Essence statement
For the reader looking for a simple read that is not all words, this book aims to explain and propose etiquette that can be used when faced with situations that are usually uncomfortable, unhappy, and devastating in a relatively light-hearted manner. Three essence words that can be used to describe its intended mood: light, informative, and satirical (this word is applied to the illustrations).
I've changed one of the essence words from 'fun' to 'light', as I feel this boo
k would not be read for fun but for interest, nor would it be action-packed with fun, but it is a lighter take on death and tragic occurrences.
Current Book Status
Dimension: 6 x 8 inches
Number of pages: 64 - 96 pages (4 - 6 signatures of 8) depending on how much content there is to cover.
Prelims to be included: end-papers, half title, title page, table of contents, and acknowledgments/introduction
End matter to be included: (maybe) a bibliography, colophon, and end-papers
Cover: Hardcover
Binding: Sewn, covered spine
Paper stock: heavy, low-gloss, cream colored
Font choice:
Chapter Title:
ITC Tiffany demi italic 21 pt.
The title should be decorative, but not overly empowering to draw attention away from the illustrations.
Body Copy:
Life roman 9.5/13.5 pt.
To match the light-hearted mood that this book is trying to convey, the type chosen should not be overly solid or serious, nor should it be overly thin and light so that it lack legibility.
Running Head:
Trade Gothic medium 8.5 pt. (majuscule)
Running heads will communicate the chapter title, and will be removed on pages where a new chapter begins and there is a chapter title.
Folio:
Trade Gothic medium 9.25 pt.
Layout: refer to images
Colour Palate (refer to images):
The colors chosen are meant to represent red, cyan, green, brown respectively, seen under a faded, ephemeral outlook. The faded look is adopted mainly for artistic style, but also to fit the nature of these situations i.e. funerals, illnesses which are passing moments themselves. The brown color will be used mainly as outlines on the illustrations.
Illustrations:
Style, and colors decided. Illustrations not commenced.
Manuscript: Research complete. Not yet started the writing.
To do:
- Illustrations
- Manuscript
- decide paper stock weight
- decide if I want to bind the book or if I should take to a printer
Reflection of current pace
There is an overall feeling of falling behind, as the manuscript and illustrations are slow to start and designers block is frustratingly pervasive. I feel that I have a very solid understanding of the grid I am working with and the baseline settings for the body copy. I have a clear idea of the illustration style that I want to express, I am worried if this can be completed on time; it is A LOT to illustrate, but I want to do my best.
Revised Timeline.
The difference between this timeline and the previous one is that the dates have been pushed back to accommodate for unpredicted delay in the writing and illustration process, otherwise known as designer's block.
Week 7 Oct. 28, 2009
Due next week: draft of manuscript to edit
1. roughly compile final manuscript
2. Continue with illustrations
3. Decide on binding technique and materials to be used
Week 8 Nov. 4, 2009
Due next week: final manuscript
1. tentatively typeset to estimate space
2. Continue editing content and illustrations
Week 9 Nov. 11, 2009
Due next week: rough prototype of book for critique, final illustrations completed.
1. Print out spreads with final content and illustrations in place (illustrations can have placeholders)
2. Construct a mini prototype using proper materials, bind using chosen binding technique (for practice)
Week 10 Nov. 18, 2009
Due next week: final prototype of book
1. Print final layouts.
2. If under reasonable price, create a final prototype of the book (Create hardcover, or get printers to do it).
Week 11 Nov. 25, 2009
Due next week: term project due
1. Print final layouts, bind.
2. Put together rough work document (if necessary)
Week 12 Dec. 2, 2009
Term Project Due
