Goldsmiths Fine Art Catalogue 2024 Printing

170x125mm Books
4pp Cover onto 240gsm Uncoated
Matt Lamination to outer
152pp Text onto 100gsm Uncoated
Full colour printing throughout
Trimmed, collated and Perfect bound.

The Goldsmiths Fine Art Catalogue 2024 is a meticulously crafted publication that exemplifies the dedication and talent of Goldsmiths University BA Fine Art and BA Fine Art and History of Art students. This project, executed in collaboration with Ex Why Zed, showcases a perfect blend of aesthetic finesse and technical precision, encapsulating the vibrant and diverse artworks of graduating students. Throughout this case study, we delve into the intricate details of the catalogue's design, the seamless print journey facilitated by Ex Why Zed, and the dynamic interaction between the client and the print company, all while ensuring the highest standards of quality and creativity are met. Explore how we brought this exceptional degree show catalogue to life, highlighting our expertise in print production and our commitment to excellence.

For a feature length, deep dive into Degree Show Catalogue printing, grab the popcorn and enjoy our video guide.

Design Analysis of the Degree Show Catalogue

The Goldsmiths BAHA Degree Show Catalogue is a testament to the creative prowess and artistic diversity of Goldsmiths University BA Fine Art and BA Fine Art and History of Art students. The publication not only serves as a showcase for the graduating class but also as a piece of art in its own right.

Enjoy more Degree Show Catalogue printing case studies.

Thematic Significance

The catalogue captures the essence of the students' final projects, offering a window into their creative journeys. Each page reveals a unique story, reflecting the broad spectrum of themes explored by the students. From contemporary social issues to abstract expressions, the catalogue is a rich tapestry of artistic exploration.

Styling Aesthetics

The exterior design of the catalogue is strikingly minimalistic. The monotone cover, featuring a soft, blurred image, contrasts beautifully with the vibrant and colourful content within. This deliberate choice creates an element of surprise and intrigue, compelling the reader to delve deeper.

Design Choices

The decision to use uncoated paper for both the cover and the inner pages is a masterstroke. It gives the catalogue a tactile quality, enhancing the sensory experience of flipping through the pages. The matt lamination on the cover adds durability without compromising the aesthetic appeal.

Colour Palette

Inside, the catalogue bursts into a vivid array of colours. Each student’s work is presented in full colour, allowing the viewer to appreciate the nuances and details of each piece. This vibrant presentation contrasts sharply with the subdued cover, highlighting the dynamism of the students' artwork.

Typographic Usage

The typography throughout the catalogue is clean and understated. The choice of fonts ensures readability while maintaining a professional and polished look. The text is well-spaced, making the catalogue easy to navigate and read.

Page Layout

The layout of the pages is thoughtfully designed. Each spread is carefully curated to balance text and images, providing ample space for each student's work to shine. The use of white space is particularly effective, preventing the pages from feeling cluttered.

Binding Style

The perfect binding of the catalogue is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It allows the pages to lay flat when open, making it easy to view the artwork in detail. The sturdy binding ensures the catalogue can be handled frequently without showing signs of wear.

Storytelling Elements

Each student's section includes a brief artist statement, providing context for their work. These narratives add depth to the visual content, offering insights into the inspirations and processes behind each piece. This blend of visual and textual storytelling enriches the overall experience of the catalogue.

Actionable Insights for Designers

• Embrace Contrast: The juxtaposition of a minimalist cover with a colourful interior creates a compelling visual narrative.
• Tactile Quality: Using uncoated paper can enhance the physical experience of a publication.
• Thoughtful Typography: Prioritising readability with clean, simple fonts can elevate the design.
• Effective Use of White Space: Ensuring each element has room to breathe prevents a cluttered appearance.
• Durable Binding: Perfect binding not only looks professional but also adds to the longevity of the publication.

The Goldsmiths University Print Journey 2024

Key Takeaways

• Ex Why Zed has extensive experience in printing degree show catalogues, specialising in high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to university needs.
• The client, Goldsmiths University, required a well-specified and visually appealing catalogue for their 2024 degree show.
• Multiple quotes and revised specifications were provided to match the client's budget and requirements.
• Ex Why Zed offered comprehensive support, including video guides, detailed print journey steps, and flexible quoting to ensure the client's needs were met.
• The final approved specifications included high-quality materials and processes, ensuring a professional finished product.

Client's Aims and Aspirations

The primary aim of Goldsmiths University was to produce a standout catalogue for their 2024 degree show, highlighting the work of their BA Fine Art and BA Fine Art and History of Art students. Their aspirations included:

• High-quality printing to showcase student artwork effectively.
• A tactile and visually appealing design that aligns with the university’s prestigious reputation.
• Staying within a specified budget while achieving the desired aesthetic and quality.
• Ensuring the catalogue is delivered in time for the degree show.

Client's Questions, Pain Points, and Stumbling Blocks

Goldsmiths University had several questions and concerns:

• How to manage the budget while achieving high quality.
• The technical aspects of preparing print-ready artwork, including bleed and file formats.
• The logistics of printing and delivery schedules to ensure timely receipt of the catalogues.

Ex Why Zed's Experience and Expertise

Ex Why Zed leveraged their extensive experience to address Goldsmiths University's concerns:

• Budget Management: By offering multiple quotes and revising specifications based on the client’s budget, Ex Why Zed ensured financial constraints were met without compromising on quality.
• Technical Guidance: Provided comprehensive resources, including video tutorials, illustrated guides, and personalized support to help the client prepare print-ready artwork.
• Print Journey: Introduced the client to the structured print journey, guiding them through each step from initial concept to final delivery with dedicated support hubs.
• Flexibility: Demonstrated flexibility by reverse engineering quotes to fit various budget scenarios, ensuring the client could choose the best option within their financial limits.
• Expertise: Showcasing their long history of printing degree show catalogues and providing detailed, knowledgeable advice.
• Authoritativeness: Supporting their claims with numerous positive reviews, a comprehensive portfolio, and extensive resources.
• Trustworthiness: Offering transparent pricing, clear communication, and delivering on their promises without hidden costs or delays.

Overview of Email Interaction

Initial Contact and Quote

• Ex Why Zed reached out to Goldsmiths University, highlighting their specialisation in degree show catalogue printing and providing an initial quote.
• Included helpful resources such as the Degree Show Catalogue printing guide and portfolio examples.

Follow-Up and Revised Quotes

• Follow-up emails ensured the initial quote was received and addressed any questions.
• Provided revised quotes based on updated specifications and budgets, showing flexibility and willingness to adjust to client needs.

Approval and Delivery

• After several iterations, the client approved the final quote and specifications.
• Ex Why Zed confirmed the approval and communicated the delivery timeline, ensuring the catalogues would arrive on time for the degree show.
• Offered additional support by promoting the client's work on social media, enhancing their exposure.

Client's Positive Feedback

• The client expressed satisfaction with the final version and gave approval for printing.
• Final communication confirmed the timely delivery of the catalogues, with Ex Why Zed extending support for any further needs and promoting the client's work.

Conclusion

The Goldsmiths Fine Art Catalogue 2024 stands as a testament to the successful partnership between Goldsmiths University and Ex Why Zed. This project not only met but exceeded the expectations in terms of design, quality, and timely delivery. The detailed review of the book’s aesthetic elements, coupled with the insightful email interactions, demonstrates our ability to adapt and cater to specific client needs. From the initial concept through to the final printed product, every step was meticulously planned and executed, ensuring a seamless experience for the client. The degree show catalogue now serves as a proud showcase of the students' work, reflecting the high standards of both the university and our printing services. We are honoured to have played a part in this prestigious project, further solidifying our position as the go-to choice for degree show catalogue printing.