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[saragrad701]

Final reflection

Looking back on this semester I feel as though I have learned so much from my lecturers, but also through feedback from classmates and spending time learning book-making processes. I enjoyed the group activities at the beginning of the semester as I value teamwork and bouncing ideas off other creatives. I found my group worked well together and was able to improve on ideas from responses to each other’s work.

When deciding on a Pataka publication topic I made sure I was definitely doing something I was interested in and would also aesthetically want to add to my portfolio. Because I chose a topic/location that I had such a strong passion and interest in, I found myself really involved in this project and wanting to represent Hahei in the best way possible - whether that be through the articles included or the way I portrayed imagery, colour and type. I even managed to fit in a trip down to Hahei to get specific photos which just proves that I chose a topic which excited me and inspired me. I enjoyed having a book-making brief as we got to learn many aspects of design and use that knowledge to create a physical output which we can keep!

For me, the hardest part of this project was definitely the printing. As I was doing it myself, I did have more control over what I was doing but I still find the process of getting my work from digital to physical quite hard (making sure you don’t forget any steps!). One of the main things I learnt about bookmaking/binding was that it is so critical to be precise and have high attention to detail as the smallest mistakes can mess up your book so close to the finish line. This was a good lesson to learn while I’m studying as if I’m ever in the same situation within the industry I can look back and learn from the mistakes or learning curves I experienced.

I feel as though I achieved a consistent aesthetic throughout my publication which affectively represented the natural organic textures and colours of Hahei. I made sure to create a layout which was minimalist with eye-capturing imagery so that the design was still interesting and easy to read while walking. Using a thicker paper stock allowed for a bulkier and more durable finish which was essential for a book which would be carried around a beach village. Keeping my book at A5 allows the user to fit it inside a tote bag or backpack (whatever they may be carrying with them to the beach). Using a perfect bind method meant the pages wouldn’t fall open on their own however my book is meant to be held by both hands at all times so works out perfectly.

In conclusion, I am so proud of the design and output I have created and I can’t wait to share with friends and family who can possibly fulfil the purpose of my book - walking through Hahei as they read “The One Next To Cathedral Cove.” My hope is that anyone who reads this may have their eyes opened to the beauty and rich history of Hahei and that they too may come to love it as much as I do!

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Book photography | to use for portfolio!

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Finished books!

My books are officially completed whoop whoop! I ended up having to use pliers to pull my needle through when binding because the Jute is quite thick but that just means my spines are nice and sturdy haha! What a journey it has been - now to get some final images and reflection!

[saragrad701]

Final processes

I am so close to the finish line! I now understand the idea of creating 3 books as 2 of my books have mistakes while one has a good finish! I didn’t put the cover paper further back enough in the trimming machine meaning I got a big track mark dent in one book. While I was drilling another book the drill started going sideways as it was too full so cut through the top of my pages - Fleur helped fix the drill and I used my binding to cover the mistake! This has opened my eyes to how precise and intense book making and binding can be - there are many man made or machine made errors that can occur so close to finishing books! Overall I love the finish of my spine - how natural it feels with no glue but simply holes with jute twine holding everything together!

[saragrad701]

Trimming & compiling book order!

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Cover foil experimenting

Wanting to keep my cover simple but incorporating beach textures I stuck with my neutral linen material and organic jute twine as the bind. I originally wanted to use white foil for my type as it would give my cover a modern/sleek look. However the white foil does not interact with the type of material I want to use. I also tried with a darker green as that is one of my main colours but the same issue occurred. Finally I experimented with a gold as it has similar hues to the dried brown beach textures I want to incorporate!  This worked out perfectly and I was able to play around with the different settings on the foil printer to get the right temperature and pressure!

[saragrad701]

Jute twine binding

I love the rustic beach look this jute twine binding created! It’s a simple process and only took about 5-10 min to complete! I want to leave the ends unglued as the organic hand-crafted look adds to my overall aesthetic and feel! This type of binding also confirms I want to keep the type on my cover minimalist as the twine is attention grabbing and acts as the main visual for my outside covers! The paper stocks I am using are quite thick when put altogether so I will make sure to do a tight bind - I love that it is a sturdier book as it adds to the durability and allows the book to be carried around a beach village!

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Measurements and stabbing

It was a fun experience learning to use the drill! It’s always interesting using different machines in the bindery! I found this process simple but really important to be precise and accurate otherwise you can mess up your book so close to the finish. 

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Book mock up continued

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Book binding mock up

Before I make my final 3 I want to create a mock up so I know what the process is! I made sure to take lots of photos so I can look back and remember each step. I may need to crease my pages as they are thicker (stuck with my paper stock because I like the idea of durability). I made decisions around aesthetics of the book in terms of relation to beach textures and colours while the size and function is small enough to fit in a tote bag or backpack while still large enough to read while walking around Hahei!

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Publication images

I still needed to get some specific images for my publication especially for the streets (I had many of the beach and reserve from previous trips!) I took some friends down for a day for an adventure but also so I could walk around Hahei and get my imagery! Really happy I was able to do this and they turned out!

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More binding inspo!

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Binding inspo!

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From looking through Binding examples in the bindery I choose a jute twine, japanese stab binding process as it gives a simple, beach textured look! This article looks into the different versions possible within stab binding...

Basic variations of stab-binding 

Yotsume Toji (Four-Hole Binding) – the most common and straightforward style

Koki Toji (Noble Binding) – a Chinese variant, also known as Kangxi, which has two extra holes near the corners for additional strength and decoration

Asa-No-Ha Toji (Hemp Leaf Binding) – a variation of Kangxi with more holes, including corner stitching, creating a more elaborate and durable binding

Kikko Toji (Tortoise Shell Binding) – similar to Asa-No-Ha Toji, without stitching around the corners

- low cost and simple binding technique  - many online tutorials

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Test prints on paper stock

Love how the test prints came out!! had to do a few to work out perfect bind printing but other than it was quite a smooth process! The texture and retro look images printed onto kraft paper gives I think fits with my book aesthetic and is even more effective with the transparent stock layered on top. I found my image and text also interacts nicely with the linen paper stock, once again I love the texture you can see when looking closely. I need to figure out some technical aspects on indesign when printing onto different stocks such as moving pages around and keeping page numbers the same (as you can see text overlaid on some pages bottom left). 

[saragrad701]

Paper stocks 

For my paper stocks I wanted to use Kraft to being in the neutral beach tone and texture while using another stock which had a professional contrasting look to the craft. I found a beautiful linen stock which I though appropriate as many boho/beach inspired rooms are designed using linen materials. I have previously worked with a similar stock and the images printed with a beautiful texture so excited to see how my pages will turn out on this!

[saragrad701]

Throughout my book I wanted to include the dried beach texture through the use of Kraft paper. These sections will be a square size (133mm x 133mm) and are also used to break up large pieces of text!