Task 3(A) – Book Printed
26/9/2024 - 7/11/2024 (Week 1 - Week 7)
Tiffany Tan Xuan (0362472)
Publishing Design / Bachelor of Design (Hon) in Creative Design
Task 3(A) – Book Printed
INSTRUCTION
LECTURES
Content included:
Book Contents PDF
Visuals PDF
Book Layout - References
Chosen Grid
Typesetting
Heading: Gluten Medium
Body Text: Poppins Regular
Font Size: 8pt
leading: 15pt
Progression of book - Content Layout
Progression of printing the book
Printing my book More Than a Number was supposed to be the final, triumphant step in a long creative journey. I envisioned holding the finished product in my hands, flipping through the pages of something that carried not just my words but my heart. Little did I know, this last stretch would teach me lessons in patience, resilience, and the importance of clear communication.
The first printing shop I went to was bustling with activity. Printers hummed, workers moved around in a frenzy, and I stood there, waiting for someone to notice me. I tried to catch the attention of one of the staff, but everyone seemed buried in their tasks. After a long wait, I finally managed to speak to someone and explained that I needed string-stitch binding for my book. I also specified the type of paper I wanted for the pages.
To my surprise, the person I spoke to barely acknowledged my instructions. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding or a lack of communication, but they didn’t ask me for further details. I assumed they understood what I wanted. Unfortunately, when the book was handed to me, it wasn’t bound with string stitches as I had requested—it was spring-bound.
At that moment, disappointment washed over me. I felt a pang of helplessness as I stared at the book, which didn’t look the way I had imagined. It wasn’t just about the binding; it felt like a missed opportunity to bring my vision to life.
Still, I decided to show it to Mr. Hijjaz and hope for the best. As expected, he rejected the book. It wasn’t a surprise, but it was still a moment of reckoning. I knew I had to redo it. Yet, I wasn’t disheartened. I had already prepared myself mentally for this possibility.
Determined to get it right this time, I visited a different printing shop. From the moment I walked in, the experience was completely different. A friendly aunty greeted me with a warm smile and immediately asked how she could help. I explained my requirements, and unlike my previous experience, she took the time to listen carefully.
She asked questions to clarify my needs and even explained the different materials available for printing. When I mentioned wanting staple binding, she taught me something new: for staple binding to work, the number of pages must be divisible by four. It was a simple detail, but it highlighted how much I still had to learn about the technical side of book printing.
Her patience and attention to detail reassured me that I was in the right place. It wasn’t just a transactional experience; it felt collaborative. She walked me through every step, ensuring I understood the process and that the final product would match my expectations.
When I finally held the reprinted book in my hands, it was everything I had hoped for. The size was perfect—17.6 cm by 25 cm (B5)—and the staple binding gave it a polished, professional look. Flipping through the pages, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
The process wasn’t smooth, but it was rewarding. Each obstacle taught me something valuable, from the importance of clear communication to the need for patience and adaptability.
Final Submission - Book - E-Book - Link
Link of E-book - https://online.fliphtml5.com/tilds/ecoi/
REFLECTION
Looking back, the first printing shop was a stark contrast to the second. The frustration I felt at the first shop wasn’t just about the mistake—it was about feeling unheard. Communication is crucial, and the lack of it can derail even the best-laid plans.
In the second shop, I learned the value of finding the right people to work with. The aunty didn’t just help me print a book; she empowered me with knowledge. Her guidance made me realize how important it is to choose collaborators who care about your vision as much as you do.
I also reflected on the importance of perseverance. The rejection from Mr. Hijjaz could have been discouraging, but it became an opportunity to do better. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, I focused on what I could improve.
Printing More Than a Number was more than just a task; it was a journey. It reminded me that setbacks are part of the creative process and that every challenge carries a lesson. The final product wasn’t just a book—it was a testament to perseverance, learning, and growth.
If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from this experience, it’s that obstacles are not the end of the road. They are stepping stones, pushing us to improve and reminding us of the resilience we carry within. And for that, I am grateful.
Comments
Post a Comment