Custom Size Art Book Printing for Gomonna by James Meredew

272x205mm Booklets
4pp Cover onto 170gsm Uncoated
44pp Text onto 115gsm Uncoated
Full colour print throughout
Wire stitched

Case Study: Gomonna by Kerry Holbrook and Ruth Klückers

"Just an email to say thanks so much for all your help with the book, it arrived in time for the launch and it looks great. We're very happy with it, thanks for your patience." — James Meredew

Overview of the Book, Styling, Content, and Design

The art book Gomonna, a collaborative work between Kerry Holbrook and Ruth Klückers, presented by James Meredew, is a visual journey that embraces nature's textures, particularly those found in coastal ecosystems. From the first glance at the cover, the minimalistic yet deeply evocative design begins to tell the story. The soft cream background serves as a canvas for black ink drawings and monochromatic photography, creating an atmosphere of organic contemplation. This approach ensures the content within is revealed subtly but purposefully.

1. Binding and Format: The wire-stitched binding lends itself to the casual elegance of the project. This choice not only keeps production practical but also aligns with the tactile nature of the book’s theme. The format (272x205mm) is a bespoke size, which makes the booklet feel more intimate yet allows enough space for the visuals to breathe. The booklet's slight curvature, seen in the images, provides a comfortable hold, encouraging readers to immerse themselves in its pages.
2. Page Layout and Aesthetic: Each spread carefully balances photography and pressed seaweed illustrations, often juxtaposing natural pressings with full-colour landscape images. This interplay creates a rhythmic and meditative experience for the reader. For instance, on one page, we see a bold, black silhouette of a "Serrated Wrack Pressing," contrasted with a seascape photograph, as though the organic forms are reflections of the landscape itself. The generous margins and clean typography further highlight the artwork, ensuring nothing competes for the reader’s attention.
3. Use of Colour and Typography: Gomonna uses a muted colour palette, mostly rooted in the natural hues of the seaweed and coastal landscapes. The subtle pops of deep purples and greens on certain spreads enhance the natural aesthetic, while the consistent off-white background creates a unified flow throughout the book. Typography is minimalistic, set in a serif font that blends into the pages, complementing rather than distracting from the visuals. Each plant pressing or photograph is subtly captioned, providing just enough context without overwhelming the reader with text.
4. Production Values and Unique Selling Points: The standout feature of Gomonna lies in its restrained yet impactful production values. The choice of 170gsm uncoated paper for the cover and 115gsm uncoated for the text is a perfect pairing for a project focused on natural elements. The paper’s texture enhances the earthy, raw quality of the imagery. The full-colour printing adds depth to the seaweed’s natural tones, preserving the fine details of each pressing and photograph. This attention to detail in the materials used demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and thought in bringing the project to life.

The combination of these design choices results in a book that feels like an extension of the natural world it portrays. Each visual element is curated to transport the reader to the rugged coastlines, to the sensation of standing at the edge of the sea, observing these delicate yet resilient plants.

Actionable Insights

1. Harmonious Balance of Illustration and Photography: By interspersing black ink pressings with full-colour landscape images, Gomonna creates a dynamic yet meditative reading experience. Future designers should note the importance of this balance when combining different media in an art book. It's crucial to give each element its space while ensuring a cohesive narrative across pages.
2. Thoughtful Paper and Print Choices: The use of uncoated paper elevates the tactile experience, making it well-suited to content focused on natural subjects. For projects with organic or artistic themes, opting for similar uncoated, textured stocks can enhance the reader’s connection to the content.
3. Minimalist Typography to Enhance Imagery: The subtle serif font used for captions allows the artwork to take centre stage while still providing necessary context. When working with visually dominant content, keep typography understated but functional to avoid competing with the visuals.
4. Bespoke Size to Enhance Intimacy: The custom 272x205mm size of the booklet feels personal yet spacious. Designers should consider unique sizes that enhance both the experience of the artwork and the reader’s interaction with the book.
5. Natural Colour Palettes for Nature-Focused Projects: The muted, natural colour scheme with occasional highlights of deeper tones mirrors the environment depicted in Gomonna. For books grounded in nature, it’s effective to let the natural subject matter inform the colour palette.

These insights, drawn from Gomonna, demonstrate the importance of meticulous design and production decisions in creating an immersive and harmonious art book experience.

Client Collaboration Journey for Gomonna Art Book

The project began with an enthusiastic inquiry from photographer and artist James Meredew, who reached out to us in March with a clear vision for a unique art book, Gomonna. The project aimed to celebrate the beauty of seaweed and coastal ecosystems, using natural and sustainable materials to reflect the subject matter.

Initial Consultation: Defining the Project’s Direction

From the start, James wanted to use specific materials that resonated with the book's natural theme. His request for off-white, uncoated paper and GF Smith Noptla for the cover stock demonstrated a commitment to authenticity. James was passionate about using these bespoke materials, despite being open to alternatives.

Our team quickly identified some potential production challenges. In our first response, we candidly explained that the specific papers he requested, particularly the GF Smith Noptla, might lead to imperfections during the printing process. This honesty was a key moment in the project’s evolution, as it showcased our commitment to high-quality output, even if that meant steering the client away from materials that could cause printing issues.

This frank approach built a foundation of trust, and James appreciated the transparency. He agreed to explore other options while remaining committed to the seaweed-inspired GF Smith Noptla for the cover. We promptly sent out a paper sample pack to allow him to review our recommended materials for the interior pages.

Overcoming Production Challenges: Materials and Design

James was open to discussing alternatives but remained keen on using the GF Smith Noptla cover, provided it could be printed separately and supplied to us. We ensured flexibility in our approach, offering to work with his preferred materials while providing guidance on how best to proceed. This back-and-forth conversation led to a streamlined solution where we balanced his creative vision with practical print execution.

After several rounds of consultation, we settled on the following specifications:

• 272x205mm custom size
• 44pp Text on 170gsm Evolution Uncoated: A more reliable alternative to James' initial choice, maintaining the natural feel he desired.
• 4pp Cover on 280gsm GF Smith Noptla: James ultimately sourced and supplied this cover paper, which resonated with the book’s coastal theme.
• Wire-stitched binding with the option to round corners, although this was later excluded to manage costs.

We worked closely with James on cost adjustments throughout the process, suggesting cost-saving alternatives such as using Delos 100% recycled paper for the inner pages. His openness to these suggestions allowed us to maintain the project’s aesthetic while reducing expenses.

File Setup and Proofing: A Collaborative Effort

James encountered some technical hurdles during file preparation, particularly with his design software. His computer issues meant he could only submit files created in Photoshop, rather than InDesign. Understanding his predicament, we stepped in to help. Our team offered to sequence and prepare the print-ready files, easing the burden on James.

This collaborative approach helped move the project forward without delay. Once the files were prepared, we provided digital proofs to ensure the final product met James’ expectations. After one round of minor adjustments, the layout was approved, and we moved to print.

Production and Delivery: Meeting a Tight Deadline

James’ final request was to have the book ready in time for a book fair on June 22nd, cutting it close with his submission of final files in mid-June. Thanks to our streamlined production processes we were able to accommodate this request. The books were printed and shipped just in time for his launch.

The excitement culminated in successful delivery, with James expressing his gratitude and satisfaction with the finished product.

Client Feedback: A Successful Launch

The Gomonna project was a success, blending James' artistic vision with our expertise in print production. This collaboration resulted in an evocative art book that captured the beauty of Cornwall's coastal landscapes while maintaining a high standard of print quality.

James’ satisfaction with the final product has already sparked conversations about future collaborations. Our shared commitment to sustainability, natural materials, and high-quality print makes us the ideal partner for artists like James who want to transform their creative ideas into print reality.

Conclusion

The Gomonna art book exemplifies the value of collaboration between artist and printer. By guiding James through material choices, print techniques, and the practicalities of production, we ensured that his vision for a natural, seaweed-inspired book was realised in a way that balanced creative ambition with technical precision.

This project highlights our ability to navigate production challenges and deliver outstanding results, reinforcing Ex Why Zed as a trusted partner for bespoke art book printing.