DESIGN
book cover design
book jacket design
interior text design
written type specs
(see sample specs)
There are two schools of thought regarding book design. The first purports that designers should not become involved with the content of the book. The second teaches that it is impossible to separate one's self completely from what the author has to say—that it is best to let the author's thoughts be conveyed to the reader through the book's physical attributes as well as its words. I subscribe to the latter philosophy.
That said, when I work with a book publishing company versus an individual author, I must follow an established procedure. The editor supplies the art director with a marked manuscript and a "design survey" which the art director in turn passes along to me. In the survey I will find the editor's thoughts and opinions relating to elements requiring a design solution. The publisher's perception of the book has been established at this point. It is up to me, the designer, to make that perception materialize.
The book cover design is determined by both editorial and marketing considerations. The role of the cover is to aid in the sale of the book. Therefore, marketing dominates this aspect of the process. The battles, if there are any, are usually between the art and marketing directors. However, the end result is always carefully checked by the editor to be certain that it correctly reflects the essence of the book.
BOOK PRODUCTION
composition/electronic page assembly
XPress Tags
prepress follow-up
scanning
For many years there were 4 methods of composition—a process that converts the author's manuscript into a form that's suitable for printing. These methods included: setting metal type by hand, setting metal type by machine, typewriter composition, and photographic composition. Today, although these methods still exist, they are rarely employed. In this new era computers reign. Both Macintosh and Windows PCs make it possible for book designers to typeset their own layouts. While not all publishing companies assign composition to designers, some do. Most houses send their compositon to large book production services. The current and unfortunate trend is to outsource composition to book production services in India and China. But, truth be told, these services (whether in the USA or offshore) also use PCs rather than the old methods of composition.
ILLUSTRATION & PHOTOGRAPHY
photo illustration
royalty free photos
While I am an artist, I create very little linear illustration myself. I prefer to hire others who specialize in this craft to assist me with design projects when necessary. However, I can and do supply photo illustration. Most often I use my own digital photographs to create the image. You can view and purchase my stock photography here if you like.
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