270x210mm Case Bound Books.
Cover onto 170gsm Silk.
Wrapped over greyboard case.
Matt laminated to the outer.
2x 4pp End Papers Printed onto 170gsm Uncoated.
120 inside pages onto 170gsm Silk.
Four colour print throughout.
Trimmed, collated and case bound
The book, 21 Remarkable People by Mark Adam Copeland, is a striking self-published hardcover art book that showcases a high level of craftsmanship and thoughtful design. At first glance, the book communicates its theme of celebrating individuality and storytelling through a harmonious blend of artistry and narrative.
The cover is a visual magnet. It features a hyper-realistic portrait against a textured background, framed by a delicate wreath of white flowers. The juxtaposition of the intricate artwork and the title in classic gold foil exudes sophistication. The matt laminated finish adds a tactile quality that enhances the user experience, inviting readers to pick up the book.
The interior design of the book reflects meticulous attention to detail. With full-colour imagery throughout, the book brings each subject vividly to life. The balanced typography, utilising serif fonts for readability and a touch of elegance, complements the narrative. The images are thoughtfully arranged to integrate seamlessly with the text, creating an immersive reading experience. Key visuals, such as historical photographs paired with original illustrations, amplify the storytelling.
The 270x210mm casebound format is practical and premium, providing durability while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. The 170gsm silk paper for the inside pages enhances colour vibrancy while maintaining a smooth texture. The use of 170gsm uncoated stock for the endpapers adds contrast, showcasing the versatility of paper textures. The binding is robust, as evident from the spine and edges in the uploaded images, ensuring longevity for this art publication.
Mark Adam Copeland’s artistic vision is clear: each page is a tribute to the subject being portrayed. The use of colour is masterful, with a combination of soft and bold palettes that underline the diversity of personalities in the book. For instance, the blue backdrop in the photoshoot (although excluded from the final book) serves to accentuate the clean design and highlights the quality of the print.
The author’s ability to convey stories through juxtaposed historical memorabilia and modern artwork gives the book a timeless quality. For example, the double-page spread featuring "F.O.F.F. (Free Our Feathered Friends)" effectively marries archival material with new artistic representations, demonstrating the book's unique approach to celebrating history through a contemporary lens.
This project exemplifies how expert guidance and thoughtful design decisions can transform a concept into an exceptional printed work. By focusing on narrative impact, production quality, and tactile engagement, 21 Remarkable People is a standout example in the realm of self-published art books.
Mark Adam Copeland, an artist and storyteller, approached Ex Why Zed with a vision: to transform his intricate narratives and artistry into a tangible masterpiece. 21 Remarkable People, a self-published hardcover art book, was to be a celebration of individuality, steeped in history and personal creativity. The journey from concept to completion was as remarkable as the book itself, showcasing collaborative ingenuity and a commitment to excellence.
Mark’s initial inquiry focused on producing a case-bound book with premium materials. Ex Why Zed’s response highlighted their expertise with detailed quotations for various options, from hardback to softcover formats. Their guidance was not limited to pricing but extended to offering comprehensive resources on file preparation, binding, and print specifications.
The standout moment during these early exchanges was Mark’s request for a size that avoided the “ordinary” look of A4. Ex Why Zed recommended a bespoke 270x210mm size, striking a balance between distinctiveness and cost efficiency.
Key Actions:
As a first-time publisher, Mark faced challenges in preparing artwork for print. Ex Why Zed offered step-by-step guidance, such as ensuring files included 3mm bleed and were exported in PDFX/1A format. They also provided clear instructions for creating the complex layouts required for the book’s covers and endpapers.
Mark’s request for additional clarity on paper quality prompted Ex Why Zed to send printed samples on silk paper, a critical step in finalising the material choice. Their proactive communication ensured Mark felt supported and confident in his decisions.
Key Insights:
Throughout the process, adjustments were needed. Mark revised artwork multiple times due to typos and layout corrections. Ex Why Zed accommodated these changes with patience, offering amended proofs promptly. Even when Mark expressed concern about sales viability during the pandemic, Ex Why Zed suggested options like smaller print runs and different binding methods to suit his budget.
When Mark ultimately chose the litho section-sewn method for a 500-copy run, Ex Why Zed ensured the production was seamless, delivering the highest quality result. Their expertise in handling bespoke projects was evident as they balanced costs, quality, and timelines.
The completed books were delivered ahead of schedule, to Mark’s delight. His feedback highlighted the exceptional quality of the printing, binding, and overall finish. Ex Why Zed’s attention to detail and willingness to exceed expectations culminated in a product that impressed both the client and the audience.
Mark later sold copies at exhibitions and through online channels, receiving glowing reviews that cemented the book’s impact. Encouraged by the success, he expressed intent to collaborate with Ex Why Zed on future projects.
The print journey of 21 Remarkable People is a testament to the power of collaboration. Ex Why Zed’s ability to combine technical expertise, responsive customer service, and creative problem-solving resulted in a publication that stands as a benchmark for self-published art books.
This project not only highlights the importance of understanding client needs but also demonstrates how thoughtful guidance and resourcefulness can transform challenges into triumphs. By aligning Mark’s artistic vision with practical printing solutions, Ex Why Zed reaffirmed their position as a leader in bespoke publishing services.
