Module: PB7002-30 Experiments in Book Print and Production

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Laura Little

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.little@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

The children's print book market grew 11.7% in 2016 to be worth £394m in the UK. This growth includes high-end, beautifully produced books, activity books and novelty books e.g. pop-ups. In this module you will look at the print and production aspects of the children's publishing industry from the commercial aspects of working with printers through to paper engineering, handmade bookbinding and small editions of artists' books for children.

This module is contextualised by examining national and international publishers who produce high-end, innovative children's print books e.g. Tara Books (India), One Stroke (Japan), Planeta Tangerina (Portugal), Pato Logico (Portugal), Les Trois Ourses (France), Corainni Edizione (Italy), Topipittori (Italy), Book Island (UK), Tiny Owl Publishing (UK).

Field trips to annual book fairs such as Bologna or London are envisioned as part of this module.

You will learn about working with printers and the possibilities of commercial printing e.g. paper engineering, paper stock, fabrics, covers, endpapers, die cutting, varnishes, embossing and debossing. The financial side of print and production will be explored including quotes and budgeting and working with international printers (e.g. China). You will also learn handmade bookmaking skills to produce blads, mock-ups and supporting visual materials for pitching. You will learn how to bind books using staples, stitching and glue.

2.Outline syllabus

• Novelty books, pop-ups and paper engineering
• Printing and production, digital and litho
• Working with international printers
• Quotes and budgeting
• Preparing files for print
• Binding
• Paper stock, covers, endpapers, fabric
• Die cutting, embossing and debossing
• Typography
• CMYK and spot colours
• Laminate finishes and spot varnishes

3. and learning activities

Learning will be through workshops, industry talks, tutor-supported project work, technical demos and progress reviews and feedback

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Portfolio
• % Weighting: 100%