Hardback Art Gallery Book Printing for "When is Enough" by Raoul Orazabal

A4 Landscape Case Bound Books
Cover onto 170gsm Silk
Wrapped over greyboard case
Matt laminated to the outer

2x 4pp End Papers Printed onto 170gsm Uncoated
38 inside pages onto 170gsm Silk (9mm Spine)
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and case bound

Analysis of the Book "When is Enough paintings by Raoul Orazabal"

Overview of the Book’s Styling and Design

The book "When is Enough" is a visually striking and immaculately crafted A4 landscape case-bound publication. Its design speaks directly to the artistic ethos of Raoul Orazabal, whose detailed and multi-dimensional paintings dominate its pages. The meticulous attention to both form and function in the book production reflects the complexity and depth of Orazabal's work, with each design element carefully curated to showcase the art at its best.

"Thank you for the lovely catalogues you produced for Raoul Orzabal's show at Hampstead School of Art. They were much admired."

The binding—a case-bound hardcover wrapped in a matt-laminated silk cover—exudes durability and sophistication. The 170gsm silk cover provides a smooth, premium feel, which aligns with the gallery-focused nature of the book. Inside, the two sets of 4pp endpapers printed on uncoated stock add textural variety and enhance the tactile experience. The decision to print the 38 inside pages on 170gsm silk ensures a balance between sturdiness and flexibility, with the paper weight providing a luxurious canvas for Orazabal's highly detailed paintings.

Aesthetic and Layout Features

The landscape format is particularly noteworthy. This choice complements Orazabal's panoramic and layered compositions, allowing each spread to feel expansive and immersive. The typography is clean and unobtrusive, using a sans-serif font that maintains readability while allowing the artwork to take centre stage. Titles and captions are elegantly understated, ensuring they guide the reader without overpowering the imagery.

The use of colour throughout the publication is exemplary. The matt lamination on the cover enriches the vibrant hues of Orazabal's paintings while softening the overall finish to avoid glare—a crucial consideration for a book intended to be a visual repository of art. Internally, the colours of the paintings are vivid and true to life, thanks to precise four-colour printing techniques that bring out the intricate layering and textural nuances.

The page layouts alternate between full-bleed spreads that immerse the viewer in Orazabal's world and carefully arranged compositions where paintings are complemented by text. This variation ensures an engaging rhythm throughout the book, preventing visual fatigue while maintaining a cohesive narrative flow. Particularly impactful is the inclusion of full-page and close-up views of artworks, which allows readers to appreciate both the overall composition and the finer details of each piece.

Communication of the Artist’s Vision

Orazabal’s work, characterised by its surreal, fractured cityscapes and tension between natural and man-made elements, is mirrored in the book’s production choices. The multi-dimensional effect of his paintings is enhanced by the precise colour reproduction and thoughtful layout. The endpapers, with their uncoated texture, provide a grounding contrast to the silk pages, symbolically representing the dichotomy of natural vs. constructed worlds—a recurring theme in Orazabal’s work.

The artist's ability to create "alternate and parallel realities" is given a tangible form through the book’s design. The choice of an understated typographic style and expansive white space enhances the feeling of entering another dimension, where the viewer is invited to reflect on the themes of decay, environmental tension, and the fragility of human creations.

Stand-Out Design and Production Values

• Case-Bound Durability with Matt Laminated Cover: This combination not only protects the book but also aligns with its gallery-quality aspirations, ensuring it remains pristine for years.
• Precise Colour Printing: The four-colour process used for the internal pages is exemplary, capturing the vibrancy and detail of Orazabal’s work.
• Dynamic Layout: Alternating full-bleed and bordered layouts ensure visual engagement while focusing attention on both macro and micro elements of the artwork.
• Endpapers: The uncoated endpapers provide a sensory contrast to the silk interior pages, adding depth to the book’s tactile appeal.
• Spine Design: The 9mm spine is perfectly proportioned to balance the content density and book dimensions.

Actionable Insights

1. Use of High-Quality Materials: Opting for materials such as 170gsm silk paper ensures a premium feel while allowing for vivid colour reproduction—essential for art books.
2. Thoughtful Layout: Incorporate a mix of full-bleed spreads and bordered pages to maintain reader engagement while highlighting key visuals.
3. Cover Lamination for Longevity: Matt lamination not only protects the cover but also enhances the visual depth of designs, making it ideal for publications aiming for a polished, professional look.
4. Endpaper Contrast: Introducing uncoated endpapers adds tactile variety, creating a more memorable user experience.
5. Optimised Binding: Case binding with reinforced materials elevates the book’s durability, particularly for art-focused publications expected to be handled frequently.

These design principles set a high bar for future art books and demonstrate how meticulous planning and attention to detail can translate an artist’s vision into an equally compelling printed format.

Client Collaboration Journey for "When is Enough" Catalogue

Introduction: A Time-Sensitive Art Book Project

The creation of the art catalogue "When is Enough" by Raoul Orazabal was a collaborative triumph, showcasing how Ex Why Zed’s expertise transformed a time-sensitive and technically intricate project into a stunning reality. Malcolm Willett, representing the Hampstead School of Art, approached us with a tight deadline and ambitious requirements, but through clear communication, adaptability, and precision, the book was delivered on time and exceeded expectations.

Navigating Initial Challenges

Malcolm’s first email reflected a blend of urgency and creative ambition. He sought a hardback A4 landscape book with a gallery-quality finish for the exhibition. The challenge lay not only in meeting the tight timeline for the Private View on October 1st but also in adhering to high production standards. To mitigate risks, Ex Why Zed offered alternatives, including a softback option, ensuring flexibility for Malcolm in case of delays.

Key early exchanges focused on critical decisions:

• Spine Calculation: As the page count changed from 32 to 38, our team quickly recalculated the spine width to ensure accurate cover artwork dimensions.
• Material Adjustments: Malcolm requested satin paper for the internal pages, preferring it over matt to better suit the vibrant colours of Orazabal’s paintings. We ensured the client understood the slight difference in perceived thickness between silk and uncoated stocks.

Precision in File Setup

The artwork preparation process involved detailed back-and-forth communication. Ex Why Zed provided file setup guides, particularly for the endpapers, to ensure all elements were aligned for case binding. Malcolm’s submission was reviewed meticulously:

• Endpaper Positioning: Initial files included unnecessary spreads, which we flagged and corrected in collaboration with the client.
• Last-Minute Changes: Even after approving the proof, Malcolm submitted minor text edits. Our workflow’s agility allowed us to accommodate these changes without jeopardising the production schedule.

Printing and Production Excellence

The final specifications included:

• Hardback A4 Landscape Case Binding
• 170gsm Silk Stock for Internal Pages
• 170gsm Uncoated Endpapers
• Matt Laminated Cover for durability and aesthetic appeal

These choices showcased the vivid colours and fine details of Orazabal’s dystopian, multi-layered compositions. Our state-of-the-art four-colour printing ensured accurate reproduction of the complex artworks, maintaining their depth and dynamism.

Client Feedback and Outcomes

Malcolm’s response encapsulated the success of the project: "Thank you for the lovely catalogues you produced for Raoul Orzabal's show at Hampstead School of Art. They were much admired." The positive reception underscored the impact of Ex Why Zed’s technical expertise and customer-centric approach. Furthermore, the collaboration opened doors to future projects, with Malcolm immediately inquiring about a new catalogue for another artist, Rachel Scott Bowling, showcasing the trust built through this partnership.

Reflection on Success

This project highlighted Ex Why Zed’s ability to balance creativity with precision under tight deadlines. By providing proactive communication, innovative solutions, and flawless execution, we delivered a product that matched the artistic vision while fostering a lasting client relationship.

Through this journey, we demonstrated why Ex Why Zed is the first choice for hardback art gallery book printing—an ethos built on understanding, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence.