Type: Ye Olde Printers' Shop

Foundry type.

Years ago, printers set type by hand, using complicated blueprints from designers as a guide. It seems like something from the 18th century now, because that's how fast technology moved has forward, but when I first became an apprentice in publishing, I still did some mechanicals (the schemata for books that go the printer: http://astoundingartifacts.blogspot.com/2011/03/original-science-fiction-artwork-pt-4.html) by hand. We used "stat cameras" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stat_camera) that made "repro", terms from graphic arts from a time gone by the was only in the 90s. Some people are nostalgic for hand set type, but rest assured, it was a long, slow, tedious, repetitive process best suited for temperaments that didn't change quickly. I wouldn't design today if I had to do it.

Plates for printing.

We separated into cover designers and interior designers for books because the rapid progress sorted out brains into those who could absorb computers well and those would couldn't, and most of the time it became the difference between the flash of art on the cover that drew in buyers in 3-5 seconds (which is how fast we take in information visually), and those we preferred the pace of turning a page slowly one by one. Oh, I know crossovers who can do both (yes, I can), but for me, this type of nostalgia has become about those who can merge left and right brain tasks, with the stereotypical "artist" or "designer" who thought our work was really about one task, and one task only, in the dust. For masters, it never really was. Welcome to the new world, global thinkers. Stretch out and grow (and think), because this is our time to shine (once again). 

Read it and weep....for joy:

http://www.pinterest.com/mariedoucette/reading-writing-books/.

Type: Book Design

A little ramble.

So much of my design life has been the domain of books, that I forget it as a genre of typography sometimes. I'm mostly an image-based designer, and they typically send folks like us to the art department to design the covers, which are usually photographic or illustrative in nature. I began my apprenticeship as a production assistant to learn the ropes, and in the process of doing so, I learned what each and every department does, because that was my job, and that's exactly what my boss (and first professional mentor) wanted, because we discussed it at my hiring. 

Pieces of string.

I spent my time at night teaching myself the requisite software that I did not learn to design with at school. I had one extremely basic computer class for illustration, a touch of Photoshop onscreen in a photo journalism class, and that was it. In fact, we started a petition for desktop publishing classes that so threatened the old guard teachers in the ivory tower, my mentor there told me some profs put us on a blacklist. None of them are working art directors or designers today ;)

BAM!

One of the first designers I met at St. Martin's Press many moons ago is the incredible Judy Abbate. She worked in the Design department as an interior designer. In books, that doesn't mean carpets and drapes; that means the designers who estimate the manuscript's page count, design the style guides and chapter headings, and work with the typesetters. It's an art of its' own. Fortunately for me, Judy's also an illustrator, and she knew the big distance that existed between my degree and the working world. She gave me use of her work computer for me to learn on after hours at night, when the other designers left for the day, so I did. I bought myself a set of Peachpit Press books (http://www.peachpit.com/), and I taught myself the reigning creative suite trilogy of the times, QuarkXpress, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Kara Walker.

Because of my imaging skills as a photo minor in school (I was a teaching assistant and darkroom technician for b&w photography), I went upstairs to the Art department, to learn about book cover design. That's where types like us go because we have the same skills as the freelancers we hire, so it's essential we speak their language. My first two interviews were with photographers, both women of world renown; Rosalind Solomon and Annie Lebowitz, and both were for darkroom assistants. I didn't get those jobs, because I had a portfolio with a defined style and my own P.O.V., but I did get my third interview in publishing. A friend of a friend from high school worked in PR at SMP. He walked me to meet my first boss after I went through HR, and said "Hire her!". I was the only person in my graduating class with a job at our commencement ceremony, because I graduated mid-session before my classmates, because I tore through my studio requirements after leaving my SUNY school so I could leave school to work. I worked three jobs while at RISD (the third was making pizza), and my father only paid for a year and a half worth of schooling for our educations, which was a phenomenal bargain for a guy with four kids. There was one scholarship available from Hallmark Cards for Illustration Majors at the time (for about $1000/semester), and my married friend who'd already worked as a graphic designer prior to RISD got it.

Q&A a day.

It's funny, but after my springtime trip to MoMa, I found myself more excited in the bookstore than I did with the work on the walls, yet another indication to me of the solidity of my abilities, how deeply rooted they are to who I am. Books are not just what I "do" for a living, they are parts of me: I read, I write, I illustrate, I photograph, I design, I publish, I edit, and I'm hungry for more (nod to the Tony Bourdain "No Reservations" intro). It's our vocation. Looking back, I see I captured one of Judy's books on the tables at the NY Public Library, Q&A a day, and as always with her work, it stood out for perfectly balanced classicism that's never dull. That's the mastery of it, and that's what keeps us coming back for more. Stay strong, Judy. This one's for you: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/big-surgery-for-my-love/71246.

By Judith Stagnito Abbate.

Children's Books: This Girl Isn't Just a Girl

A girl, but not just any girl.

I often find interesting things on the street, mostly because I'm always looking at the world around me, and so I make great finds. I passed by a church that has an elementary school, and I noticed that one young student must have had one heck of a good time with this book. 

BOO! Did I scare you?

Well-loved books, like beloved children's toys, come apart with heavy use, and this darling book about a little girl witch was no exception. As much as I make books to last (as part of my job), I also recognize them for what they are; precious objects that are also made for human use, especially by our littlest ones, who need them the most to learn. Besides, this girl loved finding it among the autumn leaves. 

It just seemed right.

No problem! I got it covered.

Mad about books?

http://www.pinterest.com/mariedoucette/reading-writing-books/

Fall, and school reading.

Books: The New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden, Abrams (2006).

A couple of mornings ago, I spied this on a shelf and I just had to look through it, because it called out loudly to me. The book turned out to be a two day deal: the night before, and then waking up to an open spread the next morning. 

It's an incredible layout, and the subject matter was so inspiring, it informed the photos I took around town this week of edible plants and gardens. Add in this unexpected nod to illuminated manuscripts, and that's the incredible power a great book has over us. It's unforgettable on so many levels. I use that power wisely.

What do books inspire you to do?

What's your favorite cover?

So the very next question I get after "What do you do for a living?" is: "What's your favorite book cover?" The answer is blessedly, and somewhat surprisingly simple, given my expert and professional familiarity with all things book-related:

It's the first story we know of in Old English (along with The Canterbury Tales), and it remains the defining, classically mythic tale of a warrior, a monster, and a quest. Along the way, Beowulf encounters every pitfall an epic hero must face: the trials, the tribulations, the doubts, the tests of character, the feats of strengths, and then the one flaw in his character leading to failure that, while momentary, results in an enormous fall from grace, and finally his battle and ultimate triumph of good over evil, which is the life every great person leads. It's the story of humanity, the stuff of legends, and it is the very nature of life itself. You don't get better than that.

Incidentally, while I'm here at home in the country, amongst the places I was raised, it seems fitting for me to thank my senior year H.S. English Lit teacher Mr. Bennett, for making us read aloud in class the original fable in Old English before we read the translation. It was hard, it was painful, and it was a lot of work, but in the end, I wouldn't be the publisher I am without that rock solid foundation. It formed the basis for my deep love and appreciation of the English language that has never abated, much maligned as it is worldwide as the blunt, simplistic business language of Capitalism, commerce, and money. To those of us who know this tongue well on a very deep and intimate level, it is every bit as mysterious, seductive, romantic, powerful, poetic, strong, lyrical and beautiful as the Indo-European, Norman, and Anglo-Saxon roots it sprung from, remaining an anomaly amongst the Romance and Latin-based languages of Western Europe. Rock on to Kublai Khan, Mr. Bennett. You are one cool dude. 

PS-Me and Karen totally spotted you riding your old car with the windows down on Main Street in Nyack back in the day (1987), shirtless and smiling. We waved to you and you waved back. What a great model you are for a purpose driven life. Kudos!

What do you do?

For me, the question is this simple, and it's this hard:



Welcome to Monday, people.

Edward Gorey

Today's “Google Doodle” is in remembrance of Edward Gorey, one of book illustrations' greats. If you've never seen his work, please explore his world and enjoy, but I suspect many of you have seen his handiwork without realizing it. You are looking at the works of a master. Happy Friday.

http://www.google.com/search?q=Edward+Gorey&oi=ddle&ct=edward_goreys_88th_birthday-1056005

You only get what you give

Yesterday I donated a slew of my books and CD's to the Brooklyn Public Library because I care deeply about literacy, education and the availability of free resources to my community. It's what keeps me going when even I don't know how I keep going sometimes—being here for you.

But giving away so much for free has created a deficit in my life that I cannot afford to continue and that's where you come in. Show your support for the arts and quality work for children by supporting your very favorite author and artist....c'est moi! 

By chipping in as little as $10, you give back a fraction of what's needed for me to do the work that I produce daily at my level of expertise and I bring all the rest. That's priceless and that's what I consistently deliver. 

You have an opportunity here to send out a message that you also care about exceptional work made for children along with all the other work that I give to out so freely: the original photography, the incredible artwork, and the stories you read that make you laugh, cry, and feel. By making a public donation on a site others can see, you also make a powerful statement about what matters most to you.

Your small amount helps me to continue advocating for children (and anyone else needs it) every day of my life. I give because it's my pleasure to do so. It's my vocation to be of service to you. I rarely ask for anything and never solely for personal gain. This can be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give back just a tiny fraction in comparison to all that I do.

Do it! Become part of a process that's greater than yourself. http://pubslush.com/books/id/84 

ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT

The Isle of the Dragonfly

Only 7 days left!

http://pubslush.com/books/id/84

A special "thank you" goes out to my downstairs neighbor for the free WiFi hookup because "The Man" cut me off. It means a lot to me. To the haters out there, same as always—fuck you and thanks. You keep me motivated.

Luscious Book Art

Brian Dettmer appeared on my radar some time ago. When I first saw his work, a flash went off on the inside of my skull. WOW! What gorgeous stuff!! Those of us who make books for a living have long revered the craft and fine art of bookmaking. 

Obviously so, since we make it into a career. For many of us, it's also a vocation seemingly without choice, since all paths lead us back to it—despite resistance within the workplace, practical obstacles like time and budget, and being underpaid next to workers of comparative expertise, skill level, or educational background.

You might have surmised by now that when I saw one of our beloved objects elevated to the height of a painting, I felt a sense of pride and vindication. Brian gets the dimensionality and inherent beauty of the book, worthy of appreciation like any other art form. 

The only question that remains for me is this: how can I afford to buy one on my salary? I'm open to a deal ;) 

Stay sharp and focused out there in the world today.

http://briandettmer.com/