A4 Books
4pp Cover onto 350gsm Gloss
Gloss Lamination to outer
108pp Text onto 170gsm Gloss
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and perfect bound
Chris Emery’s skateboarding opus transformed into a vivid, dynamic print piece, crafted with precision and passion by Ex Why Zed.
"The finished book exceeded every expectation. The print quality, vibrancy, and overall feel are exceptional!" - Chris Emery
Introduction: Bold, Immersive, and Impactful
Chris Emery’s Wolftown - Good Things Begin in the Dark is a visually charged skateboarding narrative that delves into the visceral energy of urban subculture. At Ex Why Zed, we worked meticulously to bring Chris’s vision to life, fusing bold design choices with a superior print aesthetic. This project presented the perfect canvas to showcase our cutting-edge gloss magazine printing expertise.
Binding and Format:
The book is perfectly bound, delivering a seamless and polished finish that feels substantial in the hands. This A4 format provides ample space to highlight the intricate details and action-packed visuals of skateboarding in motion, a crucial aspect of the book's storytelling.
Typography and Layout:
The typography alternates between minimalist, clean sans-serif typefaces and bold, oversized lettering, as seen in the chapter headings and standout pages. This duality mirrors the raw, unfiltered nature of skateboarding while maintaining visual harmony. Each page layout is a visual journey, with dynamic compositions that balance vibrant images and negative space. The designer’s ability to layer elements without overwhelming the viewer demonstrates remarkable skill.
Use of Colour:
The book’s colour palette shifts between high-contrast, glossy full-colour spreads and muted, textured greyscale pages. This juxtaposition heightens the reader’s engagement, evoking both the gritty realism of the urban landscape and the electrifying bursts of skateboarding artistry. The high-gloss lamination on the 350gsm cover amplifies the vibrancy, making it immediately striking.
Photography and Visual Content:
Every page pulsates with energy. Skateboarders in mid-air, urban settings filled with raw textures, and candid moments of camaraderie—all are captured with cinematic precision. The decision to print these visuals on 170gsm gloss paper elevates their quality, allowing fine details like motion blur and gritty textures to shine.
Design Highlights:
By combining artistry, thoughtful production choices, and meticulous attention to detail, Wolftown - Good Things Begin in the Dark emerges as a definitive example of gloss magazine printing at its best. With this project, Ex Why Zed not only brought a skateboarding subculture to life but also underscored the transformative power of print in storytelling.
The collaboration between Chris Emery and Ex Why Zed began with an ambitious vision: to produce a skateboarding magazine that vividly captures the raw energy of urban subculture. This journey illustrates how thoughtful communication, expert guidance, and attention to detail turned a creative idea into a premium publication.
Chris Emery reached out with a clear idea for his skateboarding magazine. From the outset, he sought expertise in cover finishes and paper quality, demonstrating a strong interest in exploring premium options. His query included multiple specifications, including the possibility of embossing, debossing, and spot UV varnish, and he sought advice on incorporating these elements effectively.
To support his decision-making, we sent a comprehensive sample pack showcasing various GSMs and materials. Chris’s proactive approach was met with our expertise, as we provided detailed guidance on A4 magazine specifications, including the importance of bleed margins and trimming tolerances.
Chris’s project required meticulous attention to detail, particularly with the magazine’s perfect binding and the integration of premium cover finishes. To assist, we offered practical resources such as templates and video tutorials, clarifying the cover design process and ensuring his artwork met technical requirements.
One challenge arose when Chris noticed faint lines on the edges of some pages during his InDesign export. Our team explained potential causes, such as bleed misalignment or PDF export settings, and provided step-by-step solutions. This guidance ensured the final files adhered to print standards.
When Chris selected a debossed cover finish with full-colour artwork, additional coordination was required. He clarified that the cover would feature a striking image with text positioned above and below, ensuring the debossed section harmonised with the design. To accommodate the updated specifications, we adjusted our quote and ensured his creative choices were fully supported.
Chris approved the final specifications: an A4, 108-page magazine with 170gsm gloss text pages and a 350gsm gloss-laminated cover featuring debossed text. The production involved a rigorous pre-flight check to confirm file accuracy and avoid potential trimming inconsistencies. Our quality assurance process highlighted minor adjustments, such as extending border thickness to minimise noticeable discrepancies during trimming.
When Chris required a single proof copy without debossing for review, we accommodated his request. The proof was produced and shipped with standard delivery, accompanied by updates on tracking and neighbour drop-off options, showcasing our dedication to seamless communication and client satisfaction.
The final batch of Wolftown - Good Things Begin in the Dark was a stunning example of gloss magazine printing excellence. Chris praised the finished product for its vibrant visuals, premium feel, and attention to detail. The debossed cover, in particular, stood out as a sophisticated design choice, adding depth to the magazine’s aesthetic.
Feedback from readers echoed this sentiment, with many highlighting the publication's professional quality. The project not only exceeded Chris’s expectations but also set a benchmark for future collaborations.
This project epitomises the collaborative spirit and technical expertise that define Ex Why Zed. By aligning Chris Emery’s creative vision with our printing expertise, we transformed a skateboarding narrative into a tactile, visual masterpiece. Wolftown - Good Things Begin in the Dark stands as a testament to what can be achieved through clear communication, innovative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
