Hardback Art Book Printing for Windows 95 by Kieran Gabriel

A5 Casebound Books
Cover onto 170gsm Silk FSC Certified
Wrapped over greyboard case
Matt laminated to the outer
2x 4pp End Papers Printed onto 170gsm Uncoated FSC Certified
192 inside pages onto
130gsm Silk FSC Certified (16mm spine)
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and case bound

A Masterclass in Hardback Art Book Printing

Windows 95 by Kieran Gabriel is a bold and imaginative exploration of an everyday subject – windows. This vibrant A5 casebound book showcases 95 stunning illustrations of windows, blending nostalgia and contemporary design in a unique artistic format. Designed to captivate and inspire, the project exemplifies the finest qualities of art book publishing and reflects Kieran’s flair for transforming the mundane into art. At Ex Why Zed, we partnered with Kieran to deliver a publication that matches his creative energy in every detail.

Buy Your Copy on Kieran's Windows 95 here

Detailed Project Description

Styling and Aesthetic

Windows 95 captures a sense of nostalgia while reimagining it for a contemporary audience. The book’s vibrant yellow cover, printed on 170gsm silk FSC-certified stock and matt laminated, immediately commands attention. The juxtaposition of a modern sans-serif typeface with an illustrative window graphic establishes a playful yet structured tone. Inside, the aesthetic evolves into a meditative gallery of windows rendered in a dynamic and varied style. Each illustration conveys a story, capturing the interaction of light, shadow, and architectural forms.

Binding Type and Durability

The A5 casebound format ensures a sturdy and lasting product, with a 16mm spine that balances the 192 pages perfectly. This choice complements the book’s role as a collector’s item, making it both visually striking and physically durable. The case binding also allows the book to open flat, enhancing usability and providing a seamless viewing experience for readers to immerse themselves in the detailed illustrations.

Page Layout and Typography

The layout is deliberately minimalistic, allowing the illustrations to take centre stage. Each page maintains a consistent format, featuring a single illustration surrounded by ample white space to enhance focus and clarity. The choice of 130gsm silk FSC-certified paper for the inner pages achieves a subtle sheen, enhancing the vibrancy of the four-colour prints while preserving the tactile quality expected in premium art books.

Use of Colour

The colour palette ranges from bold, saturated hues to muted earth tones, highlighting the diversity in Kieran’s interpretations of windows. This strategic use of colour creates rhythm and contrast throughout the book, inviting readers to linger over each page. The vibrancy of the illustrations is further amplified by the choice of silk paper stock, which delivers exceptional colour accuracy and depth.

Production Values

Ex Why Zed’s commitment to excellence shines through in every detail. The precision trimming, seamless collation, and meticulous case binding elevate this book into a category of its own. Additionally, the FSC-certified materials align with our shared values of sustainability and ethical production.

Unique Selling Points

• The limited-edition run of just 95 copies enhances its collectability, making it a true treasure for enthusiasts.
• Exceptional print fidelity captures the nuances of Kieran’s illustrations, ensuring that every detail is rendered as intended.
• Bespoke endpapers printed on 170gsm uncoated FSC-certified stock provide a tactile contrast to the silk pages, adding a luxurious touch.

Actionable Insights

1. Minimalist Layouts Enhance Impact:
   By giving illustrations ample white space, the design draws the reader’s focus to the art itself. Future designers should consider this approach to elevate their visual storytelling.
2. Material Choices Matter:
   The combination of silk and uncoated papers demonstrates how contrasting textures can enhance the reader's tactile experience. Always align material selection with the project’s tone and audience expectations.
3. Bold Cover Design Creates Instant Appeal:
   The bright yellow cover with clean typography and a single illustrative element makes a powerful first impression. Eye-catching covers are essential for maximising audience engagement.
4. Precision in Printing Adds Value:
   The four-colour printing process used ensures accurate reproduction of Kieran’s dynamic colour palette. High-quality printing remains a critical factor in premium publications.
5. Limited Editions Amplify Exclusivity:
   By limiting the print run to 95 copies, this project gains an added layer of allure, turning it into a must-have collector’s item. Designers should consider limited editions for special projects to increase demand.

The Journey of Windows 95: From Vision to Reality

Building a Collaborative Vision

When Kieran Gabriel approached us at Ex Why Zed with his concept for Windows 95, it was clear this was a project with personality—a playful, tongue-in-cheek ode to the charm of windows, with a title nodding to nostalgic tech culture. Kieran's brief was straightforward yet nuanced: an A5 hardback book with 95 illustrations celebrating windows, designed with clean aesthetics and produced to exacting standards.

Kieran valued consistency in quality, referencing his previous project, and trusted us to bring his vision to life. Despite a minor print issue on his last book, he returned, a testament to our commitment to resolving challenges and maintaining excellent client relationships.

Overcoming Challenges with Expertise

From the outset, there were several creative and logistical hurdles that required careful navigation:

1. Precision in Pagination:
   Kieran initially calculated that 95 illustrations would fit across 48 spreads with one illustration per spread. However, upon clarification, the decision was made to expand the book to 96 pages to include breaks, maintaining its visual rhythm and flow. This thoughtful adjustment ensured a more cohesive and enjoyable reader experience.
2. Template Refinements:
   Kieran queried whether his existing InDesign template could be scaled down for this project. Instead of repurposing an old file, we provided a custom A5 template, saving him time and ensuring precise dimensions. This collaborative approach eliminated potential errors in artwork setup.
3. Dynamic Page Adjustments:
   When Kieran finalised his artwork, the page count unexpectedly doubled to 192 pages due to his decision to showcase one illustration per spread. This led to a recalculation of the book’s spine width (16mm), requiring an updated cover template. We promptly accommodated this change, ensuring the final design maintained its structural and visual integrity.

Seamless Production and Quality Assurance

Every step of the production process for Windows 95 was handled with precision. The book featured:

• Cover and Binding:
  The matt-laminated cover wrapped over a durable greyboard case creates a tactile, high-quality finish. The bright yellow cover sets the tone for the playful theme while offering durability against wear and tear.
• Interior Pages:
  Printed on 130gsm silk FSC-certified stock, the inner pages delivered vivid colour reproduction, showcasing the intricate details of Kieran’s illustrations. The four-colour printing process ensured every page popped with brilliance.
• Sustainability:
  With FSC-certified materials used throughout, the book reflected both premium quality and environmentally conscious production values, aligning with modern ethical standards.

To ensure the highest standards, we provided Kieran with a digital proof to review before the print run. This step allowed for any last-minute corrections and gave him peace of mind, knowing the final product would meet his expectations.

Client-Centric Communication

Throughout the process, communication was key. From providing cost breakdowns for varying quantities to resolving template queries and accommodating unexpected changes, our team ensured Kieran felt supported at every stage. Clear timelines were set to meet Kieran's desired launch date, with final approvals happening well in advance of production deadlines.

Delivery logistics were handled with the same precision, ensuring the books arrived on time and in pristine condition. Tracking details and time slots were communicated to avoid any disruption.

Impact and Reception

When Kieran finally held Windows 95 in his hands, his excitement was palpable. His playful concept had been transformed into a polished, collectible art book that exuded creativity and quality. The limited-edition run of 100 copies enhanced the book’s exclusivity, appealing to collectors and fans alike.

Feedback from Kieran and his audience highlighted the success of the project. Social media posts showcased the book’s stunning visuals, with fans praising its craftsmanship and imaginative theme. Kieran himself expressed enthusiasm for the smooth process and flawless execution, cementing a relationship of trust and collaboration.

This project exemplifies the core ethos of Ex Why Zed: combining meticulous craftsmanship with innovative problem-solving to bring creative visions to life. Whether you're an established artist or a first-time publisher, we're here to make your ideas reality. Let us help you craft something extraordinary.