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Top Strategies for Successful A4 Graduate Show Book Printing

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A4 Books
4pp Cover onto 250gsm Uncoated
Matt Lamination to outer
60pp Text onto 115gsm Uncoated (5mm spine)
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and perfect bound

The Canvas of Opportunity

When it comes to the intersection of art and academia, few institutions shine as brightly as Camberwell College of Arts. Their BA Drawing degree show catalogue printing is more than just an exhibition accompaniment; it’s a canvas where each of the pages in this art book holds a universe of artistic possibilities. This case study delves into the top Strategies for Successful A4 Graduate Show Book Printing. An A4 book will give you a large surface area, A3 double-page spreads to fill and is a step up from the standard degree show catalogue which would be A5.

Actionable Insights

Looking to emulate such a work of art in your own projects? Consider the following:

  1. Uncoated Paper: It adds a tactile element that engages more senses than just sight.
  2. Matt Lamination: It gives a luxurious feel and visual depth.
  3. Typography Matters: Choose fonts that represent your brand’s voice.
  4. Dynamic Content: Mix text, images, and colours to create a cohesive narrative.

Ex Why Zed has set yet another benchmark in the print industry, proving that the medium is anything but outdated. From the choice of materials to the layout and design, this printed artist catalogue is a winning solution in how to captivate and engage readers in the print medium. At A4 it is larger than the norm which is testament to the impressive total of content the students were keen to display to industry professionals in the UK and further afield.

Author Bio: Meet Will & POLVO Press

Will, along with Eva from POLVO Press, has a history of successful collaborations with Ex Why Zed. Their expertise in art publications made them the go-to choice for Camberwell College when they needed a high-quality, deadline-driven print job for their BA Drawing catalogue.

Will and POLVO Press are not just clients; they are collaborators who understand the nuances of art and design, making their projects a treasure trove of creative genius.

Journey: From Quote to Print

  1. Initial Interaction: Will Nicholls, representing Polvo Press, reminisced about previous successful collaborations with Ex Why Zed. Reaching out for another project, he sought a quote for Camberwell College of Arts’ BA Drawing degree catalogue. His request detailed specificities like book size, page count, and binding preferences, illustrating his clarity of vision for A4 art catalogue printing.
  2. Expert Guidance: Mike, with his vast knowledge, responded with granularity. While providing a quote, he also expressed concerns about the project’s tight timeline, emphasising the importance of ensuring top-notch quality and avoiding potential hiccups. Mike’s dedication to excellence was evident as he suggested potential modifications to the specs and highlighted the significance of specific details like spine width.
  3. Collaborative Endeavour: Will, responding with adaptability, confirmed the project specifications. While the initial plan had been for ‘A4 artist catalogue printing’, Mike’s suggestions propelled Will to explore and finalise alternative specs. The essence of their collaboration resembled a duet, with each note perfectly complementing the other.
  4. Finalisation and Proofing: Mike and Will remained in constant communication. Mike emphasised the importance of reviewing the final proof meticulously before printing. Will, eager to see the final book design ideas ideas materialise, approved the proof, expressing his anticipation to witness the tangible outcome.
  5. Delivery Details: Will provided the delivery address, and Mike ensured that all necessary details were in place for a smooth delivery.

In summary, Will Nicholls’ aspirations to transform Camberwell College of Arts’ vision into a tangible ‘A4 artist catalogue printing’ masterpiece were met with Ex Why Zed’s unparalleled expertise. Their harmonious collaboration left many pondering, “Where can I print a book in London?” as they dreamt of crafting their own narratives with such precision and passion. This tale was not merely about printing; it was a symphony of artistic visions, unparalleled expertise, and mutual respect that echoed the essence of ‘book design ideas’.

The Art of Printing Unveiled

When it comes to print, Ex Why Zed never fails to deliver a spectacle with its litho and digital processes. They’ve done it again with their recent A4-size contemporary art publication, an arresting blend of visual aesthetics and storytelling finesse. ?

Quite a nice surprise to open up the cover and get a slightly different feel on the inside pages. We’ve got A4, which sets itself apart against degree catalogues in general, but obviously gives a far larger surface area.

Print Specification Showcase

Let’s get technical for a second. This stunner featured a 4pp cover on 250gsm uncoated paper, with a matt lamination to bring out the richness. Inside, the 60pp text was rendered on 115gsm uncoated paper, giving the reader a tactile experience that’s second to none. Perfect bound with a 5mm spine and full colour print throughout, this book was more than just a read—it was an experience.

Catalogue Subject Matter

The subject matter is as intriguing as it is diverse. Whether it’s art, culture, or existential pondering, the book offers something for everyone. Printmaking, fine art, drawing are all artworks showcased within the book and at their final degree show in June to July.

Visual Aesthetics

The visual aesthetics are a feast for the eyes. The design choices suggest a mastery of both form and function, delivering a visual narrative that complements the written content.

Typography

Typography is not an afterthought but a deliberate design element. The typeface choices are both legible and aesthetically pleasing, making each page a joy to read.

Is the typography verging on being too large? Maybe. That is the kind of dance you get sucked into when you go for a larger page that size and feel like you have to fill it.

Colour Palette

The colour palette is a symphony of hues that sets the mood, page after page. Vibrant, yet not overwhelming, the colours evoke emotions that resonate with the subject matter.

Orientation & Binding Style

Oriented in a classic A4 layout, the book is perfect-bound, ensuring durability and a comfortable grip. The orientation doesn’t just serve the content; it enhances it.

Reader Appeal

This book wasn’t just designed; it was engineered to captivate. Its visual and textual elements unite to offer a compelling reader experience that’s nothing short of addictive.

Nice layout with the artist’s name in black and then their contact details and their credits underneath in a charcoal shade. It’s got a good flow with plenty of white space.

Your Next Creative Venture Awaits!

Inspired by this case study? Ex Why Zed is your go-to partner for turning your creative visions into tangible masterpieces. Check out more works by Will and POLVO Press and take the first step in your own creative journey.

Ready for a Quote?

We hope you find this case study inspirational.

For more information on this book or to discuss your upcoming project, do get in touch on:
hello@exwhyzed.fixed-staging.co.uk01206 766647
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RODNEY MATTHEWS, LEGENDARY CONCEPTUAL ARTIST
Ex Why Zed makes self publishing a truly pleasurable experience!
Brilliant communication from start to finish. Mike had endless patience for the many questions we asked. The guides provided were easy to follow and super helpful (the video guides are a must watch too). Our order of hardback illustrated children's books was delivered expertly packaged and on time. As for the finished product itself - stunning - a real joy to finally hold, beautifully made and perfectly printed! We couldn't have asked for more. Well, we did - we instantly placed an order for paperback children's colouring books too, which we are equally as happy with. Look forward to working with Ex Why Zed again in the future.
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