Exercise 2: Planning your workflow

However you plan to work in the production of your book, spend some time now planning your workflow, using the notes above as a guide.

Think about how much flexibility you can allow yourself – don’t put yourself under too much pressure. At the same time, be aware of time constraints that may be outside your control. If you’re using a local printer, for example, make contact as soon as possible. Your printer may have a limited timeframe for doing your job and you’ll need to factor this into your workflow.

Phase 1: Scoping

For my assignment, I will look at altered books and decide how I would like to assemble the book and what its purpose will be.

I will think about how it will look visually and if it will be interactive like my previous book.

I will have a timeframe for each phase of the book with deadlines. However, I need to allow experimentation and troubleshooting in the schedule.

Phase 2: Creating Content

Once I have decided on the project's direction, I will research the theme further by brainstorming and moodboarding my ideas.

As I develop my content for the book's words and images by either creating images or sourcing them, I will edit and finalise the order. Depending on how the images are created, I might need to further refine my ideas. This could be with Adobe Photoshop, photography or drawing.

Phase 3: Design

For this phase, I will think about the programmes I will use. For page layouts, I will use Adobe InDesign to set up my document and the layout of the pages. Depending on the content, I will use a grid that will be best suited for the content.

I will also consider the typography, sketch thumbnails and create flat plans. As the book will be printed, I will need to ensure that all my content, especially images, is high-resolution CMYK at 300 dpi.

Phase 4: Pre-production

In this phase, I will prepare my files for print, either professionally or on a standard office printer. For professional print, I will ensure there are crop marks and a bleed on the pages at the correct resolution. I will print test pages to ensure the colours and text are readable.

I will also proofread the book and make any necessary changes. I will back up my files to make sure no information is lost.

Phase 5: Printing and Production

If I decide to use a professional printer, I will make sure that I leave enough time for them to print the book. This will help me with my planning and help me adjust for any emergencies. I will ask for proof and their input on the most successful ways to print for the best results.