Unveiling the Secrets of CSM Degree Show Catalogue Printing

A5 Books
4pp Cover onto 300gsm Uncoated
88pp Text onto 130gsm Silk
Printed full colour throughout
Trimmed, collated and perfect bound

The Art of Transformation ?

Central Saint Martins (CSM) is not just an institution; it’s a crucible of creativity and innovation. Their recent exhibition, “Design Transforms ’23,” celebrates the power of design to change the world. It’s a fitting backdrop for our latest project: the CSM MA Ceramics, Furniture, Jewellery catalogues. This high-end project aimed to be nothing short of impressive, capturing the essence of CSM’s transformative design ethos.

Author Bio: Meet the Minds Behind the Design ?

Central St Martins, part of the UAL Campus in London is a community of caring, questioning, and articulate practitioners. They are not just students and staff; they are visionaries who see design as a transformative force. Their work is a radical reappraisal of production and consumption patterns, aiming to accelerate the transition to renewable circularity.

Print Journey: From Vision to Reality ?️

1. Initial Contact: Heather, on behalf of her student group, conveyed their completion of the catalogue. Although their designs were primed and ready, they faced budgetary constraints. They sought a quote for printing 1,000 copies, hinting at their aspiration to manifest their digital designs into tactile, physical forms. Their dream was to transform their academic achievements into tangible memories.
2. Guidance from Ex Why Zed: Mike, representing Ex Why Zed, greeted them with contagious enthusiasm. Recognising the passion of these budding artists, he offered meticulous guidance. Mike provided a template for the catalogue cover, emphasizing specifics like the 5mm spine. He also elucidated the bleed settings, Pro Tips on file preparation, ensuring the final product would emerge flawlessly. Not only did Mike provide textual instructions, but he also offered a video guide and illustrations. The artists were also instructed on the presentation of the 88 inside pages. Mike emphasized the urgency of the task, indicating their dedication to meeting tight deadlines.
3. Collaboration and Feedback: Lillian, another student representative, provided the necessary files and expressed concerns regarding the full bleed for interior pages. Her commitment to perfection was evident. Mike’s swift feedback showcased Ex Why Zed’s commitment to quality. He praised the cover’s precision but pointed out some minor tweaks for the inside pages. Their collaboration mirrored a dance, with each partner gracefully adapting to ensure the final performance would be impeccable.
4. Finalisation and Delivery: Lillian thanked Mike for the proofs and in due course Ex Why Zed announced the completion of the catalogues, scheduled for delivery. Ex Why Zed’s reverence for the graphics work of Central St Martins students was palpable.
5. Gratitude and Reception: Lillian, overwhelmed with gratitude, provided their social media handle and sought clarification on the delivery person. Eventually, she ecstatically confirmed the receipt of the catalogues, lauding their beauty.

Central St Martins, London, Cream of the Crop

To encapsulate, the student group from Central St Martins embarked on an illustrious journey to bring their artistry to life through ‘A5 catalogue printing. Their ambition for ‘promotional grad show printing’ and ‘degree show catalogue printing’ was met with Ex Why Zed’s unparalleled expertise. The seamless collaboration left many pondering, “Where can I print an artist catalogue?” as they yearned to replicate such perfection. This saga wasn’t just about printing; it was about dreams, collaboration, and the celebration of art.

The Final Product ?

The catalogues were A5 books with a 4pp cover onto 300gsm uncoated and 88pp text onto 130gsm silk. They were printed in full color throughout and were trimmed, collated, and perfect bound.

Design for Printing Insights

Craftsmanship Meets Elegance

Ex Why Zed has done it again, folks! This time, they’ve unleashed a creative tempest in the form of an A5 book, a format that’s as versatile as it is intimate. Let’s talk specs for a second—this beauty boasts a 4pp cover printed onto 300gsm uncoated paper. Why does that matter? Because uncoated paper gives it a luxuriously tactile feel. You’re not just flipping through pages; you’re engaging with a multi-sensory experience. ?

The Visual Odyssey ?

The author’s style here screams individuality. From the intricate design patterns to the mesmerizing color palette, this book is a visual feast. The subject matter leaps off the page, pulling readers into the narrative before they even hit the first line of text. With 88pp text onto 130gsm silk, the full-color interior captures every nuanced shade and line to perfection. It’s not just a book; it’s an art gallery you can carry. ?

Typography & Design Choices: The Unsung Heroes ?

Let’s not overlook the typography. Clean, readable, yet infinitely stylish—the text is the silent conductor of this visual symphony. The design choices are nothing short of revolutionary. The orientation of images and text guides the eye naturally from one element to the next, crafting a storyline that’s as compelling visually as it is narratively. ?

Reader Appeal & Binding: The Cherry on Top ✨

The visual aesthetics are on point, but what seals the deal is the reader appeal. This is a book designed not just to be seen but to be consumed. And let’s talk about that perfect binding. It’s not just a binding; it’s a commitment to excellence. Trimmed, collated, and perfect bound—this book is as durable as it is captivating. ?

Actionable Insights ?

Want to recreate this magic? Here’s how:

1. Paper Quality: Don’t skimp. The 300gsm uncoated cover and 130gsm silk interior are non-negotiables for this level of grandeur.
2. Color: Go full throttle. A full-color palette isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to convey depth and emotion.
3. Design: Think of design as visual storytelling. Your layout should guide the reader through the narrative, not just decorate it.
4. Binding: Perfect binding isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s durable. It’s an investment in your reader’s experience.

In a world saturated with digital noise, Ex Why Zed reminds us of the irreplaceable value of tactile, visual storytelling. ??

Takeaway: If this case study is any indication, the future of print is not just alive; it’s thriving, innovating, and ready to captivate. Hats off to Ex Why Zed for setting the gold standard. Yet again. ??

Your Next Creative Journey Awaits ?

Inspired by CSM’s transformative designs? Why not embark on your own creative journey with Ex Why Zed? Check out CSM’s other works on their Instagram and let us bring your vision to life.

What size catalogue can you print?

We offer a variety of sizes for CSM degree show catalogues, ranging from small pocket-sized options to larger, more comprehensive catalogs. Our printing capabilities allow for customization and flexibility to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client.