A4 perfect bound book
4pp Cover printed onto 250 gsm silk
Matt lamination to outer
36 pages onto 170 gsm uncoated
Four colour print throughout.
Creating a flawless art catalogue is a process that requires precision, collaboration, and technical expertise. For Rocco Ritchie’s Pack a Punch exhibition catalogue, Ex Why Zed played a crucial role in transforming the artist’s powerful visual work into a tangible, high-quality A4 art catalogue. Working closely with designer Ivan Listo, we ensured that every detail, from the choice of paper to the perfect-bound format, reflected the intensity and artistry of Ritchie’s charcoal drawings.
From the initial inquiry, where Ivan sought our guidance on paper stock and cover finishes, to the final print stage, we provided a seamless experience. We offered practical advice, technical support, and transparent pricing, enabling Ivan to focus on the creative aspects of the project. Whether it was ensuring the correct spine width for the cover or offering UV spot varnish as a premium finish, we were there to support every step of the process. You can see how our attention to detail helps bring projects like these to life by exploring more about our artist catalogue printing.
Rocco Ritchie’s Pack a Punch exhibition catalogue is a visual manifestation of raw, intense energy, capturing the viewer from the very first glance. The powerful title, “Pack a Punch,” emblazoned in bold, capitalised typography, immediately sets the tone for the book. The word “punch” almost bursts from the page, as the image behind the text subtly emerges, a shadowy figure hinting at the motion and strength portrayed in the artworks inside.
The design of this catalogue, created by Ivan Listo, carefully balances boldness with refinement. The stark, heavy use of sans-serif typography on the cover contrasts sharply against the more fluid, organic charcoal drawings showcased within the pages. This deliberate juxtaposition speaks to the raw power of Ritchie’s subject matter: boxing and physicality. The cover’s black-and-white aesthetic, coupled with a matte lamination on the 250 gsm silk outer, gives it an immediate tactile quality, inviting the reader to feel the texture in their hands. The luxuriousness of the cover complements the dramatic energy encapsulated within, evoking a sense of grandeur and gravitas.
Upon turning the pages, the catalogue’s interior comes alive with the detailed, emotive charcoal works, printed in four-colour on uncoated 170 gsm paper. The uncoated stock enhances the textural quality of the art, making the images seem almost tactile. Each piece is accompanied by minimal but strong typographic captions, with artist names and details appearing in bold white against the dark charcoal backgrounds. These design elements allow the artwork to speak for itself, while also emphasising the artist’s vision.
The layout is clean and minimal, yet there is a palpable sense of motion in the way the images are presented. For instance, full-spread artworks like Mick and Paul (depicted in one of the internal images) dominate the space, drawing the reader into the intensity of the moment. The use of close-up crops next to full images is a brilliant choice by the designer, enabling a deeper appreciation of the intricate lines and details of the charcoal works. This strategy of alternating between full views and close-up shots creates a rhythm within the catalogue that mirrors the ebb and flow of boxing—the intensity, the focus, the brief moments of reprieve before the next surge of action.
Although the colour palette is largely monochromatic, relying heavily on black, white, and grey tones, the visual impact is anything but flat. The richness of the charcoal strokes comes alive through precise printing, maintaining depth and texture. The monochrome aesthetic complements the gritty, raw emotions portrayed in the artwork, creating a unified theme of struggle and triumph—both physically, through boxing, and metaphorically, through the creative process. The catalogue’s visual tone is serious, intense, and unapologetically masculine, much like the sport it captures.
The catalogue is A4, perfect bound, with a sturdy construction that feels substantial yet sleek. The perfect binding ensures durability while maintaining a professional, gallery-ready presentation. This format makes the catalogue ideal for both collectors and casual readers, creating a physical object that can be revisited again and again, much like the timeless art it houses.
The inclusion of photographs featuring Ritchie and his close circle adds a personal layer to the visual narrative, blending the worlds of art and the artist’s personal life. The images of Ritchie standing alongside his work give the book a documentary-like quality, as though the reader is invited to step into the gallery and witness the unveiling firsthand. This blend of artwork with behind-the-scenes photography creates an emotional connection, grounding the ethereal nature of the charcoal art in real-world experience.
The email exchanges between Ivan Listo, the designer of Rocco Ritchie’s Pack a Punch catalogue, and Ex Why Zed reveal a highly collaborative process where Ivan sought Ex Why Zed’s expertise in delivering a premium art catalogue. The conversation highlights the client’s clear vision and Ex Why Zed’s ability to guide the project from design to print with precision and support.
Ivan approached Ex Why Zed to print a perfect-bound catalogue for Rocco Ritchie’s latest exhibition. His primary concern was ensuring the quality of the catalogue’s physical attributes, such as the cover and page stock, which were essential to capturing the tactile and visual impact of Rocco’s work. Ivan requested quotes for 20 and 50 copies, as well as information on adding a UV spot varnish to the cover—a choice that could elevate the catalogue’s premium feel.
Ivan was also attentive to technical details, such as asking about spine width for his cover design and the proper bleed settings for print. These queries demonstrate his dedication to ensuring the final product met the highest design standards.
From the outset, Ex Why Zed responded promptly, providing clear and competitive pricing options. They offered two quotes—one for a standard matt laminated cover and another with an added UV spot varnish for extra gloss and depth. Importantly, they included free UK delivery in their price, eliminating hidden costs, which built trust and transparency in their service.
Ex Why Zed went beyond pricing by offering templates, design guidance, and an instructional video on how to set up the artwork correctly for print. This kind of hands-on support allowed Ivan to focus on the creative aspects of the design, knowing the technical details were in safe hands. Additionally, Ex Why Zed ensured there was a final proof review before printing, giving Ivan peace of mind that the catalogue would meet his expectations before production began.
Ivan’s gratitude is evident in his responses, thanking Ex Why Zed for their compliments on the artwork and acknowledging their supportive role in getting the project to print. He expressed confidence in their service by placing additional orders and continuing the collaboration.
This interaction showcases Ex Why Zed’s ability to deliver premium print services, while maintaining excellent communication and support, ensuring that the client’s vision is brought to life in print form.
With our wealth of experience in A4 art catalogue printing, we are proud to showcase this collaboration as a testament to our ability to deliver premium-quality print solutions. From the luxurious 250 gsm silk cover to the four-colour uncoated interior pages, the Pack a Punch catalogue is an example of custom art book printing at its finest.
