The Ephemera Sketchbook is a project borrowed from the previous book design professor at MSU. It was modified to fit the needs of the course as I designed it. Students would be introduced to the Drum
Ephemera Sketchbook This assignment will span the entire semester and will culminate the week before classes end. Throughout the semester I would like you to collect and create an archive of printed ephemera that inspires you. The material you collect may be anything: photographs, typefaces, signs, ads, colors, textures, paper, icons, patterns, textiles, postcards, etc. You can even use your own sketches and drawings.
Leaf Bind, and have the opportunity to use the entire semester to create the book
Near the end of the semester you should have accumulated a large archive of "things" that can be used as content for a book. You may scan, photocopy, in black and white or color, or use the actual materials, as long as they can fit nicely into the book. The materials you collect may be taken out of context. For example if you find an image in an ad you enjoy, you could enlarge and deconstruct it to be a full spread in the book instead of using the entire ad. The final collection will be compiled into a book that is approximately 8" (wide) × 10" (tall) and constructed with the DRUM LEAF BIND. This will allow you to create spreads throughout the semester (if you choose). I suggest using a thicker paper as your base, so that your construction will be a bit easier. The completed book will not simply be a bunch of items slapped together and bound. This will be an exercise in craft and formal composition. You must consider white space, relationship of type and image, color, page placement, cropping and scale. You will also need to consider the front and back of the pages. The final book is based on what inspires you, but it should also be inspiring to others. Find the beauty in the simple things. The following will need to be present in your book: cover (front & back), title page, half title page, at least 12 spreads and a colophon. Altered Book Start by going to a used bookstore and find a book that interests you. Purchase the book (please spend no more than $15) and bring it back to your workspace. Using some of the techniques we have learned so far with regard to the book arts, begin to alter your book to tell a new story. Experiment with cutting, sewing, tearing, folding, etc., and give the book a new life. Be prepared to discuss what
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you have done to the book to change not only its outer appearance, but its communicative concept. Be creative and explore this new medium. You will also need to create a new title for your piece and have that present somewhere on your new altered book. You will be evaluated on how innovative you are with use of materials and how well you manipulate the materials to convey your concept. Instant Book Using the folding techniques we have learned in class, create an instant book of your own. Develop an idea for a concept that you feel will best suit the instant book format. Consider all parts of the book and what it looks like opened and closed. Also think about how you will design the entire experience for the reader. You should pay special attention to color, texture, type, image and materials and how these elements communicate to the reader. This book will be completely handmade, NO COMPUTER. With this in mind, how does it affect your approach to the project? Be prepared to discuss your book in class. You may use any size paper you feel will best express your concept. You may glue, sew, cut, etc., but everything must be made by hand. Concrete Book part 1 Now that we have learned a little bit about concrete poetry and concrete books, I would like you to create your own concrete book. You will be given a word which you will need to translate into the form of a book. We have learned that the “book” is not necessarily pages with words placed between two covers. It can be much more than that. It can be an object that expresses emotion and ideas. It can be an object of art. How can you express an idea or a concept by using the form of the book? Think about how color, texture and the tactile experience can enhance the idea of your book. You may use any material you like to create your piece, but you may not use any typography or images in this exploration. Your book must have leaves and some sort of a spine (the defining characteristics of a book), but the rest is up to you. More than one person will have the same word, but this should not worry you as there are many solutions do design challenges. Concrete Book part 2 Using typography, create a new version of your book. Does this improve or strengthen your concept? You may use the