Images 1...

I have had to find images to go along side all of my explanations of the printing processes, the finishing techniques, the interviews and to illustrate my timeline. The books that I have been using have helped me to think about where I can find the right imagery, and I will probably use some of the images from the books. I do want to find good examples for each section, so I have been googling myself silly to find the best way of showing these:

These are all of the images that I have used within the finishing techniques book. Most of these images were quite easy to find, though some proved difficult:

1. Laminating stock

ReachMedia Digital Printers

http://www.reachmediame.com/reachmedia/portals/2/contentimages/390_lamination.jpg

2. High-gloss brochure

PrintHouse

http://printquote.printhouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/goldfoil.jpg

3. Spot-varnish card 1

Printnex

http://www.flickr.com/photos/printnex/4190432851/

4. Spot-varnish card 2

Best Business Card

http://www.bestbusinesscard.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/spot-UV-business-cards-1.jpg

5. Foil blocking die

Benwells

http://www.benwells.co.uk/gallery.php?type=foil-blocking

6. Foil blocking

VIP Print Limited

http://www.frankel.co.uk/print_close_ups.html

7.Die-cut menu/programme

Benwells

http://www.benwells.co.uk/gallery.php?type=die-cutting

8. Die-cut business card

Pressing Letters

http://www.pressingletters.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/ps-card-1rev.jpg

9. Embossing plate

Benwells

http://www.benwells.co.uk/gallery.php?type=embossing

10. Embossed brochure

VIP Print Limited

http://www.frankel.co.uk/print_close_ups.html

The majority of these images have been found as examples from printers websites. I'm really pleased that I have managed to find such good examples for each technique and been able to show some of the dies that are used within the processes.

Context books...

I have finished three of my context pieces!

I am making 4 separate items, each detailing a different area of print. I have finished making the three books - Print Processes, Finishing Techniques and Industry Interviews. I am yet to print the timeline because I am waiting for the right paper to be available in the print dungeon (i need it on a very long roll!)

I have designed very simple covers for the books (which will also work for the fold out timeline). They fold around the inside of the book, and provide an area for the introduction to go on each document. I wanted to make the cover in this way because it will work for the timeline as well, which can't have a cover attached because it folds out. Here are some photos of the three finished books...

I am going to package all four of the documents together somehow. At the moment I am leaning to ward a paper band, or a tracing paper envelope with a paper band around the outside. I want the finished piece to feel special, but not precious as I would like it it to be used and read.

Cover Design...

I want the covers of the books to remain very simple and to be made of a heavier and probably coloured stock. I have been thinking on the way that I can create an interesting cover that will work on all three books as well as the timeline. The design below incorporates a flap that will wrap around the front cover and will have the introduction printed on it. A cover of this type will work on the timeline, and no introduction will need to be printed on the timeline itself....

I am going to pursue this design, mainly because it lends itself to the 4 different books and is more interesting than a generic cover.

Timeline Mock-up...

I decided to see how long my timeline would be when printed on a roll by sticking lots of bits of paper together. It got a little scary, it was over 3 meters! It was a very simple mock up, I scribbled all of the dates on each sheet and that was it. It did however help me to work out how long it would be, how wide the roll would need to be and how thick I could have the paper before it started to become too thick to fold....

I have spoken to James in the print room about how I can print this monstrous piece of work. He has suggested ordering some very thin matt paper on a roll and I will then be able to print two timelines side by side (same price as 1). That way I have a spare if something goes drastically wrong! I have asked him to order the paper, and I should have this printed by the end of next week.

Finishing...

I have been looking at lots of websites, mainly printing companies, for good descriptions and explanations of finishing techniques. These are a two of the good ones I have been looking at. Both of them have great images that show the finishing techniques really well and make them clear and easy to understand.

Benwells

VIP Print Limited

What and How...

I produced this diagram of exactly what I am going to produce for my Design Context document. I wanted to make it clear to the people in my crit what I am intending on producing, so that I could get appropriate feedback.

My group likes the idea of giving each book a band made of coloured acetate that cancels out some of the type, which you then see when it is removed. They also like the idea of wrapping all four documents together to make them more intriguing to unwrap and read.

Layout Ideas...

Having looked at some different examples of layout and the use of colour I have started to develop my own. I do wish that I could put something together that resembles the work at Feltron does because it is so engaging and simplistic. However, my information does not break down into little facts and figures, which makes it tricky. So, I have put together a few layouts that are interesting and simple, but hold the information and present it strongly...

I need to be able to present images along side this information, so I think that keeping the designs simple and clean will work well.