A5 Books
4pp Cover onto 300gsm Uncoated
Matt Lamination to outer
50pp Text onto 170gsm Uncoated
CMYK Printing
Perfect bound
Immerse yourself in the artful world of culinary design with "Make Extra" by Kitty Coles, an exquisite exploration of recipe book printing. Journey through pages that not only tantalise your taste buds but also represent a pinnacle of print excellence by Ex Why Zed. This case study unfolds the collaborative saga of transforming a vision into a tangible feast for the senses. Discover the essence of custom cookbook creation and the seamless partnership that brought Kitty's flavourful narrative to life.
The visual narrative of "Make Extra" by Kitty Coles is a thoughtful orchestration of culinary aesthetics and design philosophy, encapsulated within an self-published book format. As a design critic and journalist, it's imperative to begin by acknowledging the thematic significance of the work. Kitty Coles invites her readers into an intimate journey that extends beyond the mere compilation of recipes—it is a sensory celebration and a testament to creative ingenuity with food.
Kitty's heartfelt appreciation was evident when she received the initial print copies. “I cannot express how happy I am!!! I prefer it to my actual cookbook!! I’m beyond thrilled!! AH!”
The kaleidoscope of flavours is visualised through vibrant photography book printing that does more than merely illustrating the recipes; it tells stories. Each image is an invitation to explore the story behind the dish, encouraging readers to not just follow a recipe but to engage with the process and the culture it represents.
Kitty Coles' deliberate choice of bold colours counters the traditional pastel or neutral tones commonly associated with cookbooks. This choice reflects a contemporary take on food styling, which is further accentuated by the thoughtful use of whitespace, guiding the reader's focus squarely on the dishes.
Typography within "Make Extra" plays a dual role. It is both instructive and expressive, contributing to the overall narrative. Large typefaces create impact, while their strategic placement complements the book's imagery, never overwhelming but always enhancing.
The layout of each page is meticulously structured to balance text and images, creating a rhythm that mimics the dance of flavours one might experience while cooking. The perfect binding adds to the professional finish, allowing the book to lay flat, a subtle nod to practicality in the kitchen.
The decision to use a matt laminated cover on a 300gsm uncoated stock is as much a tactile choice as it is visual. It invites the reader to engage with the book, to hold and to leaf through the pages, with a promise of durability.
The artful blend of these elements within "Make Extra" demonstrates the prowess of Kitty Coles and the keen eye for quality printing from Ex Why Zed, making it a tactile and visual delight, certain to inspire not just home chefs but designers and artists alike.
Kitty Coles approached Ex Why Zed with an air of excitement, seeking expertise for her "little mag," which quickly revealed itself as a passion project brimming with potential. Her initial request for samples was met with an enthusiastic and informative response from Ex Why Zed. They not only provided the samples but also directed Kitty to valuable resources, reinforcing their role as a supportive guide in the print process.
Kitty's inquiries about the design process and timelines were met with patient explanations, empowering her to make informed decisions for her book. Ex Why Zed’s approachable nature shone through as they navigated Kitty through the intricacies of book design and printing, from software recommendations to the specifics of setting up files for perfect binding.
The client expressed concerns about design setup and print specifications. Ex Why Zed's team, especially Mike, showcased their deep understanding of the print process by offering step-by-step guides and even assisting with final artwork adjustments. This proactive assistance ensured that the book would meet the high-quality standards both Kitty and Ex Why Zed uphold.
The email interactions unravel a narrative of a highly collaborative and supportive partnership. Ex Why Zed’s expertise and efficient problem-solving facilitated a smooth transition from concept to print for Kitty’s ambitious project. Their commitment to excellent customer service and quality printing is exemplified in their willingness to guide and educate their clients, ensuring a product that both parties can be proud of. This case study exemplifies a successful print journey, marked by professional rapport, technical guidance, and a shared vision brought to fruition.
