Exercise 1.3:​ Alternative Publications

Brief

Using your research into artists’ books and fanzines as a starting point, think about their physical or design qualities, and creatively apply some of these approaches to your own designs.

For example, there’s a distinctive visual quality to many fanzines which comes from a ‘cut and paste’ approach to designing and through the use of cheap photocopying and printing. Punk fanzines in particular make a virtue out of having limited resources, no computers and little, or no, formal training as graphic designers.

Use your sketchbooks to experiment with a similar ‘cut and paste’ approach by cutting and collaging magazines and other material.

What does this approach offer you as a book designer?

Alternatively, you can find other ideas you would like to test out in your sketchbook. You don’t need to make any finished designs, just give yourself room to experiment and try things out.

Qualities of Artist’s Books

•  3-dimensional
• Dual or multi-purpose
• Book as an object in its own right
• Texture
• Decorative

Qualities of Fanzines

• Physical and tactile
• Personal
• Stapled
• Low quality/lo-fi
• Grainy
• Black and white -two-toned
• Black on coloured paper
• DIY/punk – anyone can do it
• Anti-establishment
• Controversial content

Sketchbook Experiments

I really like the black and white, high contrast images accented with a bright Sharpie. The effect looks really striking and punky.

I really like the mixed fonts and bright colour blocks. It looks really dynamic.

Reflection

I really like this approach. I think it offers book designers a way of introducing texture and interest through including different materials, such as sugar paper and fabric. It’s also a great way to make text symbiotic with the design. I also love how fanzines cost nothing to make; they really make book design accessible to everyone.