The Printing Process with Book Designer Victoria Forrest

Image Curtesy of Envato Elements

Photographer Wendy McMurdo was able to sit with book designer Victoria Forrest via. a guest lecture at Falmouth University, on February 4th, 2020, where Victoria was able to give us great insight in the book making process from beginning to end.  

She began by showing us images of a series design as well as a one off- presented at a museum and something I'd never heard of which she called 'augmented reality'- where you combine book+phone to get sort of a 'digital pop up.' Sounds interesting although I have questions about the technical end it is something I would be interested in looking into.

Book making: The Process

Two elements to design work (and how they crossover):

1. Design= (graphic design, 2 dimensional) layout, colors, typography, sequencing etc.
       •Part of design work is typography- how the word appears is very important in the design.
       •Then there is the cover, which she describes as 'the sparkle' or the 'special part' - obviously the cover is the first thing people see so attention to it must be taken seriously.

2. Production= actual 3d object manufacture!  The actual product.

First you look at your page size, then you start to study the colors you might use.  
She often uses color swatches, foil swatches, and cloth swatches to see and examine in real time.  

Image curtesy of Envato Elements

It may depend on your printer, and what your cost/budget is.  

You deal with both a reproduction schedule and a print schedule.   

A process of checks for writing a book:

Start with Chromalins- first step, when you have your design solidified.  The printer showing you exactly what is planned, but in a very raw form. Next you get the F&G's (folded and gathered) version, here you can check the pages, order etc, then the final book!

Color checking happens all throughout.  

The printer you use and the quality that ensues reflects on yourself and your work.  Communication can be really key, and the printer you choose will effect the experience you have.

I can't express all the good information that Victoria was able to share but the book process definitely has MANY details that must be given proper attention if you want a successful and professional finished product.  Otherwise there will be likely mistakes and regrets.  



FORREST, Victoria. 2020. Interviewed by Wendy McMurdo. Falmouth University. [online] Available at: https://recordings.reu1.blindsidenetworks.com/falmouth/d4a606a92f26e1d73f3e10ae80c8fa86c5925908-1580820751010/capture/