I was feeling a bit stuck and not motivated at all after trying out some initial ideas for my book and realising I had no idea in which direction I needed to be going. Here are the things I need to consider:
- What format?
- What stock?
- How will it be printed?
- How will it be folded?
- How will it be bound?
- What colour scheme?
- What finishes?
- Exact target audience?
- What content?
- Will it be interactive?
I decided to totally change my idea as I was feeling at such a dead end. However, I was still interested in shapes, and decided that instead of going with one of my other ideas, I should go with a totally new one. The inspiration came from looking at patterns made up with shapes. With the positioning, size, colour and negative space in these patterns, they transform a shape into a beautiful object. However, I can't just fill a book with patterns, I need to think about what will make my book sell.
I think this book will be aimed at a young audience but not be childish. It will be fashionable and modern.
I think the first step I need to take is to do some research to stop me from having a lack of motivation!
- Whats special about my book?
Ideas:
- Pull out poster?
- Including writing set/ postcards?
- Iron on transfers?
Now that I have an idea I am happy with, I can write my rationale.
Rationale
Brief: What is the problem you intend to solve?
I intend to create a series of five good quality but cheap books to be sold on the LCA BAGD stall at the Contemporary Artist's book fair, held on the 9th and 10th March, visually based upon the theme shapes.
Who needs to know?
My audience is people who are interested in design who will be attending the book fair, in particular, young females probably aged between about 17-25, interested in fashion, patterns or graphic design.
What do they need to know?
They need to understand that the book is about geometric patterns and that it is an interactive book that looks good as well as being a book that they can have fun with.
Why do they need to know?
I need to try and sell all five editions of my book so it needs to be clear what it is about so that it grabs the customers attention.
What will they respond to?
The book will need to be successful in visually communicating its topic as the customer won't spend much time responding to the book to decide whether or not they will buy it. Once they have bought the book, they can spend longer looking at the book and by using the included stickers to personalise their book.
What research is required?
Primary
- I will research what my target audience thinks about geometric patterns to see if there is an audience for the book I am creating
Secondary
- I will research existing geometric patterns as pattern making isn't something I know a lot about
- I will research geometric shapes to help inspire my work
- I will research book making to help me decide what format and bind my book should be
Development
I have gone from not being motivated at all to being really excited about this project so I am so happy I changed my idea. It will be a rush to get this book made in time, but now I know what I want to do I can be getting on with it.
Here are my ideas for the book, considering the points I recognised at the top of the page. There are still some things I'm not sure about that I think I will only have decided on once I start designing.
Audience - My audience is people who are interested in design who will be attending the book fair, in particular, young females probably aged between about 17-25, interested in fashion, patterns or graphic design.
Shape - Cube/diamond shape so still sturdy but unique, about A5, concertina folds
Stock - Each page could be printed on to a different stock, as the choice of stock may effect how good the pattern looks, for example some might work better on brown paper and some on white. The covers will be thick white card to keep the book sturdy.
Cover design - Could possibly have a plain front cover with a geometric patter laser cut into it. There could be some kind of case around the cover
Content - Mainly just pages of patterns, with little text except on the cover. Each page features a different colour scheme.
Plan - 5 pages of patterns, 2 blank pages, 2 sticker sheets to make own patterns / customise patterns, 2 postcards to pull out, 1 notecard and envelope
Patterns - The patterns will feature geometric shapes and will be created digitally
- I will research book making to help me decide what format and bind my book should be
Development
I have gone from not being motivated at all to being really excited about this project so I am so happy I changed my idea. It will be a rush to get this book made in time, but now I know what I want to do I can be getting on with it.
Here are my ideas for the book, considering the points I recognised at the top of the page. There are still some things I'm not sure about that I think I will only have decided on once I start designing.
Audience - My audience is people who are interested in design who will be attending the book fair, in particular, young females probably aged between about 17-25, interested in fashion, patterns or graphic design.
Shape - Cube/diamond shape so still sturdy but unique, about A5, concertina folds
Stock - Each page could be printed on to a different stock, as the choice of stock may effect how good the pattern looks, for example some might work better on brown paper and some on white. The covers will be thick white card to keep the book sturdy.
Cover design - Could possibly have a plain front cover with a geometric patter laser cut into it. There could be some kind of case around the cover
Content - Mainly just pages of patterns, with little text except on the cover. Each page features a different colour scheme.
Plan - 5 pages of patterns, 2 blank pages, 2 sticker sheets to make own patterns / customise patterns, 2 postcards to pull out, 1 notecard and envelope
Patterns - The patterns will feature geometric shapes and will be created digitally
