The print spec of the Soft back is
210x210mm Books
4pp Cover onto 300gsm Uncoated
Matt Lamination to outer
388pp Text onto 140gsm Uncoated
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and perfect bound
And the more illustrious hardback version.
210x210mm Books.
4pp Cover onto 170gsm Silk.
Wrapped over greyboard case.
2 x4pp printed endpapers onto 170gsm Uncoated.
388pp Text onto 150gsm Uncoated.
Four colour print throughout.
Trimmed, collated and case bound.
In the realm of art, the year 2020 will forever be remembered as a time of introspection, creativity, and resilience. One artist who encapsulated this spirit in a unique way is Tim King, with his project “Drawing on 2020”. This ambitious endeavour involved creating a drawing every day throughout the year, documenting the everyday life and the changing world around him. The result is a stunning coffee table illustrated art book, printed by Ex Why Zed, that serves as a visual diary of a year like no other.
Tim King, an award-winning reportage illustrator, embarked on a journey to capture the atmosphere, attitudes, and opinions of life as it happened in 2020. From the onset of the coronavirus pandemic to the multiple lockdowns and major changes to our daily routines, Tim’s drawings offer a snapshot of life during this unprecedented time. His work is not only artistically accomplished but also highly relatable, providing a unique perspective on the year that was 2020.
Ex Why Zed took on the task of bringing Tim’s illustrations to life in print. The project was produced in two formats: a softback and a more illustrious hardback version, catering to different markets at different price points. The softback edition was printed onto 300gsm Uncoated with a matt lamination to the outer cover, and the 388-page text onto 140gsm Uncoated. The hardback version, on the other hand, featured a cover onto 170gsm Silk wrapped over a greyboard case, with printed endpapers onto 170gsm Uncoated and the text onto 150gsm Uncoated. Both versions were printed in full colour throughout, trimmed, collated, and bound to perfection.
“Drawing on 2020” serves as a timeless keepsake, a visual narrative that recalls not how history remembers the year, but how we really lived it. It’s a testament to the power of art in documenting and interpreting our shared experiences. The book has been featured widely in the media, including in The Metro, The Evening Standard, and Timeout, and has been used in campaigns by clients including Three, Sainsbury’s, and the NHS.
At Ex Why Zed, we understand the importance of bringing your artistic vision to life in print. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a student preparing for your degree show, we offer a range of printing services tailored to your needs. From artist catalogue printing to case bound books, our team is committed to delivering high-quality print products that showcase your work in the best possible light.
For more examples of our work, check out these other case studies:
“Drawing on 2020” is a testament to the power of art in capturing the essence of our times. It’s a project that resonates with many, and we at Ex Why Zed are proud to have played a part in bringing it to life in print. If you’re looking for a printing partner for your next art project, get in touch with us today.
