The Blog of an Aspiring Art Buyer

Final Instructor Approval of Production Book

RE: — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:17:25 +0000

It’s official. I received the sign off from Jennifer Hood with this email: “It’s ready for print. Nice work!” Woo-hoo!

Final Production Book

RE: — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:21:37 +0000

I have finished the production book, complete with all changes from Jennifer Hood and Kat. I will drop the file into the public network drive at school before work today so that I can have Jennifer Hood review it before I send it to the printer. It has been a long few days, but I am very pleased with the final product. It’s clean, it’s organized, and it’s creative.

Seeking Mentor for Last Minute Advice about Layout

RE: — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:03:02 +0000

I have emailed Kat my different layout options to see what she has seen in the industry. I want to make the production book as believable as possible. Kat thinks that I should go with the white pages unless I think that black is integral to what I’m recommending for the look and feel of the style. To better explain, Kat gave the example of if the look and feel were a Goth look and feel, then black would be appropriate – or red if it has a Chinese feel, etc. Thinking logically, she said a company would most likely print out on white. Furthermore, as I mentioned, reverse type (white type on black paper) gets very hard to read when there’s a lot of it and therefore tiring to the eye.

Thinking about things, I completely understand what Kat is saying. I got so wrapped up with this production book being my “portfolio” that I was steered away from the actual purpose of the book. She has given me a rejuvenated view of the project.

After receiving this bit of feedback, I want to change the background of the catalog to a midnight blue. It will still be dark enough to make the design and pictures pop, along with a sophistication that is classic.

Instructor’s Response to Crises

RE: — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:31:54 +0000

Jennifer has confirmed that she is not on campus until tomorrow morning. She assured me that she could take a look at the files that I place in the public network drive when she gets in. She obviously can’t approve anything without seeing it, so she recommends taking my work to get printed on Wednesday. That way, I’ll have some time to make changes.

Files are Too Large to Send Via Email for Approval!

RE: — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:03:06 +0000

I am freaking out a little bit. I stayed up all night to finish my production book in order to send to my instructor, Jennifer Hood, for the final approval before printing. Even when I export the production book and catalog files from Adobe InDesign to PDF’s, the files are too large. I don’t know what to do. I told Jennifer I could drop the files in the public network drive at school for her to review, and she could look at them tomorrow when she is on campus. Unfortunately, Monday is her day off from school and I don’t know if I can really wait another day, with the timing being as tight as it is.

Furthermore, I have a couple of options that I could do for the production book. The talent catalog (and style guide) that Janice designed is on black paper and in a spread format. My portfolio can be on white or black paper, with single pages or a spread (in any combination). I’m just not sure what would look better, considering I’m including the final catalog at the end of my portfolio. I feel like I, too, should use black paper in a spread format. The only problem with that is that some of my spreads will still only have one side to print. I really need her advice.

Design Finalization of Style Guide and Book

RE: — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:55:25 +0000

Janice sent me the updated style guide and design layout for the book. I definitely am positively drawn to the design and colors chosen. She explained her process as such:

“The design began with the name of the company, Zekel Talent Agency. The font was first chosen because it expressed a modern and real look. The layout emanated from the actual font. When looking at a paragraph with the chosen font applied, it was apparent that many of the letters had a reoccurring style stemming from that of the lowercase l. After creating an outline, the l was then enlarged and manipulated to form the blue and orange border of the catalog.”

After hearing this, I was taken by the design even more. This was definitely going to be the design for the catalog and production book. Furthermore, I like the darker background for the catalog because the design and pictures seem to pop more.

The Printing Estimate

RE: — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:18:36 +0000

I received an email from Tom Kubinski at Sexton Printing today. He sent me a PDF of the estimate for the catalog. I am relieved that he contacted me. I was starting to get a bit worried, considering it’s already Wednesday, and the printing estimate for the catalog needs to be included in my production book. I have been playing phone tag with Kelly at Alpha Graphics for a second estimate, but haven’t been able to connect yet.

Initial Design of Style Guide and Book

RE: — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:46:45 +0000

Janice emailed me the book to date and the style guide that explains the font choices, color, and layout of the catalog. I brought it to show my instructor, Jennifer Hood. Though things are still in progress, Jennifer wanted to see the book thus far. Unfortunately, Jennifer does not necessarily like the layout provided by the designer. After hearing the initial feedback, I agree that the design might be a bit too “corporate” and not enough creativity involved. Furthermore, this critique will set my printing date back another business day. I was initially going to send everything to the printer on Friday of this week to get printed. Now, I will be looking at printing everything on Monday. At least we’ll have a weekend to work out the kinks. My next step is to speak with Janice and give her the feedback to modify the design and colors.

Received Production Book Feedback from Kat

RE: — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:14:40 +0000

I received the feedback from Kat this morning. She said the production book looks great. The only criticism she gave me was that I didn’t need to include the weather report because no one was traveling for the photo shoot. She also suggested that I fill out a project specification form to include in the book. I’ve put a lot of time and energy into this project and was relieved to hear that she approved of my work. She, in fact, said I’ve done a great job and that I should be very proud. Whew!

Seeking Production Book Feedback from Kat

RE: — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:25:13 +0000

Kat and I were supposed to meet today, but her dog passed away, so she is home with the kids. I have emailed her a PDF of my production book thus far for her to review. I am a bit nervous about what she will think. I value her opinion very much, but have never created a production book before. I am anxiously awaiting her critique.