Studio Brief 2 Publication 1.8

Due to bad planning, I didn’t book a printing appointment in the College which meant I had to choose a printing company based in Leeds. When I sent the publication to print, I sent the wrong file which meant the adaptations that I made after the test print had been deleted. This means I have orphans and offset type on some pages but due to the type being so small I may have gotten away with it. Once again this was bad time management but it has taught me to keep better check on my files, especially when I’m not printing it myself. This meant I couldn’t choose a specific stock to use as Hobs only has a limited selection. Instead of using a matt, textured stock, I had to resort to a slightly glossy, coated stock. The printers recommended that I should use a 180gsm stock for the cover and then 160gsm for the content. I thought this was a wise decision as the cover will make the publication hold its shape and adds a feel of quality. Thinner pages are more malleable so the page can be turned easily.

Immediately I wasn’t pleased with the wrap around cover because of the way the black type has been cut off. But it suggests continuity so I deliver visual cues as to what the publication is called, this is engaging. The focus of my cover was to provide a contemporary example of typesetting, inspired by Eike Konig, however I think I could have made the cover more engaging if I made a more expressive composition of type.

I have created a publication that demonstrates a lot of design principles I learnt during the first year of the course. I enjoyed practicing these skills and techniques and it has encouraged my practice. I aim to strive forward in future publication briefs because I have more experience and confidence to be more contemporary as I have learnt the basic. This includes grid systems, margins and preparing a publication for print. Looking back at my design process and blogging  I spent too much time debating binding methods and a concept for my publication instead of pushing the boundaries of publication design.

If I had managed my time better with this particular project I would have been able to produce a more contemporary outcome that pushes the boundaries of what a book can do. I spent more time on studio brief 01 because it was an exciting concept and I kept developing the publication more and more.

Using the  9x9 grid system was useful for typesetting and combining image and type, however I could have been more consistent from page to page. Justifying the type made made the text look smart and considered as there is no rag. Using colour theory helped to make my publication cohesive from cover to cover. This is also reflected in my typesetting and type choice as it is consistent throughout. This was based on informed decisions from my research.

My main influence was from What Youth because there contemporary and engaging editorial style was appropriate for my publication which aims to entertain, inform and inspire. My early research was appropriate for creating a publication that is interactive and engaging. Visiting Village Bookstore was really inspiring as I got to physically hold and read the publications, absorbing the page composition, print finishes and stocks used. However, due to bad time management I was unable to experiment and be more creative with the 

Reflecting on the project, my confidence has increased since completing this project and I aim to be more contemporary and expressive in future projects. During the project I found designers such as Eike Konig who I can use to influence my design in the future. I have identified publications that I will continue to follow and invest in. This will encourage me to be more spontaneous with my design decisions as I think being innovative is well recognised in the world of design.