250x125mm Portrait Booklets
36pp Self Cover onto 120gsm Uncoated
Full colour print throughout
Wire Stitched
"Made In Our One Square Mile" exemplifies how community, heritage, and creativity converge into a tactile and engaging publication. Collaborating with Kate Goodall and made possible through the Heritage Fund, this project underscores the potential of print to illuminate local history with vivid storytelling and innovative design.
Dimensions and Binding: The 250x125mm portrait booklet is both practical and visually distinctive. The compact size enhances its portability, inviting readers to immerse themselves in its content anywhere. Its wire-stitched binding complements the approachable feel of the booklet while ensuring durability.
Page Layout and Typography: Each spread showcases a thoughtful balance between white space, imagery, and text. The sans-serif typography offers clarity, echoing the modern yet timeless tone of the project. Headlines, such as “A Cardboard City,” stand out boldly, setting a visual hierarchy that guides readers seamlessly through the content.
Colour Palette: The full-colour print utilises a rich, natural palette. Muted greens, earthy browns, and pops of pink create a cohesive narrative, reminiscent of historical roots while keeping the aesthetic vibrant and contemporary. The subtle halftone illustrations and photographs work harmoniously with the text, creating a visually immersive experience.
Content: The booklet explores local landmarks, community projects, and educational initiatives, such as children creating cardboard sculptures of Colchester’s iconic buildings. This blend of visual storytelling and community engagement resonates strongly with its audience, instilling pride and curiosity about local heritage.
"Made In Our One Square Mile" is more than a booklet; it’s a beacon of how print can celebrate and preserve community heritage. Through its innovative design and thoughtful execution, it serves as an inspiring example for designers, educators, and local historians alike.
The collaboration began with a conversation steeped in local charm. Kate Goodall, an enthusiastic designer based in Colchester, sought to bring a community-driven publication to life as part of the Heritage Funded project "One Square Mile." From the outset, Kate expressed a desire to keep the production within Colchester, aligning with the project’s hyper-local ethos.
Kate’s vision for a compact and accessible booklet began to evolve during our initial meeting. Samples we provided helped her refine her ideas, and the possibility of creating an engaging zine-style publication was embraced enthusiastically.
Over time, the project specification matured, reflecting the organic nature of creative work. Early ideas of a map shifted into a 36-page zine, with dimensions settling at a unique 250x125mm portrait format. Challenges emerged in balancing budgetary constraints and creative aspirations, particularly as the number of pages and specifications fluctuated. Our role was pivotal in advising on practical adjustments, such as reducing the page count to fit the budget or discussing the implications of paper weight on tactile quality and cost.
Kate’s decision to create multiple cover options introduced another layer of complexity. Although this was ultimately scaled back to a single cover design, our team seamlessly adapted, ensuring clarity in pricing and maintaining production flexibility.
The scatterproof stage revealed the importance of meticulous pre-press checks. Kate’s attention to detail uncovered minor inconsistencies, such as RGB elements embedded in bitmap files. We responded with comprehensive reports highlighting affected areas, allowing Kate to resolve the issues swiftly. Our expertise ensured these adjustments translated into flawless final artwork.
As production commenced, we embraced the transition from proofing to final printing. The booklet was printed lithographically, offering superior colour fidelity for the long run. This choice ensured that every detail of the vibrant design shone through, capturing the vibrancy of Colchester’s heritage.
Delivery presented logistical challenges, but proactive communication ensured smooth coordination.
"Made In Our One Square Mile" was warmly received by the school and the wider community. The publication’s tactile quality, bold design, and engaging content were praised for bringing local history to life. Following this success, the school commissioned an additional digital run, adapting the project’s design for smaller-scale printing. This demonstrated the flexibility and scalability of our services to meet evolving client needs.
This project exemplifies the potential of print to foster community connections and preserve heritage. Through close collaboration, we helped transform Kate’s vision into a tangible product that celebrated Colchester’s identity. Our expertise in navigating creative and technical challenges ensured a smooth journey from concept to delivery.
Kate’s feedback highlighted her appreciation for our responsiveness, technical guidance, and commitment to quality. As the project’s impact continues to resonate, "Made In Our One Square Mile" serves as a benchmark for community-driven publishing, demonstrating how thoughtful design and expert print execution can leave a lasting legacy.
