A5 Books
4pp Cover onto 300gsm Silk FSC Certified
Matt Lamination to outer
54pp Text onto 130gsm Silk FSC Certified (4mm spine)
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and perfect bound
The A-Z Lookbook 24 is a vibrant showcase of illustrative mastery and character-driven design. Created by Zeros Art, this compact yet striking A5 book exemplifies the power of combining bold design with precise print craftsmanship. Produced by us, Ex Why Zed, this project perfectly illustrates the harmonious blend of artistry and production expertise.
The A-Z Lookbook 24 is more than just a catalogue; it’s an immersive visual journey through the playful yet sophisticated world of Zeros Art. Featuring dynamic character illustrations that range from nostalgic motifs like Wallace & Gromit to contemporary icons like Stranger Things, the book bridges pop culture and artistic storytelling. Each page bursts with creativity, effortlessly capturing the spirit of collaboration between Zeros Art and their diverse clientele.
The use of FSC-certified 300gsm silk stock for the cover provides a smooth, luxurious feel. Matt lamination enhances the richness of the cover while protecting it from wear. The 130gsm silk text stock offers a sleek, tactile reading experience, complemented by the four-colour print process, ensuring every hue is crisp and vibrant.
Zeros Art’s ethos is steeped in playful nostalgia and cutting-edge creativity. This ethos is brilliantly reflected in A-Z Lookbook 24. The alphabetical organisation provides structure, but the visual elements within each section are full of surprises, capturing the reader's imagination. The striking covers and vibrant interior pages embody a brand that is bold, modern, and unapologetically fun.
The juxtaposition of clean, monochrome text pages and vividly coloured imagery allows each to shine independently while supporting the overall narrative. For example, the ‘A’ for Aardman entry flips traditional perceptions of Wallace & Gromit with a contemporary, funky illustration of their iconic bag. This approach is both innovative and rooted in a deep appreciation for the source material.
For designers and authors inspired by A-Z Lookbook 24, here are the key takeaways:
These production and design choices not only elevate the book’s visual appeal but also ensure it stands the test of time, making it a true collector’s item.
This concludes the in-depth analysis of A-Z Lookbook 24. Let me know when you're ready for TASK2!
Our collaboration with Zeros Art for their A-Z Lookbook 24 was a seamless blend of artistry, meticulous planning, and technical precision. This project demonstrates the value of clear communication, expert advice, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional results.
From the outset, Zeros Art’s team, led by Ty Cochrane, exhibited a clear vision for their lookbook—a celebration of character illustration and bold styling. However, tight deadlines and specific production requirements presented challenges that required swift action and adaptability.
We began with an in-depth consultation, outlining our capabilities and providing Zeros Art with a tailored quote for the lookbook's A5 format. This stage was crucial in building trust and ensuring their requirements aligned with our offerings.
Scott Ham, the designer, supplied artwork in PSD format, which revealed discrepancies in size and bleed specifications during our preflight checks. We worked closely with Scott, explaining the importance of correct dimensions and bleed settings through personalised advice and illustrated guides. Our proactive approach—breaking down technical requirements and offering specific solutions—was instrumental in getting the files print-ready.
With a delivery deadline of just over a week, we prioritised the project, leveraging our efficient processes to meet Zeros Art's timeline. Communication was frequent and transparent, ensuring every step, from file corrections to final approvals, was executed without delays.
Midway through the project, Zeros Art requested an additional order of business cards. Despite this being a late addition, we incorporated it seamlessly into our workflow. Clear instructions on file preparation, a revised invoice, and prompt responses ensured this additional request was handled efficiently without compromising the timeline.
After rigorous checks, we sent low-resolution proofs for final approval. Once greenlit, production commenced, culminating in the timely delivery of the A-Z Lookbook 24 to Zeros Art's London studio. While the lookbooks arrived as scheduled, a minor hiccup with the business cards provided an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to customer satisfaction by addressing the issue swiftly.
The finished A-Z Lookbook 24 exceeded expectations, with Scott describing the zines as “awesome.” The vibrant, detailed illustrations were reproduced flawlessly, thanks to the four-colour printing process and premium silk stock. The matt lamination on the cover added a sophisticated touch while protecting the book during handling.
The business cards, while delayed, were delivered shortly after. The client appreciated our transparency and problem-solving approach, reaffirming their confidence in working with Ex Why Zed for future projects.
This project highlighted Ex Why Zed’s strengths in:
Our collaboration with Zeros Art not only produced a stunning publication but also strengthened our reputation as a trusted partner for creative print projects.
