Tuesday 24 March 2015

Design Principles - What is a Book - Paper Selection

Design Principles
What is a book? 
Paper Selection

I considered a range of stock choices to print my final outcome on. I wanted a thick luxurious stock that would have a relatively high GSM to create a nice tactile feel that would complement the aesthetic of my design. I initially wanted to use a brilliant white stock however when discussing this with tutors they suggested looking at a more subtle colour such as off white. We also discussed a slightly more off white colour similar to bone as this would again reinforce the concept of my publication through the fractal element of the assembly timing my concept into every aspect of my design. 

I sent off for a range of paper samples from G F Smith which are an industry standard paper merchants founded in 1885. They specialise in high quality stock that would add a really high quality finish to my publication. I ordered a sample of colours however found my favourite to be Ice White. The 135 GSM gave a great texture however if chosen for my final stock choice would consider a slightly higher GSM to ensure the pages don't tear when manufacturing my final design. 



My other alternative was a paper sources from the college library shop, I sampled the Somerset antique white paper. Somerset is another established merchant as they are described as word leading traditional printmaking paper. This stock had a great tactile feel and was 250 GSM so would be robust enough to manufacture my final outcome. The colour was slightly off white which thought would work well in creating a more subtle aesthetic that has a slightly warmer tone to the stark white making it more appealing and friendly. 


I ultimately decided to choose the somerset antique white stock to print my final design on, I felt it was a better choice as it was readily available in the library shop and was vastly cheaper than the G F Smith stock. Its high GSM made it tactile and feel great in the hand this also ensured I could create the final outcome with less chance of the paper tearing. I was surprised that I liked the off white colour of the stock as I always envisioned a stark bright white as I felt this was contemporary however felt the off white added a slight character to the paper that I hope will enhance the design of my publication.

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