Art Book Printing: Transform Your Vision into Stunning Publications with Ex Why Zed

Art transcends boundaries, and an art book is its most profound expression. At Ex Why Zed, we specialise in transforming your artistic visions into beautifully crafted art book printing that captivate and inspire. Whether you're an artist, gallery owner, curator, or enthusiast, our expertise in art book printing ensures your work is presented in the most compelling way.

The Essence of Art Books

An art book is more than a collection of images; it's a curated experience that immerses the reader in your creative world. It provides context, tells a story, and offers a tangible connection between the artwork and the viewer. From detailed imagery to insightful narratives, artist catalogue printing serves as a timeless keepsake of your creativity.

Types of Publications for Galleries and Exhibitions

Art galleries and exhibitions often require high-quality printed materials to enhance the visitor experience and extend the impact of the artwork beyond the gallery walls. Here are some popular publications we produce:

• Exhibition Catalogues: Comprehensive guides featuring artworks, artist biographies, and critical essays.
• Artist Monographs: Dedicated books focusing on a single artist's body of work.
• Coffee Table Books: Large-format books with high-quality images, perfect for display and engagement.
• Limited Edition Prints: Exclusive prints that add value for collectors and enthusiasts.
• Zines and Booklets: Cost-effective options for smaller exhibitions or emerging artists.

Case Study: JGM Gallery's "Yoi" Catalogue

Dive into the captivating world of "Yoi," a stellar exhibition catalogue we crafted for JGM Gallery. This large-format booklet showcases the enchanting artworks of the Munupi Arts and Crafts Association, reflecting the cultural heartbeat of the Tiwi people.

This is the next in an expanding range of almost A3 booklet printing, we have completed as art gallery catalogues for JGM. Here is another case study for Tiwi Artistry: Large Format Booklet Printing – Showcasing Tiwi Artistry at JGM Gallery

Design Highlights:

• Format and Materials: The booklet printing measures 380x289mm with 52 pages printed on 100gsm 100% recycled uncoated paper, echoing the organic essence of the indigenous art.
• Aesthetics: Full-colour prints immerse readers in the profound narratives depicted in each piece.
• Layout: The catalogue balances bold artwork spreads with contemplative typographic pages, featuring interviews with the artists.
• Binding: Wire-stitched binding symbolises the interconnected stories within the Tiwi community.

Actionable Insights:

• Embrace whitespace to let content breathe.
• Select materials that resonate with the artwork's essence.
• Use structural elements as extensions of your narrative.

Engaging Your Audience with Tangible Keepsakes

Imagine visitors at your exhibition holding a beautifully designed catalogue, feeling the texture of the pages, and absorbing the vibrant images and stories. These tangible keepsakes not only enhance the experience during the event but also serve as lasting reminders of your work in their homes and offices. Art books allow your audience to revisit and rediscover your art, deepening their connection over time.

Case Study: Manchester School of Art's "This Is The Place" Catalogue

The "This Is The Place" degree show catalogue for Manchester School of Art exemplifies how printed materials can showcase emerging talent.

Design Highlights:

• Format: A unique 210x210mm square format with 174 pages.
• Cover: 4-page cover on 300gsm silk with matt lamination and gloss Spot UV varnish, creating a sleek, premium feel.
• Content: Showcases the innovative and diverse talents of the BA Graphic Design students.
• Typography and Layout: Clean and uncluttered design with bold, sans-serif fonts for headings and ample white space for readability.

Actionable Insights:

• Utilise unique formats to make your publication stand out.
• Incorporate tactile elements like Spot UV varnish to enhance the physical experience.
• Balance text and images to create a compelling narrative.

Pricing and Variables That Affect Cost

We understand that every project is unique, and several factors influence the cost of printing your art book:

• Format and Size: Custom dimensions can enhance visual impact but may affect pricing.
• Page Count: More pages mean more content but also higher production costs.
• Paper Stock: Choices range from recycled uncoated to premium glossy finishes.
• Binding Style: Options include perfect binding, saddle stitching, or casebound hardcovers.
• Print Quantity: Bulk printing reduces the cost per unit.
• Special Finishes: Additions like Spot UV varnish, foil stamping, or embossing enhance aesthetics but add to costs.

We work closely with you to balance your vision with your budget, providing detailed quotes and options to make informed decisions.

Case Study: Goldsmiths Fine Art Catalogue 2024

For the "Goldsmiths Fine Art Catalogue 2024," we collaborated with the university to manage costs effectively while achieving a premium look and feel.

Design Highlights:

• Format: Compact 170x125mm size with 152 pages.
• Materials: Cover on 240gsm uncoated paper with matt lamination; inner pages on 100gsm uncoated paper.
• Content: Showcases the diverse works of BA Fine Art students.
• Binding: Perfect bound for a professional finish.

Actionable Insights:

• Opt for uncoated paper to enhance tactile quality.
• Use thoughtful typography for readability and aesthetic appeal.
• Employ effective use of white space to prevent clutter.

The Ex Why Zed Print Journey: Adding Value Every Step of the Way

Our commitment to excellence goes beyond printing; it's about providing a seamless and enriching experience:

• Personalised Consultation: Understanding your project goals and offering insights from our extensive experience.
• Design Collaboration: Providing actionable feedback to optimize your design for print, ensuring the final product exceeds expectations.
• Quality Assurance: Attention to detail is paramount. We review your artwork for potential issues and suggest enhancements.
• Transparent Communication: Keeping you informed throughout the process and addressing any concerns promptly.
• Timely Delivery: Understanding the importance of deadlines, especially for exhibitions, and striving to deliver on time without compromising quality.

Case Study: Tim King's "Drawing on 2020"

We helped Tim King bring his ambitious project to life by printing both softback and hardback editions of "Drawing on 2020."

Design Highlights:

• Softback Edition:
  • Format: 210x210mm with 388 pages.
  • Materials: Cover on 300gsm uncoated paper with matt lamination; inner pages on 140gsm uncoated paper.
  • Binding: Perfect bound.
• Hardback Edition:
  • Format: 210x210mm with 388 pages.
  • Materials: Cover on 170gsm silk wrapped over greyboard; printed endpapers on 170gsm uncoated paper; inner pages on 150gsm uncoated paper.
  • Binding: Casebound.

Project Highlights:

• Captured the essence of a year through daily drawings.
• Managed the complexity of a high page count while maintaining print quality.
• Provided options catering to different markets and price points.

Case Study: Onoe Caponoe's "Who Am I?"

Partnering with multi-disciplinary artist Onoe Caponoe, we produced his hardback art book "Who Am I?" with precision and care.

Design Highlights:

• Format: A5 size with 166 pages.
• Materials: Cover on 170gsm silk wrapped over greyboard with matt lamination; inner pages on 130gsm silk.
• Binding: Casebound with printed endpapers.

Project Highlights:

• Showcased the artist's journey across various art forms.
• Ensured high-quality image reproduction to capture the vibrancy of his work.
• Provided a durable and premium finish suitable for a collectible item.

Art Books vs. Postcards and PDFs: Embracing the Print Renaissance

In a digital age, physical art books offer irreplaceable value:

• Tactile Experience: The sensation of flipping through pages cannot be replicated digitally.
• Visual Impact: High-resolution prints capture details that screens may miss.
• Emotional Connection: Owning a piece of the exhibition fosters a deeper bond between the artist and the audience.
• Collectible Value: Art books become cherished items that can appreciate over time.

Case Study: "Ashdown Forest" by Craig Payne

The coffee table book "Through The Seasons on Ashdown Forest" by Craig Payne and James Adler is a perfect example of the enduring appeal of printed art books.

Design Highlights:

• Format: 280x205mm casebound book with 128 pages.
• Materials: Cover on 170gsm silk wrapped over greyboard with matt lamination and gold foiling; inner pages on 170gsm silk.
• Content: Over 100 stunning photographs documenting Ashdown Forest across the seasons.
• Special Features: An illustrated map with plotted points and what3word grid references.

Project Highlights:

• Captured the shifting beauty of the forest in high-quality prints.
• Used special finishes like gold foiling to enhance aesthetic appeal.
• Offered a tangible connection to nature that digital formats can't match.

Case Study: Anne Clements' "In The Dog's House"

Anne Clements chose our services for her charming book "In The Dog's House," a 21st-century portrait of contemporary tastes in canine companions.

Design Highlights:

• Format: 210x210mm with 160 pages.
• Materials: Cover on 350gsm silk with matt lamination; inner pages on 170gsm silk.
• Binding: Perfect bound.
• Content: A collection of portraits exploring why people choose particular dog breeds.

Project Highlights:

• Balanced high-quality images with playful text for an engaging reader experience.
• Delivered a heart-warming book that resonates with dog lovers.
• Demonstrated versatility in handling both artistic and photographic content.

Join the Print Renaissance

There's a resurgence in the appreciation for printed art. While postcards and PDFs have their place, they often serve as fleeting interactions. An art book is a lasting testament to your work's significance—a piece that your audience can hold, explore, and treasure.

Explore Your Options with Ex Why Zed

We offer a range of printing options to suit your needs:

• Softcover Books: Versatile and cost-effective, ideal for wide distribution.
• Hardcover Editions: Premium feel with options for special finishes like foiling or embossing.
• Limited Editions: Create exclusive runs with added features for collectors.
• Eco-Friendly Materials: Choose sustainable papers and inks to reflect environmental commitments.

Ready to Bring Your Art Book to Life?

Contact Ex Why Zed today to discuss your project. Let's collaborate to create a publication that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.