Publishing Design Task 3B (ebook)
21.9.2021 - 15.11.2021/ Week 5 - Week 13
Lee Sean / 0337001
Publishing Design / Bachelor of Design(Hons) in Creative Media
Task 3B - eBook
Instruction
Lecture
For lectures, please refer to the link below.
28-9-2021/ Week 6
Consultation of project 3A
5-10-2021/ Week 7
Consultation of project 3A
12-10-2021/ Week 8
It's independent learning week but we had a 1 hour session for Consultation on project 3B
19-10-2021/ Week 9
Public holiday but we had a 1 hour session for Consultation on project 3B
26-10-2021/ Week 10
Consultation on project 3B
2-11-2021/ Week 11
Consultation on project 3B
9-11-2021/ Week 12
Consultation on project 3B
16-11-2021/ Week 13
Project 3B submission
Task 3
Project 3B- E-Book
For the e-book, I will be using a brand guide that I had done for the module Brand Corporate Identity on the previous semester to work on the E-book project. I did it before I join Publishing Design module so the grids, layout and everything were a mess.
Brand Guide V1
Fig 1
Brand guide from BCI module
After the consultation on the brand guide. I was advised to throw the current design I have now away and redo everything with the knowledge I have learned from Publishing Design module.
Grids and Margin
Brand Guide V2
Fig 2
Brand guide process 2
Even after starting everything from scratch again, there were still so many issues and I was still playing too safe and not changing much. Everything such as the layout and design is too predictable and boring so I need to go back to relook at everything again.
Brand Guide V3
Fig 3
Brand guide process 3
I think I wasn't really ready to let go of the typesetting because I really love the layout, especially having all the body text on the top right side. It feels very unique to me but I think that's also why I kept on making the same mistake over and over again, so finally I decided to just change it.
It did worked out in the end so finally I have a more define direction now and I can start working on the next few chapters. I also started adding more images because previously everything felt too digital and it was hard for the reader to really feel the brand.
Next to do list:
Finish the brand guide
Redesign the cover
Start planning the interactivity of the pdf
Cover Design Process
Fig 4
Cover version 1
Fig 5
Cover version 2
Fig 6
Cover version 3
Fig 7
Cover version 4
Fig 8
Cover version 5
Interactive PDF
Fig 9
Interactive process
Before we start working on the interactive features on InDesign, we first start by planning what are the features we plan to add, and imagine how each features can help the user to learn more about the brand guide.
Feature
Navigation
Image change
Background color change
Stationary guide
Posters example
Fig 10
Bg color process
The change background color feature took me more than 4 hours to do it because there is
not a single tutorial video or anything on how to do it. I was struggling with it and there were a lot of issues such as things disappearing, button not working etc. In the end I finally found out why it does not work, because I did not previous color when I change it.
For example I would click grey color, then black color but I can't switch it back to grey. Because I did not set to close grey color when I click the black button, so when I try to click back to grey, technically it is opened, but it is under the layer of the black so that's why I can't see it. It did really frustrates me a lot because I was very frustrated and annoyed during the process and in the end the solution is just so simple.
Fig 11
Change bg color test
Fig 12
Stationary guide process
Next is the stationary guide, it allows the user to click on each individual stationary item to get more details on the layout, margin etc. After figuring out how to work with the change background color feature, it definitely makes everything much more easier. Although this did took a long time to do it, most of the issue I faced are just basic careless mistake that I missed out.
Fig 13
Stationary guide test
After working on the stationary guide, it made me realize how unrefined my work is, there are so many mistake in it that I could not believe how can I make such mistakes. Even basic issue like how the wordmark is suppose to be the same size as the circle in the symbol, it was not presented that way.
Fig 14
Poster example test
Instead of just showing the layout, I thought I can show the user right next to the layout of how the end result of the poster would look like. So it is easier for them to see on that page and doesn't have to go to another page to see it.
Final Submission
There has been issue where when you was first download the pdf, the color and stationary page does not work. You just have to close and reopen the pdf again and everything work fine.
FEEDBACK
Week 5
General Feedback
- Make sure you finish working on the visuals this week so you can start the next task soon
Specific Feedback
- The way you uses the images are still very repetitive, try to find ways to present them in a different, interesting ways.
Week 6
General Feedback
- Include individual jpg of your visual work in the blog
- Title should be consistent in placement, typeface, size
Specific Feedback
- When you export the thumbnail, make sure you don't include the baseline because it makes it harder to see the text
- You don't have to keep the image/illustration same with your content. As long as it does not go over 2 page it's fine. Try to find ways to link it, for example add "refer to fig. 1"
- Maybe you want to put the text on justify, the ragging now is very uneven and weird
- Overall on the right direction, just a few minor issues
Week 7
General Feedback
- Your pages should be dividable by 16 or 4
- Start thinking about the color you want to add to your book
- Start thinking about what do you want to do for your final project
Week 8
Specific Feedback
- The cover design needs more work, currently it isn't really strong enough to capture people's attention or interest
- The book is white color so you might want to have a sticker or anything that can help protect the cover and keep it clean.
- Start reworking on the brand guide starting from Chapter 1 to brand identity. Start with the same process again by working out a few margin and grid system, test it out and see where it goes from there.
Week 9
Specific Feedback
- The font size is too small for the e-book. The font size and leading of the e-book will be different comparing to the usual book. Try to go for 16pt or higher.
- The layout it too predictable now, when you overuse the same layout the impact starts to fade away. So forget all of this and try to redo everything. Focus on the text before adding additional content such as images etc.
- The heading and subheading have to be consistent and clearly separated. It should not confuse the reader.
- One of the thing about the e-book is that reader can't feel the texture and feel. To solve this you can add texture such as paper, fabric or any texture that is relevant to your brand.
Week 10
Specific Feedback
- The overall layout and concept is consistent, the only thing you have to focus on now is the little details on the design, make it more exciting and allow the reader to really feel the brand.
- The cover looks better than before but still needs work.
- Brand purpose page does not feel that impactful, make sure the overall design look and feel reflects the content
Week 11
Specific Feedback
- Some of the design of the visual identity and merchandise needs to be improved
- Reader does not know which main chapter are they reading, so make sure to include that as well
- The use of the logo should not be use separately on a page. Either you just use both symbol and wordmark or just the symbol itself.
- The main cover looks too different from the first page of the brand guide
- Include a last page to end the brand guide, it can be with a picture or a logo
Week 12
Specific Feedback
- The distance of the next and previous page button is too tight and hard for people who is using Ipad to navigate
- The spacing of the table of contents is still to tight for people who is using Ipad to navigate, especially those who uses their finger to navigate
- The photography style lighting is very inconsistent
- You can think about adding videos or audios in the interactive pdf
- You can add more info that the reader need to know when they click the stationaries, for exp. what's the pt size, the margin, the layout etc.
- When you are creating the brand guideline, you should put yourself in the reader's shoe, they need to understand how the design works, what's the purpose behind it etc.
REFLECTION
Experience
24/8/2021
We had a small brief on the upcoming exercises/ Projects, we also learned about some of the historic format of books.
31/8/2021
It's a holiday but we had a small 1 hour consultation
It's a holiday but we had a small 1 hour consultation
7/9/2021
We started the next few exercises and also had a consultation on our project 2 visuals
We started the next few exercises and also had a consultation on our project 2 visuals
14/9/2021
I was struggling a lot with the creating visuals project, it's just not working out so while working on this, I went on and developed a whole new art design style as a backup just in case if I have to give up on this typography work
21/9/2021
We finished the last exercises which is the form and movement exercise, and also were briefed on the next task.
We finished the last exercises which is the form and movement exercise, and also were briefed on the next task.
28/9/2021
We started working on the first chapter on the book and showed it to our lecturer
We started working on the first chapter on the book and showed it to our lecturer
5/10/2021
We showed our progress of our project 3a to our lecturer
We showed our progress of our project 3a to our lecturer
12/10/2021
It's independent learning week but we had a small 1 hour consultation
It's independent learning week but we had a small 1 hour consultation
19/10/2021
It's public holiday but we had a small 1 hour consultation
It's public holiday but we had a small 1 hour consultation
26-10-2021
Consultation on project 3B
2-11-2021
Consultation on project 3B
9-11-2021
Consultation on project 3B
16-11-2021
Project 3B submission
Observation
24/8/2021
I was quite worried with the book design because it's not something that I am good at.
31/8/2021
I think I'm doing fine on the project so I'm not that worried
I think I'm doing fine on the project so I'm not that worried
7/9/2021
I wasn't progressing as fast as I wanted to, I'm still stuck on the exact same things.
I wasn't progressing as fast as I wanted to, I'm still stuck on the exact same things.
14/9/2021
Through the typography visuals I have done, I realized that there's actually a lot of very interesting things happening when I zoom in to look at the little textures. I feel like I can further expand from there.
21/9/2021
I feel like I'm not doing well for the exercises. I'm starting to feel worried about the upcoming task, whether if I'm able to do it well or not.
28/9/2021
It's very helpful to understand how the general process look like. Where to start and how to proceed from there.
It's very helpful to understand how the general process look like. Where to start and how to proceed from there.
5/10/2021
Everything seem to be on the right track, only thing I have to focus now is the cover.
Everything seem to be on the right track, only thing I have to focus now is the cover.
12/10/2021
Everything seem to be on the right track, only thing I have to focus now is just finish the cover then I can proceed to project 3b
Everything seem to be on the right track, only thing I have to focus now is just finish the cover then I can proceed to project 3b
19/10/2021
I am not doing well at all, I did not really progress much at all these 2 weeks and I really need to get it done, there's not much time left.
I am not doing well at all, I did not really progress much at all these 2 weeks and I really need to get it done, there's not much time left.
26-10-2021
Overall everything is fine, I'm on the right track but there's still a lot to do
2-11-2021
I found out there were some part of the design such as the merchandise that is not refined and needed adjustment.
9-11-2021
After working on this, I'm slowly realizing how unrefined the work is, there are so many little details that are inconsistent and was not done the proper way
16-11-2021
Project 3B submission
Finding
24/8/2021
I was very happy with all the exercises and projects. These are the skillsets that I am really lacking so I was very excited to learn them and improve more.
31/8/2021
I'm on the right track now so I'm not very worried.
I'm on the right track now so I'm not very worried.
7/9/2021
Honestly I was quite disappointed with myself, I'm not really progressing much so I really have to step it up.
Honestly I was quite disappointed with myself, I'm not really progressing much so I really have to step it up.
14/9/2021
The new design direction that I have went for is way better comparing to the one I had previously. So I'm happy that I finally have a new direction that would work better.
21/9/2021
I need to take some time to practice more, I'm still struggling quite a lot of things.
I need to take some time to practice more, I'm still struggling quite a lot of things.
28/9/2021
It was a little difficult to start the work, trying to set a grid and margin. But as I start to work on it the process became a little more smoother.
It was a little difficult to start the work, trying to set a grid and margin. But as I start to work on it the process became a little more smoother.
5/10/2021
I still find it hard even after all those exercise that I have done for this module. Especially just creating the margin and grid. It's very hard to start sometimes.
I still find it hard even after all those exercise that I have done for this module. Especially just creating the margin and grid. It's very hard to start sometimes.
12/10/2021
I'm starting to feel worried on how do I start the brand guide because previously all the layout and design are following the typesetting and design concept that has already been set for the brand. I'm struggling to find a way to keep the overall layout consistent and relevant to the brand while at the same time make it more interesting.
I'm starting to feel worried on how do I start the brand guide because previously all the layout and design are following the typesetting and design concept that has already been set for the brand. I'm struggling to find a way to keep the overall layout consistent and relevant to the brand while at the same time make it more interesting.
19/10/2021
I'm really struggling a lot now with the brand guideline, I think I'm still very stuck with trying to keep it too consistent to the layout I have set for the brand during last semester. Maybe it's better for me to just forget it because it's kind of pulling me down and it feels very restricting. I need to find a way to keep the design layout consistent to the brand but not over repeat things.
I'm really struggling a lot now with the brand guideline, I think I'm still very stuck with trying to keep it too consistent to the layout I have set for the brand during last semester. Maybe it's better for me to just forget it because it's kind of pulling me down and it feels very restricting. I need to find a way to keep the design layout consistent to the brand but not over repeat things.
26-10-2021
Generally it's fine now but I have to work on some of the little details in the brand guide.
2-11-2021
Not really sure how to feel about it because I was very happy with the merchandise design, it feels unique and appropriate for the brand but I have heard from a lot of people saying that the bag was not practical and will be too expensive.
9-11-2021
It was quite frustrating because I should have found out all the issues during last semester and fix it, but I only realize it now and it's too late.
16-11-2021
Project 3B submission
Further Reading
A Type Primer - John Kane
The book, A type Primer introduces and analyzes some of the basic principles as well as applications of type. The book first started out by introducing basics such as the specific terms to describe letterforms, fonts. Then proceed to move on to the timeline and history of typography. There are a lot of very helpful technical knowledge that has been shared in the book, overall it is a very technical and practical book.
In the book, it mentioned "Paul Rand once wrote: "Typography is an art, Good typography is art," and therein lies the problem for both teacher and student. Craft can be taught, Art lies within the individual." Which in a way I kind of agree, to me art and design is quite different because art can be express in any shape and form however you want. But in typography it requires a ton of technical skills behind it. A lot of times I struggled to find that balance between artistic design while maintaining technical functions in design. A lot of time I find myself trying to be creative and artistic while ignoring the technical things and functionality. A lot of time I find myself trying to be creative and artistic while ignoring the technical things and functionality.
In the end of the book, instead of summing up the entire book, he gave 3 recommendations and suggestions to young designers that I think is very helpful for me.
1. Slow down
The book said that "how we get from idea to final, is a series of considered responses to direct observation." Slowing down and taking your time to observe your work, printing out your work as you are going through the process. Give yourself time to think about what you're doing, and how to proceed from there.
2. Be wary of "creativity"
"Inspiration is for amateurs."(Chuck Close) Professionals understand the principles and the process behind it and mastered the craft. Young designers, especially me sometimes waste a lot of time looking and waiting for inspiration, thinking that I just need some more time to wait for the inspiration to come to me. Professionals just get to work, they understand that real insight, real innovation come only from deliberate process.
3. Keep your eyes open
Read more books or articles to learn about what other people have to say and show about typography. Compare what you do with what other people do while at the same time learn to articulate the difference. Take every opportunity to learn, study, analyze typography. Pay more attention to your surrounding. Type is everywhere, and there is so many things you can learn about if you just observe.
Comments
Post a Comment