Final title?

Who died?... and other morbid faux pas!

I think that's it, unless something better comes up, that will be the title!

Goal: Finish for tomorrow as many thumbnails as possible for spreads. 

Book title

Okay, so I'm letting go of the troglodyte idea completely (it just doesn't work anymore and there's no point in forcing it)

What about this title?

Who Died?... and other morbid questions

Who Died? (subtitle)

Funeral Faux Pas... and other sad things

Still working hard, at this point, I 'm getting panicked... 

progress

Tentatively typesetting my book at the moment. Contemplating of changing the size to be smaller, so it is  easier to handle and transport as something entertaining to kill time (or a bathroom read). Probably 4.5 x 6.5 inches portrait;it will still be hardcover. 

Still having lots of trouble coming up with a book title and cover art!

potential titles:

- Etiquette of the Uncomfortable

- Etiquette of the Unhappy

- Shit happens... 

- Sad Times... a guidebook

- Good manners, sad times

- Good manners, Bad days

- Don't Clap at a funeral... and other tips

I am currently focusing on the book binding, typesetting, illustrations and overall design of the book. The writing of the book is turning out to be a lot less funnier than I want, (reading about funerals is a bit of a downer) but it will have to suffer due to time constraints. I can fix it up for the gradshow afterwards. 

Goal is to test out hardcover sewing and binding technique by wednesday. 

MUST WORK HARD! YOU CAN DO IT FRANCES!

Three Questions

1. I'm facing a problem with my content. Right now, I am addressing the topic of funerals and patients with illness. I feel like I need a third or fourth topic. Any suggestions? I was thinking, maybe I could discuss the topic of dealing with divorced individuals as well, and maybe also dealing with families who have recently had miscarriages? Too morbid for a funny informative book? 

2. I am looking for book binding places and paper places in Toronto. I feel like I've come to a limit looking at paper at the usual place I go to. I am looking for something heavy creamy very subtly textured feel for my book. Any suggestions? 

3. How do you feel about setting copy text in colour? I'm debating if I should set it in a very subtle brown. 

Revised Blueprint for Term Project

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 

Book Idea

An area of exploration I am pursuing for my book assignment, is etiquette of grievous or events, and how to approach them politely and appropriately. I'm thinking this book will be illustrated with a satirical, humorous style, which juxtaposes the saddening events that will be discussed.