Book Design Workshop

Tickets are no longer available online but there will be a few on the door at Somerset House

Workshop with Stuart Smith, of SMITH Design in London

Led by photo book design veteran, Stuart Smith, this 3-day workshop will teach the fundamental first step in designing a book.

The days will be long as there is a lot to cover, so be prepared to learn from one of the best in the industry! 

Day 1: 17:00 - 20:00

Day 2: 10:00 - 18:30

Day 3: 10:00 - 18:30

 

Here is what you can expect to cover:

• Learn the importance of choosing the right photographs for a book - the process of editing is the single most important part of book design. 
• How to create a flow and pace for a book.
• Why we need to determine how many pictures are to be included before we can even decide on the book size, type of paper, number of pages etc.
• Decide whether the book should be hardback or paperback.
• The importance of a grid, how design is most effective when it's simple.
• The importance of pairing images and how the format of an image can dictate the proportion of a book. 
• Pitfalls with laying out pictures - what not to do. 

Important things to note: 

• This workshop is designed for those who already have a project, or partial project ready to turn into a book. You could use a sample project if you like, but it is highly recommended that you have something to work with during the workshop. 
• Bring your photographs to class so that you can lay them out during the editing process – you can print them out cheaply at Snappy Snaps, Boots or any other photo printer.  Best size to print: 6x4 inch or 7x5inch.  Just one copy of each.
• You can bring the work digitally also if you like on your laptop, but also bring the actual prints. 
• If you do not have a project and can’t find sample work, you can watch the others edit and observe the process, though should know that you may not get as much out of the process as you would like.
• If you have InDesign, you can work with that during the workshop.  Stuart will not be able to teach InDesign and how to use the program however.
• If you do not have InDesign or are familiar with any editing software, but wish to learn, we suggest that you download the very easy to use Blurb Booksmart for free. Find it on www.blurb.com