Studio Brief 2 Publication 1.3

Stylistic Issues

Critique

Explained concept for my publication so that everyone in my crit group could relate to my questions and I could receive relevant and helpful feedback. The aim of this crit was to assess the stylistic issues, rather than the content. We discussed the size of the publication and decided it needed to be bigger than A5 because I want my publication to be predominantly visual and a large format will provide more room for imagery and prints. I asked my crit group what the most appropriate binding method would be because Japanese stitch is useful for making stacks of paper into a publication, however 10 double page spreads consisting of prints and content may be too thick for the technique. I suggested perfect binding because it can be done using the college's resources and can be used for any amount of pages. My crit group liked the idea of using the Japanses side stitch but agreed that it would be hard to get information on both sides of the paper and also make sure the size of paper is consistent. I spoke to a variety of people about this problem and we found the best solution would be to either digitally scan my prints into InDesign and digitally create my book, or manually print the information on both sides of the paper and then sew it all together. The stock needs to be thick enough so that information doesn't show through the page as this distracts the audience and doesn't look professional.

I found this crit useful because it made me think more about the production methods, however I didn't receive much conclusive feedback and everyone, including myself, can find positive and negative attributes to both binding and production methods. Once I have had my screen printing induction, I may be able to compromise by screen printing my information which will allow me to produce the book as a Japanese Stitch. 

Layout

I looked at some publications that aimed to communicate the same themes and characteristics as me so that I could see good examples of layout and page composition. I will need to look for how the publication spreads information over double page spreads.

Mode of Transformation

Mohawk

Binding: Perfect Bound

Mohawk is a company that produces high quality paper to small businesses, graphic designers and printers. They created 'Mode of Transformation' as a way for people to sample their highest quality paper. The publication is filled with different types and weights of stock which all have their own characteristics. 

Although there are two pages I can tell that they're meant to be seen as one page due to the stock colour being consistent. The left page consists of limited content that relates to the picture on the page next to it. This is effective as it doesn't overwhelm the audience and the information is easily processed. 

A lot of white space which makes the text the main focal point when the page is turned onto this double page spread. The eye is then forced from left to right at the text is read which is good because the audience is looking at all of the content. The text going over the imagery reminds me of screen printing onto imagery because the two textures combine. 

Image uses up all available space and I like the way the centre of the book reflects the image as if the spine of the book is a mirror. It takes advantage of the form of the book. Again, there is limited type but it is placed very central and small scale. This makes it hard to read, especially when the white is against the green because there is not enough contrast to distinguish the figure from the ground. It is likely this magazine will get away with this because the purpose of the magazine is to promote and show examples of paper quality, not to inform an audience on bikes. The 'learning to ride beyond the edge' at the bottom of the spread is a clever way to set the type because it is on the edge of the paper and relates to the statement. 

Archive 15

Leeds College of Art

Binding: Perfect Bound

Archive 15 is a publication created by the college to celebrate the third years work in all types of design disciplines referenced on the cover.

Half a page is used to add information which creates more room for images and visual examples of work.

One Thousand & One 

Leeds College of Art

Binding: Perfect Bound

Publication created to showcase photography students work. I knew this would be predominantly visual so made sure I took note of the layout. 
Immediately attracted to the stock because it is glossy and malleable enough to have a quality feel yet be light enough to easily turn the page. The slightly glossy surface helped to compliment each image. 

First Page:

Usually there is no content on the inside of the cover page, however the space has been used for the contents and background information. I like how the text is minimal to create a lot of white space. However I do feel it is wasteful of space as the publication should be visual. I like how the colour of the stock and text on each page is swapped to create a harmonious and cohesive double page spread. 

Content:

The typsetting is very consistent on each page as it's purpose is to inform the audience on the photographers information. This keeps the publication consistent and the audience knows where to look for the content. The placement of the images is disjointed and inconsistent throughout the publication but I think this is relevant to stimulate the audience and also find the most cohesive layout for the colour, size and composition of each image. 

I shouldn't be afraid of creating a double page spread that consists of just images and no type, especially if I was to juxtapose images because it can help to break up content and also change subject.

Perforation

The images had perforation marks down the seam so that people could rip out the high quality prints. The pages were often made out of full spread images which is a concept I would like to take forward and use in my publication. I can use the original, bespoke prints and perforate the seam so that the owner of the publication can rip it out and use it as a poster. I will need to consider that the content on the back of the page will also be removed from the publication. 

I experimented with a very simple perforation tool that gives me from to perforate expressive lines and shapes.

The tool allows me to perforate the pages once the publication is complete which is a lot of pressure but it gives me a lot of freedom and time to plan.