PUBLISHING DESIGN - Task 3: Book

FANN WONG JING EN｜0382237

Design Principles | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

GCD61404 Publishing design

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TABLE OF CONTENT

MIB      Lecture Note      Task 3A       Task 3B      Feedback      Reflection

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MODULE INFORMATION BRIEF (MIB)

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LECTURE NOTE

Week 1-2 Lecture : Click here to view

Week 3-4 Lecture : Click here to view

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TASK 3A

Content Included

The content and visuals used for the book were developed from the previous tasks. The formatted text gave me the main written content, while the visual compilation helped me decide the mood and image direction of the book.

fig 1.1.1 Text Formatting, PDF

fig 1.1.2 visual image, PDF

Exercise 02: Mock-up Making

Final Book Size: 175mmx225mm

fig 1.2.1 Book Size Explorations

  

fig1.2.2 Mock-up Size Testing

fig 1.2.3 Book Size Explorations + Closed Book Mockup

fig 1.2.4 Book Binding

fig 1.2.5 Signature Folding System

 

fig 1.2.6 Signature Folding System (Open)

Exercise 04: Classical Grid Structure

fig1.3.1 Classical Grid Structure 

Text-only grid testing. I focused on margins, columns, spacing, and readability before adding images.

fig1.3.2 Classical Grid Structure without picture

The grid was then tested with images to see how the visuals and text could work together in one layout.

fig1.3.3 Classical Grid Structure with picture

Task 02: Content Generation

For Task 02, I researched book layout references and visual styles that matched the mood of my book. I focused on references with blue tones, clean typography, image layering, and strong use of negative space.

After that, I collected and compiled my own JPEG images based on the mood of the book. The selected images focused on blue tones, quiet scenery, blurred movement, night atmosphere, and emotional visuals.

fig 2.1.1 Visual Compilation, JPEG

fig 2.1.2 all visual image, JPEG

Task 03(A) : Book

Before developing the book layout, I researched different book design references to understand how text, images, and white space can be arranged in a publication. I looked at layouts that used strong image placement, simple typography, and a clean structure.

fig 3.1.1 Book Layout Research Reference 1

From the research, I observed that a good book layout needs balance between text and visuals. Some references used large images to create impact, while others used smaller images with more empty space to make the page feel calm and readable.

fig 3.1.2 Book Layout Research Reference 2

I started the process by creating thumbnail layouts to explore the arrangement of text, images, and blank space. This helped me plan the page flow and overall structure of the book before developing the final layout.

fig 3.1.3 Thumbnail Layout 

After the rough thumbnails, I created the first digital layout. In this stage, I tested the placement of images, chapter pages, body text, and visual spreads to see how the book would look as a complete sequence.

fig 3.1.4 First Thumbnail Layout

The layout was then refined by adjusting spacing, image placement, typography, and colour consistency. The final thumbnail layout shows the completed page arrangement and visual direction of the book.

fig 3.1.5 Final Thumbnail Layout, JPEG

Mockup Printout

The first print test was carried out at a printing shop outside the university. During the printing process, I mistakenly exported the PDF using the Spreads option instead of Pages, which caused the page sequence to be incorrect. In addition, the printing staff misunderstood the intended print size, resulting in an oversized print that did not match the actual booklet dimensions.

fig 4.1.1 First print test (failed)

For this print test, the PDF was exported using the correct page settings and booklet option. Although the page order and dimensions were correct, a visible gap appeared between the adjoining images after printing. The printing service was unable to resolve this issue, as it was related to the file output. As a result, I decided to switch to a different printing service to continue the printing process and achieve a better result.

fig 4.1.1 Second print test (failed)

After the unsuccessful print tests, I switched to ArchPrint for the final production. The final print was completed successfully with the correct page sequence, dimensions, and overall print quality.

fig 4.1.1 Final Printed Book Cover

fig 4.1.2 Colour and Black-and-White Print Comparison page 9-10

fig 4.1.3 Colour and Black-and-White Print Comparison page 15-16

fig 4.1.4 Colour and Black-and-White Print Comparison page 23-24

fig 4.2.1 Flip-Through Video of Final Printed Book

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FINAL SUBMISSION

fig 5.1.1 Complete Thumbnail Layout, PDF

fig 5.1.2 Complete Thumbnail Layouts, JPEG

Mockup Printout

fig 5.1.3-5.1.6 Book Mockup, JPEG

fig 5.1.7 Flip-Through Video of Final Printed Book

Final Spreads

fig5.1.8-5.1.28 Final Spreads, JPEG

fig 5.1.29 Final Spreads, PDF

FlipHTML

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TASK 3B

The book photos were placed into the video timeline and edited with the picture-in-picture function. 

fig 6.1.1 Photo Editing and Picture-in Picture Effects 

Text was added to the video to show the book title and selected phrases. Animation effects were also applied to the text to make the words appear more smoothly and match the mood of the video. 

fig 6.1.2 Adding Text and Animation Effects in Video Editing

Transition effects were added between the photos to make the movement smoother.

fig 6.1.3 Adding Transition Effects

I first created a simple video version without the page-turning effect to test the pacing, image sequence, and overall composition.

fig 6.1.3 first video without page

After that, I added a page-turning effect to make the promotional video feel more like a real book-viewing experience. The effect made the transition between pages smoother 

fig 6.1.4 Adding Page-Turning Effect to Book

I then refined the video by adjusting the timing, background visuals, and placement of the book pages.

fig 6.1.4 Final Video for "Drifting While Awake"

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FEEDBACK

Week 12:

General Feedback:

The lecturer reminded us to photograph the book using natural light, either direct or indirect sunlight, instead of indoor lighting, as indoor light can make the final photos look less appealing. We were also reminded to use a QR code that remains accessible long-term, rather than one with an expiry date.

Specific Feedback:

The lecturer said the overall pacing of the video is good. However, since the main purpose of the video is to promote the book, it should include a few shots of the book’s pages to showcase its content. A QR code should also be added at the end so viewers can easily access the book after watching the video.

Week 11:

General Feedback:

The lecturer reminded us that Task 3A and Task 3B should be presented in the same blog and not separated. By next week, we are expected to showcase the completed work, including the promotional video and the full blog.

Specific Feedback:

The lecturer advised that the barcode should only be placed at the bottom of the page to maintain a consistent and systematic layout. In addition, a reference section should be included at the end of the book to acknowledge all sources of inspiration, including images, layouts, and any other design ideas.

Week 10:

General Feedback: 

Completed the black-and-white mock-up and made improvements based on the lecturer’s feedback. After that, I printed the book at actual size, tested the colour output, selected the final paper, and produced the final colour mock-up for approval. The entire process, including the mock-ups, test prints, revisions, and final book presentation, was documented in the ePortfolio. Finally, I created a short promotional motion graphics video based on the book content, uploaded it to YouTube/Instagram, and embedded it in the ePortfolio.

Week 9:

Specific Feedback:

The lecturer said the layout looks good, but the font for each chapter should be consistent. Using the same font and style throughout will make the publication look more organised and systematic.

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REFLECTION

Experience

Throughout Task 3, I worked on printing my book in both black-and-white and colour versions, and also created a promotional video for the final book. This task felt different from the previous stages because I was finally able to see my design become a real physical book. It was quite exciting, but also a little stressful because some details looked different after printing.

When I printed the black-and-white version, I could focus more on the layout, contrast, and readability. It helped me see whether the design still worked without relying on colour. After that, the colour version felt more complete because the blue and warm tones made the book’s mood stronger. Besides the printed book, I also made a short promotional video. This part was interesting because I could use music, transitions, text animation, and picture-in-picture effects to present the book in a more engaging way.

Observations

From this task, I observed that printing is very important in publishing design. A design can look good on screen, but the printed result may feel different. Some images looked darker, and some colours did not appear exactly the same as the digital version. This made me realise that checking the printed outcome is necessary before finalising a book.

I also noticed that the black-and-white and colour versions gave different feelings. The black-and-white version looked more quiet and serious, while the colour version felt more emotional and visually attractive. For the promotional video, I observed that small editing choices, such as timing, transitions, and text movement, can affect how the audience feels when watching the video.

Findings

From this task, I found that the colour printed version suited my book better because it showed the mood and atmosphere more clearly. The black-and-white version was still useful because it helped me check the contrast, page structure, and readability. Comparing both versions helped me understand the strengths and weaknesses of my design.

I also found that the promotional video was a good way to introduce the book. Instead of only showing still images, the video made the book feel more alive. It allowed me to show the title, selected pages, mood, and overall concept in a short and simple way.

Overall, this task helped me understand the importance of final presentation. I learned that a book is not only about the layout file on screen, but also about how it looks when printed and how it can be introduced to others. Although the process took time and required many small adjustments, I felt satisfied seeing the final printed books and promotional video completed.