When you choose to print a book, you always think that the process is the same for all books. A book is just a collection of pages that have been bound together but that is not quite true.
The printing process is far more intricate and even artistic when working on an art book than when printing a regular book.
Art books usually focus on artistic storytelling and whereas novels and textbooks focus on readable content. Every element of such books directly affects how your audience interprets your artwork, from color representation to paper quality.
In a sense, your artistic expression is enhanced by the printing process itself.
If you are an artist, photographer, designer, or even a brand looking to showcase your artistic work, recognizing the differences between art book printing and standard book printing will help you make better decisions and avoid costly pitfalls.
Think about the distinction between perusing a photography book and reading a business book. You concentrate on the words when reading a novel. But when you open an art book, people pause, focus on the details, and emotionally connect with the artwork.
This implies that your book must do more than just show off artwork; it must do so in an eye-catching way.
Poor color representation, for example, can make sunsets appear dull rather than spectacular if you are a landscape photographer publishing your images.
If you are an illustrator, fine line details may be obscured by subpar paper.
If you are a gallery curator, inconsistent printing can alter the meaning of artwork.
This is why art book printing emphasizes so much on visual accuracy and not just speed of production.
In a normal book, a slight difference in colors is not even noticed because readers are reading the text. But since your book is about artwork, color accuracy is paramount.
Think about your artwork, which you painted with pastel colors. But if the printing of your artwork changes the colors to slightly darker shades, your artwork’s meaning is completely altered.
Your viewers will interpret a different meaning from your artwork than you intended.
Professional art printing guarantees:
For example, a fashion designer publishing a lookbook needs the colors of the fabrics to be printed accurately so that readers and buyers can get the correct meaning of the design aesthetic. If not, your artwork will lose its authenticity.
When you are printing a normal book, the paper quality is selected based on cost and readability. But when you are printing an art book, paper quality becomes part of your design aesthetic.
You need to consider paper quality just as you consider canvas and framing.
Here is how different paper qualities will affect your book:
For instance, if you are making a book about black and white photographs, you can use matte paper, which will add to the emotional impact by reducing reflection.
Conversely, if you are making a travel photography book, you should use glossy paper that accentuates bright landscapes and city lights.
These are the kinds of decisions that will determine how your audience experiences your work in the physical world.
Typical books are printed in large quantities using technology that is optimized for that purpose. Art books, on the other hand, require more precise printing technology because your artwork requires detail.
With high-quality printing, your artwork can maintain the following characteristics:
You can also consider printing a close-up portrait photograph. A standard printing technology may not capture the fine details of skin tones or shadows, while art printing technology captures the details of your artwork.
This kind of precision ensures that your audience experiences your artwork as you intended, not as simplified versions of it.
When designing a typical book, layout designs tend to follow a set of patterns: text, margins, and chapters. Art books, however, give you the freedom to do whatever you want.
Your layout design is part of the storytelling process.
For instance, a full-page image allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the artwork.
If you are designing a painting book, use one artwork per page with lots of white space to make each artwork stand out as if it is important and intentional. Overcrowding the artwork may detract from the emotional experience of the artwork.
Your design decisions control how your audience navigates through your artwork.
You may not think much about binding until you open a book that does not lie flat. In art books, this becomes a problem because it may conceal parts of your artwork near the spine.
Quality binding provides:
For instance, a wedding photographer publishing a portfolio book wants couples to view images clearly across spreads without turning the pages. Lay-flat binding addresses this issue by enabling comfortable viewing.
An artful book is typically considered a valuable item rather than simply reading material. Readers can place the book on coffee tables, studio shelves, or gallery walls.
Craftsmanship details that make an artful book a collectible include:
Consider receiving an artfully finished book with a textured cover and heavy pages. Even before opening the book, you sense its quality. This tangible experience influences how seriously readers treat your work.
Unlike publishing templates, art books enable you to customize almost anything. This is where custom art book printing can be a game-changer for artists like you.
Customization options might include:
For instance, an illustrator publishing a limited edition book of sketches might opt for a square orientation with a linen cover to match artistic expression. A branding agency might print oversized books to showcase design projects in a dramatic fashion.
Customization allows your book to stand out as uniquely yours.
Art book printing typically requires proofing, where you check test prints before proceeding with actual printing. Although this process takes longer, it safeguards your work.
You can make changes in:
Think of this process as fine-tuning artwork before a show opening. The process ensures your final book perfectly embodies your artistic vision.
You might have observed that art books are generally more expensive than regular books to print. This is due to the use of quality materials, slower printing rates, and strict quality checks.
But many artists consider art books something different. They are no longer mass-market items but rather luxury items that enhance your professional reputation.
For instance:
The book itself is an artistic extension of your brand.
When you print an art book, you are not just printing pages but creating an experience. Every decision you make, from paper to binding to layout, defines how your audience engages with your artwork.
Regular book printing is all about disseminating information effectively. Art book printing is all about expressing your creativity in a genuine and beautiful manner.
If you consider printing as an extension of your artistic endeavors, your book is more than just a book. It is a reflection of your artistic vision that your readers not only read but also experience, display, and remember.
And when your audience senses the level of care that goes into your artwork, your book is no longer just a product but a work of art in its own right.
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