OUGD504 PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT

I began thinking seriously about the production of my publication and what materials specifically I wanted to use and most importantly why. I began with the creation of the grid that I would use throughout the the publication. I want my publication has to resemble the key features of a headstone without being too literal so when creating the grid, I had the idea to place the contents of the book in the same place as the main features of a grave. To do this I studied my previous images from the summer task and made an average of the location of the main type and imagery. I also created an average on dimensions of the graves to help me decide on the size of the publication. I then sized the dimensions down to a more compatible size for ease of use. I also created a specific spot on the grid where the images will be placed. The pages will not be printed double side for the simple reason that gravestones are only chiselled upon one side. It also allows the audience to view each page as perhaps an individual piece, instead of being overwhelmed with imagery.

When considering the binding technique, I referred back to the memorial masonry and how they would use nothing but their bare hands. Having this in mind I didn't want to use any synthetic techniques or use anything made using any form of technology. One idea I had was to not even have the book bound at all and have each page be individual with no tie. This idea came from the fact that each grave in a graveyard is separate and has no real link between one another. I considered using perfect binding as that would create a real clean and professional aesthetic, but of course that would involve using glue so I have crossed that off the list. Finally I want to experiment with pamphlet stitching. I think if I create more holes in the spine when stitching I could create a tighter relationship between the pages. This will hopefully create a really strong bond between the pages. I want the book to feel really professional to resemble the time and effort that the masons would put into their work. 

Finally when considering the materials being used I once again referred back to memorial masonry. The masons would use only natural resources from the earth with no outside alteration. This gave it the aesthetic that we see today on old gravestones. Ideally I'd like to use paper made from stone for the cover to keep the publication as genuine as possible. Then for the paper stock within the book, I'd use 100% naturally sourced paper or recycled material paper to keep the theme natural theme. One aspect I wanted to the book to have was I wanted it to be really heavy to show connotations of death and gravestones. I feel like the word 'heavy' in general relates quite well to this in several ways both physically and emotionally. I would do this by lining a heavy material such as lead in between the cover and front and back pages. This is so you couldn't see it and would not cloud the aesthetic but would add a grand weight to the publication.