s graphic design was on point as always. While navigating internal challenges like logo approvals, she was diligent in sharing the files. She also sought Mike’s expertise and top tips on specific details like the spine size.
5. Finalisation: Mike provided a link for a low-resolution PDF proof, ensuring Holly could do a final check. He offered insights into the nuances of viewing proofs on different devices. Holly, after a meticulous review, indicated minor amendments and promptly provided the updated files. The entire conversation showcased a beautiful symphony of collaboration, expertise, and mutual respect.

Booklet and Book Printing in London

To encapsulate, Holly’s radiant ambition to materialise her University of the Arts London group’s artistic genius into tangible ‘Art catalogue printing‘ met the unparalleled expertise of Ex Why Zed. This saga of collaboration left artists and onlookers alike pondering, “Where can I print an art catalogue?” The tale was not just about printing; it was a dance of dreams, dedication, and the magic of turning visions into reality.

? Design Insights

If ever there was a case of a publication capturing lightning in a bottle, it was Ex Why Zed’s tour de force on this A5 88 page book. It was a cocktail of impeccable design choices, stirred, not shaken, to deliver a sensory journey that danced between the cerebral and the visceral. So, what made this piece the epitome of design craftsmanship?

The Backbone of Success

The Print Spec was the backbone that gave this booklet its posture. A robust 4pp cover onto 300gsm silk, with matt lamination to the outer, set the stage for what lay inside: a lavish 84pp text onto 130gsm silk. The choice of four colour throughout was akin to a masterstroke on a canvas, each hue more vibrant than the last.

The decision to go with perfect binding was not only aesthetic but also functional. It elevated the booklet from a mere publication to a keepsake.

A Style that Speaks Volumes

The author’s style was more than text on a page; it was a declaration of intent. The coherence between the style and the subject matter was palpable, almost like they were two sides of the same coin.

Typography: The Silent Influencer

The typography was a silent influencer in this narrative. It spoke without saying, it emphasized without shouting. It was a textbook example of how to design a booklet that converses with its audience rather than preaching to them.

Colour Palette: An Emotional Odyssey

The colour palette was an emotional odyssey. It wasn’t just visually appealing; it engaged the reader at a primal level, tantalising the senses and invoking a sense of belonging.

Visual Elements: Not Just Filler

The visual elements in this booklet were not mere fillers; they were integral components that served to amplify the impact of the content. These visuals were not just eye-catching; they were soul-catching.

Reader Appeal: The Ultimate Litmus Test

This booklet didn’t just pass the reader appeal test; it aced it. It was designed not just to be read but to be experienced, turning every flip of the page into a revelation.

Printer Tips for Winning Book Design

1. Material Matters: Choosing high-quality paper like 300gsm silk for the cover can set the tone for the entire booklet.
2. Matt Lamination: It’s not just a finish; it’s a tactile experience that invites the reader to engage more deeply with the content.
3. Perfect Binding: For a more refined, book-like feel, perfect binding is your go-to choice.
4. Colour Choices: A well-thought-out colour scheme can serve as a silent yet powerful narrator in your design story.

So there it is, your blueprint for creating a design masterpiece that not only pleases the eye but also captures the soul. Whether you’re looking for booklet design inspiration or pondering how to prepare artwork for an A5 book, Ex Why Zed just provided you with a case study worth its weight in gold. Are you ready to craft your magnum opus?

Your Turn to Shine ?

Inspired? It’s time to bring your creative projects to life. Trust Ex Why Zed for your next print endeavour and explore more works by this incredible artist. Your vision deserves the Ex Why Zed treatment.

Ready to ignite your creativity? Let’s make your project the next big thing in the design world. ?