PERFECT BINDING! AHHHH!!!! - Derek

Thanks for these video's. I've watched them and they've been helpful showing the steps and using alternative materials besides the perfect binding board. I'm using some heavy text books, binders, the kitchen sink, and anything else I could find that's heavy. I've decided to use Gorilla glue, so I know the pages won't move. Hopefully it comes out well for tonight. Here are some pics of what the early steps.

Spine Power- Derek

Looking at all the spin ideas has made me want to bulk up mine Adina. I agree that the spin is an important element to the book since it's how you identify the book most of the time when it's on the shelf. But, I also think unless it goes with a series of books it should be straightforward. When I say straightforward I mean using primarily color and text. Think about it, looking at the spine it delivers primarily the title, publisher and author and the cover grabs the consumer in with the texture, color, imagery and any other element added. I know personally if I'm looking for a new book I'd look at the cover over the spin. Don't get me wrong I appreciate a well thought out idea when it comes to book design, but it'smore of an afterthought rather than something that's going to actually sell me on the book. Here are some samples I thought were straightforward and effective.

                                    
      

Spine Power - Aseloka

I commend anyone who is able to create something fantastic with the spine of their book. Particularly like the examples you give in your post, Adina. I think the collection of spines is especially intriguing. 

But for some reason, I'm mostly ok with spines being largely informational. I understand that as a consumer browsing the aisles of a bookshelf, the text provided on the spine is there to give me specific bits of information about the book and the for something a bit more intriguing I may want to pick up one book or another and take a look at the cover or read through a few pages to see if this is something I may be interested in. 

This is where I think the title becomes important. A catchy title can definitely lure a reader in. Not to say that a pretty spine won't, but I think a title can have as least as much weight in that regard. *shrugs. Just my two cents!

PERFECT BINDING! AHHHH!!!! - Aseloka

I watched the same videos by "Sealemon" on youtube, Nicole! That's where I've been getting all of my book-binding tips. Her tutorials are great. Good call!

The process has mostly gone well for me (including a hand-made bookpresses that Nicole and I poured our blood sweat and tears into). It's been a learning process for sure but I'm happy with my overall progress. My pages are jacked up but and super rugged, but I'm hoping some sanding will help that. We'll see! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Re: Perfect Binding- Jessica

I actually found those initial tutorials that you posted Nicole the most helpful when creating my text block and differentiating perfect binding from case binding. All of her tutorials are super helpful and straightforward-- I highly recommend them!

As I was browsing for additional help though, I came across this site/blog that had some useful information about DIY binding (and beyond) as well. Check it out: http://nomediakings.org/doityourself/doityourself_book_press.html.

And thank you, Pinterest for never letting me down!

Spine Power

While working on Book project #2, I've come across some challenges. From my initial concepts that failed miserably to the progression of my current concept and cover, this has been an interesting assignment. My latest issue and frustration is deciding what type of paper to use for my text block. However, this will not be this week's post topic. Instead I want to discuss the role of the spine. I'm not super excited about my plain ol' spine but I've seen some pretty cool spines with some books. I think the spine is another way in which the designer has artistic license to attract the consumer by any means necessary.  90% of the time a book's spine is the first thing the consumer sees, as the book sits on a shelf. That's of course if you're not browsing Amazon or BN.com.

Wise Ink Creative Publishing noted the three tips to a book spine that sells are: color, font choice and an interesting concept. http://www.wiseinkblog.com/book-launch/3-tips-to-a-book-spine-that-sells/

As designers, what are your thoughts on this particular element of the book? Should it be consistent with the cover, can the designer go all out and be distinct and different? Seen any cool spines?

Oh the power of the spine.

http://blog.hpb.com/hpb-blog/2011/8/3/amazing-book-spine-art.html

a-mazing

For all the children's lit lovers

I had never seen the James Bond books until now. Interesting....

I've mentioned this before. Pretty awesome image as a whole

RE: Perfect Binding Ahhhhh-Adina

Nicole,

What better topic to bring up than this. I think the binding is the more challenging aspect to book making in general. What I will say however, is that the end result of a handmade book is pretty rewarding. Whether you opt for the hardcover or softback form, from cover to cover, inside and out it is a product you created and executed. The binding is frustrating but the many techniques in which you can bind text blocks can actually be relaxing, if you have the time and patience. The entire idea of creating a handmade book takes time, attention to detail and patience. When this isn't your livelihood or something that is completely brand new it can be overwhelming. I hope everyone's books are going well.

I'm including link of books and a book artist that I came across in my Book Arts class and the pinterest board. Pretty cool sights and concepts

The works of Joy Campbell: http://www.joymcampbellbookartist.com/galleryfour.html

http://www.pinterest.com/updownbindery/book-examples-for-literary-publications/