Adrian Pipes’ On Press chapter, from his 2009 Production for Graphic Designers manual, provides a thorough overview of the print process, both historically and practically. Exploring paper, the raw materials that make it, recycled, handmade and manufactured paper, and other stocks; various qualities of inks; various printing processes, including emerging technologies; print finishing and binding; and interviews with a number of book designers.
Consider which aspects of the print process might feed into your creative decision making process. Where do the connections between artist and craftsperson sit within your work? Use your learning log to reflect on this.
Identify your nearest local printer. If possible, introduce yourself with the aim of arranging a short tour of their production process, from computer through to finished article. Seeing the printers at work helps to put the theory into context and can clarify certain parts of the process you may be unsure of. If the printer you find does print books then so much the better, but any medium-sized printers will no doubt print flyers, brochures and similar material. They will certainly have machines for reproduction, printing, folding and binding, which would be relevant to your research into printing books. Don’t be shy about getting in touch. When you explain you’re a student, printers often enjoy taking time out of their regular schedule to show people ‘round the works’ – but be aware that they do have busy schedules, so take advantage of any time they offer you! Take your camera and ask permission to photograph the machinery and production line, as an aide-memoire. Similarly, take your notebook and document the visit – you can incorporate this research later into your learning log.
Alternatively, you may want to concentrate on online options, such as PDFs or print on demand. Investigate these through internet research, documenting your key findings in your learning log.
Paper stock
Different considerations around paper stock will effect my design choices and vice versa. An art stock will have high brightness and gloss – this means more definition and detail – which makes it a better choice for graphics. On the other hand, art boards would be a more suitable choice for a cover. There are also many unusual substrates such as mirror board, which could add a special touch if needed. The weight and bulk of the paper are also important considerations. Paper colour choices will impact the designs and could spice things up if needed. Opacity or ‘see through’ is also important to consider in case it could be used creatively.
Size and format
I will clearly need to know what paper size and format I’m going to use and this will have an impact on the design.
Production
The relationship between production and printing will have a cyclical effect on choices. Some of my printing preferences will dictate the production and some of my production choices will dictate my printing preferences.
Printing
There are a lot of different considerations to think about here. It may seem too obvious to consider but there is a choice between colour or black and white printing. There are options such as lithography (a metal plate offsetting the design via a rubber blanket onto the stock) or unusual alternatives such as thermographic printing (with the use of heat). Duplexing is an interesting technique where two paper stocks are bonded together.
Finishing
The paper finish will have a profound effect, e.g. gloss having more sharpness and saturation, matte diffusing light and reducing glare, satin being a happy medium. This could influence choices such as gloss being better suited for graphics and matte being more desirable for text. There are myriad other techniques such as spot uv where certain areas can be highlighted or pearlescent, which adds a iridescent quality. There are many other techniques available including die-cutting, throw outs, concertina, embossing/debossing and foil blocking.
Binding
There are many different binding options available at printers. I have tried basic sewing techniques at home but would love to create a perfect bound book with the help of a professional printer.
Looking at printers
Covid-19 restrictions have made an in person visit to a printer impossible. I have instead looked on the website of the most well reviewed local printer.
Matrix Print Design
A Covid-19 related observation… I’ve noticed that this printer (and presumably most other printers) have adapted and actually offer a lot of Covid-19 related print services such as: floor stickers, desk dividers, banners, posters and many more items.
Matrix offer a range of printing services including lithographic (for printed stationary and longer runs), digital (for shorter runs) and more unusual approaches such as thermography (for raised traditional looking printing). There are also a wide variety of finishing options including folding, binding, UV varnish, foil blocking and die cutting.
Below are a few of the pricings for booklet products:
Medium square booklet (148 x 148mm), 150gsm gloss, 8 pages colour, 250 = £142. This is the smallest amount of pages and the smallest amount of copies.
A5 portrait booklets, 170gsm silk, 8 pages colour, 250 = £142. This is also the smallest amount of pages and copies available.
A5 silk booklets, 280gsm silk, 8 pages, 250 = £210.
The obvious problem with this printer is that they seem to do runs of 250 or more which is a lot more than I would need – they do say that they can make bespoke orders but it is uncertain whether this would include smaller runs.
Matrix asks for PDF files 3mm of bleed at the edge if there are bleeds at the edge. Turnaround times range from the same day to 10 days depending on the size of the job.
Mixiam
This online service offer a booklet printing service with different options. I chose the following options to check the price:
A5 perfect bound silk, 28 sides (perfect binding was only available with this amount of pages), 170gsm, 250gsm gloss cover. For 2 copies this costs £20. I was surprised to see with spot uv added on the cover this increased to £1340!
A5 perfect bound silk, 24 pages, 200gsm (this was the default for 24 pages), matt lamination cover. For 2 copies this costs £45.
This company also prefer PDF files and 3mm bleed. The website has a very comprehensive FAQ section which is helpful.
Daniel's OCA Blog: Book Design 1 