Kickstarter Art Book Self Publishing: The Tale of Tzarevich Ivan, The Fire Bird, and The Grey Wolf

286x236mm Books
Cover onto 170gsm Silk
Wrapped over greyboard case
Matt laminated to the outer
2x 4pp End Papers printed onto 170gsm Uncoated
32 inside pages onto 170gsm Silk
Full colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and case bound

The Tale of Tzarevich Ivan, The Fire Bird, and The Grey Wolf

Overview of the Book, Design, and Aesthetic

This illustrated book, The Tale of Tzarevich Ivan, The Fire Bird, and The Grey Wolf by Izzy Carroll, is a visually stunning work that masterfully captures the charm and vibrancy of Slavic folklore. It combines modern and traditional illustrative techniques to create an immersive narrative experience. The standout feature of the design is its rich, textured visuals that blend bold colours with intricate patterns, evoking both a contemporary and folkloric aesthetic.

The cover immediately draws attention with its minimalist yet impactful design. The imagery, which includes symbols like the fire bird and wolf, uses vibrant tones of red, green, and yellow on a soft cream background. These choices not only make the book eye-catching but also reflect its fantastical themes. The matte lamination gives the cover a premium feel, complementing the fine art-style illustrations.

Inside, the book reveals detailed illustrations interspersed with text. The layout is clean and reader-friendly, with enough white space to let the artwork breathe. The red endpapers are particularly striking, featuring silhouettes of story elements that create a sense of cohesion and enchantment. These designs, printed on uncoated paper, add a tactile quality to the book, enhancing the reader’s physical engagement with the narrative.

Use of Colour and Typography

The colour palette is vibrant yet harmonious, dominated by deep reds, golds, and blues. This palette echoes the warmth and richness of Slavic folk art while giving the book a modern edge. The contrast between the colourful illustrations and the text enhances readability while maintaining visual interest. The typography is clean and understated, ensuring the focus remains on the illustrations while supporting the narrative flow.

Binding and Production Quality

The book is case-bound with a sturdy greyboard covered in silk-finish paper, ensuring durability. The matt laminate adds a protective layer while maintaining an elegant finish. The binding is seamless, with the book opening flat—a detail that is both practical and visually appealing. Ex Why Zed’s expertise in producing high-quality, tactile publications is evident throughout.

Effectiveness in Storytelling

Izzy Carroll has successfully used visual storytelling to bring the classic tale to life. Each illustration is packed with symbolic imagery, adding layers of meaning to the text. For example, the spread featuring the fire bird in a cage juxtaposes intricate blue backgrounds with a bold red bird, symbolising both entrapment and hope. Similarly, the images of Ivan and Yelena with the wolf convey warmth and companionship through their soft, flowing lines and muted tones.

The visual and textual elements are perfectly balanced, with neither overshadowing the other. This synergy ensures that the story remains engaging for readers of all ages.

Unique Selling Points

• Design Aesthetics: The seamless blend of traditional folklore motifs with modern design techniques.
• Tactile Quality: The use of uncoated paper for endpapers and silk for the inside pages adds an engaging tactile dimension.
• Bold Colours and Illustrations: Striking use of colours and imagery that captivate the reader’s imagination.
• Ex Why Zed’s Expertise: High-quality production with attention to detail, from the lamination to the binding.

Actionable Insights

1. Contrast in Colour Palette: Employing vibrant contrasts, such as red against blue, creates visually impactful designs. In this book, this approach makes each page dynamic while maintaining coherence.
   • Example: The fire bird illustration against a background of floating blue cages.
2. Consistent Visual Language: The recurring use of symbolic imagery, like the fire bird and wolf, strengthens thematic cohesion. This technique ensures that each spread feels interconnected.
3. Tactile Elements Enhance Engagement: The choice of paper stocks and finishes adds a physical dimension that complements the visual storytelling. Designers should consider material choices as part of their creative process.
4. Balance Between Text and Image: Placing text alongside but not overloading illustrations allows each element to shine. In this book, clean typography supports readability while ensuring the illustrations remain the focal point.
5. Flat-Opening Binding for Usability: This feature is particularly effective for visually rich books, enabling readers to fully experience the illustrations without obstruction.
6. Narrative Cohesion in Design: From the cover to the endpapers, every design element echoes the story’s themes. Future projects can benefit from similarly holistic design planning.

This analysis highlights how The Tale of Tzarevich Ivan exemplifies thoughtful design and expert craftsmanship. It is a testament to both Izzy Carroll’s creative vision and Ex Why Zed’s production capabilities.

Kickstarter Funded Print Journey with Ex Why Zed

Initial Consultations and File Setup Challenges

The collaboration between Ex Why Zed and Izzy Carroll began with a mutual goal: to transform her beautifully illustrated tale into a premium hardback book. From the outset, Ex Why Zed offered tailored recommendations, providing detailed print specifications and pricing options to accommodate both Izzy's creative vision and budget constraints.

Izzy’s preference for a 286x236mm format over the suggested A4 option reflected her commitment to a bespoke presentation. This format was ideal for showcasing the intricate illustrations and bold colour palette, but it also required meticulous file preparation to ensure precision during printing.

One challenge arose during the initial setup of the artwork files. Ex Why Zed identified issues with missing bleed on the endpapers and text block. To resolve this, they provided comprehensive guidance, including a video tutorial on adding a 3mm bleed—a critical detail for achieving sharp edges during trimming. This support highlighted Ex Why Zed’s commitment to educating clients, empowering Izzy to refine her files independently.

Creative and Technical Support

Throughout the collaboration, Ex Why Zed demonstrated their expertise in balancing technical requirements with creative goals. For example, when the spine text was slightly misaligned, they supplied an InDesign template to assist Izzy in making precise adjustments. This proactive approach not only resolved the issue but also ensured the final product met the highest design standards.

Ex Why Zed also performed a preflight check on the submitted files, offering feedback to guarantee compatibility with production processes. Their focus on precision and quality control ensured a seamless transition from design to print.

Material Choices and Print Decisions

The book’s production involved high-quality materials that enhanced its aesthetic and tactile appeal:

• Cover: Printed on 170gsm silk and wrapped over a greyboard case, with a matt laminate for durability and a premium finish.
• Endpapers: Crafted from 170gsm uncoated paper, adding a textured element that complemented the book’s handcrafted feel.
• Inside Pages: Full-colour illustrations printed on 170gsm silk, capturing the vibrancy of Izzy's artwork.

These choices underscored Izzy's vision of a luxurious art book while aligning with Ex Why Zed’s reputation for premium printing.

Quality Checks and Final Proofing

Ex Why Zed provided a digital proofing stage, enabling Izzy to review every detail before production. This thorough quality assurance process included highlighting the trim lines and potential variances in on-screen colour perception. Izzy approved the final proof with confidence, knowing her vision was accurately translated into the printed book.

Overcoming Production Hurdles

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Beyond the initial file setup adjustments, Ex Why Zed maintained open communication to address last-minute tweaks, such as resizing cover elements and centring spine text. Their patience and expertise ensured that these minor issues were resolved efficiently, allowing the project to proceed without delays.

Final Production and Delivery

The completed books were delivered on time, showcasing flawless craftsmanship. Ex Why Zed’s attention to detail, from the precision of the binding to the vibrancy of the colours, exceeded expectations. Their friendly, hands-on approach ensured that Izzy felt supported throughout the process, transforming her ambitious project into a tangible success.

Client Feedback and Project Impact

Izzy expressed her gratitude for the professional and approachable support she received, noting how the collaboration elevated her project. The book was well-received by her audience, with its striking design and high-quality production resonating strongly.

The project not only brought Izzy’s creative vision to life but also reinforced our reputation as a go-to partner for bespoke printing projects. This successful collaboration stands as a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with personalised service, leaving both client and audience delighted