2017 - Kristin Dunn bookbinding & design

Posted on December 11, 2017February 18, 2021 by kdbooks blog

Stationery & Invitation Display Binders

The National Stationery Show may not be until May, but we know our Stationery and Invitation Design clients are already abuzz with prepping and working on Brand Presentation. We’ve compiled a list of things to consider when dreaming up the perfect Stationery or Invitation design binder to help our new and rebranding clients get started.

#1 WHAT SIZE SHOULD I ORDER?

First thing to consider is page size. In general it is limited to the height of the binder mechanism, as well as the width of the rings. The standard ring mechanisms we carry come in an 11″ height and are black slanted D rings but we do have some other options available as well so let us know what you are hoping for and we will do our best to find something that will work for you.

Landscape binder covered in metallic Pearl with gold liners and custom foil stamping in matte gold for Second City Stationery.

Also keep in mind that the wider the rings on the binder mechanism, the wider the spine will need to be and the longer the cover will need to be. For example if you are using a 3″ mechanism a have a page width of 17 inches, the result will be a book cover that is over 20 inches wide which would become quite unwieldy to handle and page through.

#2 WHAT TYPE AND COLOR OF COVERING MATERIAL SHOULD I USE?

Another thing to consider is the color(s) of your cover and liners. Not only should you be thinking about how the colors will reflect your brand or your color forecast for the season ahead, you must also think about how much your book will be handled. If you will be displaying it as part of a booth at a convention or show, or showing it around to many clients and potentials, you will want it to wear well and be easy to clean. For this purpose, we recommend our metallic and coated bookcloths, especially for the outer cover of the binder.

For those who prefer the matte fabric of our linen bookcloth, we recommend scotch guarding as an option that will allow you to keep the binder cleaner. We recommend ordering a sample to practice on before you spray down your newly minted binder/s. If you are not sure which fabrics will work for your brand or line, you will want to request a few swatches of fabrics to compare your favorite options up close and in person before ordering your binder.

#3 WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PUT MY LOGO ON MY BINDER

Once you have the above decided, you will want to think about how to best showcase your logo and/or the name of your Stationery line. We offer options such as Foil Stamping, Screen Printing and Insets. There are of course, benefits and drawbacks to each of these choices.

Foil stamping is classic, and adds a pop of contrast or color along with the added texture of embossing. The color of the foils are limited, and for foil stamping and embossing, the size of the die is limited to about 2 inches x 7 inches. When having a custom die or dies made, consider how you want your logo to appear. Many of our clients wish to have customizations on the front cover and spine. Sometimes, out of style or necessity, the logo on the spine may differ slightly. If there is any question, you may want to inquire before placing your order.

We love the play of color tempature between the beautifully embossed foil stamping of Chaucer Road Paper’s custom logo in matte gold on the slate linen cover.

With screen printing, there is no limit to the color or number of colors used in your artwork, and the size of the printing is only limited to the size of your binder. However, screen printing is flat, and the foil and embossing have more texture.

Insets are an option that provides flexibility without compromising style. This option is great for a designer in transition, who is considering a logo rebrand, working with a limited production schedule (i.e.: cannot afford the time to wait for a custom die to be made), or who might want to reuse a binder again for a different line of product in the future. It’s also ideal if your branding involves a specific paper type or material (like an engraved metal plate) or photographic imagery.

Of course, you may wish to use a combination of techniques to personalize your binder, as shown below. Fig. 2 Design studio opted to utilize both insets and foil stamping, and also made great use of color to showcase their brand in a beautifully stunning way. To see more examples of beautiful Stationery and Invitation Presentation Binders, visit our gallery of past projects.

#4 HOW MANY DISPLAY BINDERS SHOULD I ORDER?

Now that you have decided on the dimension, color and personalization of your binder, let’s talk quantity. Do you sell to retailers or direct to clients or perhaps both? You might only need one to start off with, but if there’s a thought you might be sending some out to retailers or clients, it’s good to consider ahead of time, as the price per binder is cheaper when you order more than one.

#5 WHAT KIND OF RING BINDER PAGES SHOULD I USE?

Lastly, but no less importantly, you will want to consider page type in the context of the weight and thickness of the materials you work with, and what you wish to display in your stationery binder. It will be of utmost importance that the pages are sturdy enough for your heaviest invitation suite or line of stationery you will be displaying. We recognize that trends in invitation design are eclectic, ever evolving, and certainly not limited to paper. We recently added an option for reinforced 165 lb pages on our website in both white and ivory, and if heavier pages are needed, we are always willing to work on more custom orders, with the understanding that this might lengthen turnaround time. Please feel free to inquire!

We are here to answer any questions that you may have so please feel free to email or call us at 562-506-8548 to discuss your project.

Posted on November 9, 2017 by kdbooks blog

Client Profile #2 – Artist David Willardson

Our second featured client is David Willardson an LA based artist who approached us in 2010 to discuss building custom boxes to house limited edition print sets. We’ve been making these boxes for David ever since.

Bio:

American artist David Willardson is notable for having introduced and pioneered the rebirth of airbrush in the 60’s. While working as a commercial artist, he created some well remembered and particularly admired images, such as the “RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK” movie logo and the famous “AMERICAN GRAFFITI” Car Hop. He has created numerous Album Covers (THE BEACH BOYS, LITTLE RICHARD, STYX), Magazine Covers (ROLLING STONE, TIME, NEWSWEEK),

and memorable Movie Posters for Disney (“THE LITTLE MERMAID,” “ALADDIN,” “THE LION KING, and many more). For the past decade, Willardson has once again pioneered a new painting style, labeled by the Japanese market as “PEP ART” – action painting done with energy and passion.

What is your website address?

davidwillardson.com

How did you find your start in your current field?

While working with the Disney Studios creating their animation feature film movie posters, I decided to experiment

with a painting technique similar to Jackson Pollack (action painting with colorful paint splatters)…painting the classic

Disney characters i.e. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, etc. The Fine Art division of Disney heard about these paintings

and told me that they have a market for this work, and the market was Japan. That was 15 years ago.

What does a typical day of work look like for you?

The joy of being a fine artist is never having to set an alarm, and every day is an adventure – it is a “joy” to spend each day painting.

Who or what most inspires you at the moment?

I love looking at the work of other artists. I visit art shows and galleries as often as possible and I find inspiration in almost every show.

What is your dream project?

My dream project would be to do a “residency” show in Japan where I would work for 3 months at the Gallery, starting and completing a show in front of a daily audience. Many years ago, Keith Haring did exactly that same type of show. When he went to Japan to do the residency show, he was not well known. When he left to return to the U.S., he had over a thousand people following him to the airport. It was a huge success.

Describe the importance or significance of a professional presentation to you and your work?

Ten years ago, we presented a concept of housing four limited edition prints in a signature de-bossed, beautifully designed custom box. We presented to a group of 100 art collectors and if we had a 100 boxes available that afternoon, we would have sold every one of them. That was the beginning of creating a limited edition custom box set. We are still producing to this day and it truly is a beautiful art piece.

What aspects do you most love about your work?

Not only is every day a joy to paint, but my style of painting is such great fun, and I’ve always said if it’s not fun, I’m not gonna do it.

What are the most challenging?

There are not many deadlines, but when there are, that can be challenging.

What would you wish to share with a younger you, or someone just getting a start in your field?

My particular field requires passion – if you don’t have passion, the work will lack soul. Without passion and soul, it isn’t ART.

Thanks David for sharing your thoughts with us. Below are some images of the custom boxes we make for David and the prints that go into them. You can see more of David’s work at davidwillardson.com

Posted on October 26, 2017 by kdbooks blog

Client Profile #1 – Cindi Stephan: Photographer and owner of Two Irises in Kensington California

We are starting a new blog series called The Client Profiles. We love and appreciate our clients and want to share their unique and interesting stories with you. We will be focusing on the type of work they do and how they use our custom made products to enhance their creative careers and businesses. First up is Cindi Stephan a Bay Area wedding photographer who recently went through a very successful rebranding and reached out to us to produce some packaging for USB drives that she gives to her clients.

Bio:

Cindi Stephan, Owner, Photographer; Company: Two Irises – I’m a wedding and event photographer in the SF Bay Area and Wine Country. I approach wedding photography as a photojournalist. My aim is to document genuine emotion and to capture the unique story and personality of each couple and their wedding, limiting direction and staging to what can facilitate that end. I utilize natural light as much as possible and strive to create classic, timeless images.

What is your website address?

twoirises.com instagram: @twoirises

facebook.com/twoirises

How do you utilize your custom made Kristin Dunn Bookbinding & Design product for your business?

I present the final product, a custom bamboo usb drive with the full set of high resolution wedding photos, in a ribbon-tied drop spine flip top box designed and crafted by Kristin Dunn Bookbinding & Design. This presentation gives reverence to the treasure of their wedding day memories that I am presenting to my clients. I receive frequent and gracious comments on its loveliness.

What aspects do you most love about your work?

I love emotion and weddings are full of them – from anticipatory nervousness to awe and tears to private moments acknowledging the new status (“we are married!”) to the spoken sentiments of vows and toasts. It
isn’t uncommon for me to wipe away a few tears behind the camera. I am honored with a very privileged view of some of the most intimate and memorable moments in one’s life.

What are the most challenging?

Long hours of editing can be challenging. I love the work of editing, but I would prefer to spend fewer hours at my computer. However I am still attached to my own editing sensibilities so haven’t yet handed the job over to an assistant.

What would you wish to share with a younger you, or someone just getting a start in your field?

Be very humble. Don’t take on more than you are ready for. Providing the official wedding photos is a massive responsibility. Of all the things that could go wrong on a wedding day don’t let it be the photography. Do a LOT of second shooting to experience all the challenges, unexpected moments and obstacles, and observe a seasoned professional handle the challenging situations, both interpersonal and technical. After 17 years I still work as a second shooter on occasion to gain perspective and inspiration. Carry back-up equipment – be ready to carry on should any part of your gear malfunction, and back up everything!

Thanks to Cindi for being part of this series. Here are some of her images and be sure to visit her website www.twoirises.com

Posted on September 29, 2017February 18, 2021 by kdbooks blog

Employee Highlight: Alex Fridrich Ward

Brief introduction:

I started working as a printer for Kristin in 2012 and began working in the studio as her business grew. While I had some experience bookbinding before, I had never worked in such a focused environment where so much attention is paid to detail and the quality of the finished product. I learned most of my technique from Kristin, and I really appreciated her emphasis on efficiency of both time and materials.

How Did You Get Into Bookbinding?

I began bookbinding in college as a compliment to printmaking, which I was studying. At the time I was being introduced to the medium, I attended a exhibition of Jacob Samuel’s print portfolios. His stunning collaborations with some of my favorite artists gave me a framework for what I wanted to do.

Snapshot: What is an average day at work like for you?

While everyday includes different tasks I am most often at work cutting fabric and board, assembling boxes and glueing portfolios. I also screen print custom designs on book covers.

Favorite tools and materials:

That’s a tie between an Olfa cutter (the best small knife with breakaway blades) and the studio Kutrimmer (Kristin’s big paper and board cutter). Both are extremely sharp and effective!

Favorite type of project to work on at KDBooks?

Since I began bookbinding to expand my printmaking practice, I really enjoy when we get to create custom boxes for print portfolios. We did an amazing project with MOLAA last year that pushed our size boundaries to the limit creating a clamshell box for 22×30″ prints. Sometimes we only get to see these portfolios empty, in the studio before they are shipped off. But since we were working with a local museum and print studio, I got to see the finished project complete with prints.

Most challenging projects?

…are the best ones. I love complicated projects that require a lot of planning and forethought. The time really flies when you have to measure carefully and think every step through.

Favorite thing to listen to in the studio?

Democracy Now!, Ralph Nader Radio Hour, Rising Up with Sonali, the Aware Show with Lisa Garr… KPFK to be concise.

Other work/ jobs you care to talk about?

Outside of KDBooks I run the Collective Print Studio here in Long Beach. We provide fully equipped studio space to printmakers, offer community classes, and host print exhibitions.

Other Hobbies/interests?

I am an avid cook, cyclist, and yogi, though if you were to spend a few hours in the studio with us you would probably only know about the first one. We love to talk about food around here!

Ways your bookmaking skills translate in daily life?

Surprisingly, I am really excellent at building gingerbread houses now. I wouldn’t have guessed it but it requires basically the same skill set: patience and a light hand.

What I love most about this job:

I appreciate most the opportunity to be able to learn and practice this challenging medium. The only way to become truly proficient at this technique is to do it over and over.

Next Up: Kristin Dunn

Posted on September 26, 2017 by kdbooks blog

Employee Highlight: Rachel Hillberg

We thought it was about time we introduce the people who make up Kristin Dunn Bookbinding Design, so our clients, prospective clients and portfolio design friends can get to know us better.

Brief introduction:

I’ve worked as a studio assistant for Kristin Dunn Bookbinding and Design for four and a half years- almost as long as I’ve lived in Long Beach. Some of my specialties here include cutting and pressing insets, creating social media content and pretend eating the invisible food Kristin’s daughter Vanessa sometimes makes for us in the studio. I’m an avid bicycle commuter.

How Did You Get Into Bookbinding?

I’ve been interested in traditional bookbinding since I was a kid. I found a book in the craft section of the public library when I was 9 or 10 and thought it’d be fun to do that, but I don’t have access to that kind of machinery (big ream cutters, presses, and sewing frames). When I was getting my associates degree in studio art, a bookbinding class became available, and I took it the maximum amount of times you were allowed- which at the time was four. I learned that if you improvise, you can make books without all the fancy machinery and I fell in love.

Snapshot: What is an average day at work like for you?

My day involves what you might expect an art studio assistant to do: organizing the studio space, packing shipments, sometimes answering emails, and creating content to populate the blog and various social media venues. Kristin gives me a lot of creative freedom with blog and Instagram posts, which I enjoy.

I also help construct the portfolios, binders and boxes we make.

Favorite tools and materials:

I don’t go anywhere without my bone folder. Last year at our company Christmas party Alex gave Kristin and I both these beautiful agate bone folders she found at a printmaking convention. I love it! I wish all tools were as beautiful as they are utilitarian. On that note I also love the vintage book press we have in the studio. It’s a great throwback to the rich history of bookmaking.

Favorite type of project to work on at KDBooks?

A lot of my own personal artwork involves miniatures, so I’d probably have to say smaller works are my favorite, especially invitation presentation folders. I love the idea that they will contain a special message from a bride and groom or the host of a fancy party, and will be held and treasured by some lucky recipient. Small scale things are so precious and convey intimacy, and I like to daydream about them taking on a life of their own once they leave our studio and are filled with custom stationery.

Most challenging projects?

Larger boxes, especially notched clamshells. These kinds of boxes require a lot of precision, but you also need to work fast with larger works, so the glue doesn’t dry before you’ve smoothed the backcloth down.

Large orders of smaller boxes or invitation folders can be challenging in a different way, because repetition can be tedious. But I’ve really grown to love repetitive tasks. Not only can it be very meditative, I’m always especially proud of myself after churning out a lot of something. I’ve always had a really short attention span, so on a very personal level, I feel like it’s representative of personal growth for me.

Favorite thing to listen to in the studio?

Podcasts! If Vanessa isn’t in the studio it’s usually My Favorite Murder- I’m a lifelong crime fiction and true crime enthusiast. I wanted to be Nancy Drew when I was a kid. I also listen to a lot of Maximum Fun shows. If Vanessa or her friends are around, nothing with swears, so it’ll be Shmanners or Still Buffering.

Other work/ jobs you care to talk about?

I also work as a freelance artist and designer and have made practicals/props for an indie TV show called the Friendless Five on ATT’s Fullscreen network. I made a lot of vintage looking envelopes, letters and posters, along with a set of books.

I also have a miniature stationery company called Tiny Telegrams, where I do a lot of work in codes and ciphers for holidays, birthdays, weddings and other fun occasions.

Other Hobbies/interests?

I play ukulele and sing, just for fun. A group of my friends have a weekly music night. I also enjoy gardening, reading.

Ways your bookmaking skills translate in daily life?

I’m very in demand with friends and family who are planning weddings or having babies. I’m focused on quality, and especially picky with paper quality, with is a blessing and a curse, I suppose.

I do enjoy that I find myself critiquing and often appreciating little details like restaurant menus while I’m out and about. Most people probably don’t look at things like that, but I think about how many of those little details are made by bookbinders like us. That’s pretty cool.

What I love most about this job:

There’s a lot I love about this job, so it’s hard to pick just one. Any day I can work with Kristin or Alex. I’m an extrovert and I like to work and talk when I’m able to. Alex is a certified yoga instructor, so sometimes on Monday mornings she’ll lead us in an hour of yoga before work. That’s my favorite way to start the work week.

And then, of course, there are the portfolios. I have a job making things, so that’s the dream!

Next up, Alex Fridrich Ward!

Posted on September 18, 2017February 18, 2021 by kdbooks blog

Foil Stamping vs Screen Printing

There’s nothing more satisfying that seeing your brand in print. Whether it be on letterhead, mailers, T-shirt or in the case of our discussion on a professionally made custom portfolio book, ring binder or clamshell box. It just screams success, “I’ve arrived”, “Look at me” and most importantly “Look at what I am presenting to you”.

There are a number of techniques that can be used to print your logo onto your custom made portfolio book. The first process we will discuss here is called Foil Stamping.

FOIL STAMPING

Foil Stamping is a heat process in which a metal die is inserted into the foil stamping machine, it’s heated up, and then with a lot of pressure the image is transferred from a strip of colorful foil to your presentation piece. The metal die is raised in the areas that will print and is recessed in the negative space.

What people love about foil stamping is that it creates a very rich solid color unlike any other process. Some foils are matte and some are glossy but they all have a finish that is smooth and consistent. This process also creates an impression into the book cover from the heat and the pressure. The pressure from the machine is distributed evenly over the raised surface of the die so if it’s a very small die the impression will go deeper because there are more pound per square inch whereas with larger dies the pressure will be spread over that larger area and the impression will be shallower. The same goes with the types of lines used in the artwork. If there is a large solid area the impression will be shallower whereas with the thin lines of a font which will press more deeply into the book or box cover.

While foil stamping does produce an amazing and truly impressive image it does have a few drawbacks. This process doesn’t work well with very fine lines or photographic images, it is really best for straightforward graphic images, text and lines that are no thinner than 1/16″. If the lines are too fine the metal can actually break down from the pressure. If there are both thin lines and bold areas in the same artwork the amount of pressure needed to print the bold areas of color will end up overprinting the detailed area. Secondly the colors are limited and quite finicky. We are not able to exactly match logo colors and while there are hundreds of colors of foils out there, they don’t universally print on all fabrics and will all style of artwork so it requires a lot of experimenting and testing to know if a particular color will work with your artwork and on the surface that you chose. For this reason the foil stamping colors that are available on our website are limited to some basic colors. If you are wishing to use a color that you don’t see please let us know. If you do require a specific color screen printing may be the better option or you can opt for a blind emboss (deboss) which has no color, just the impression of the image as seen in the image above.

PROS

-rich smooth color

-beautiful impression

-classic professional look

CONS

-cost

-limited colors

-doesn’t lend well to very fine lines or photographic images

-limited size

-cannot layer colors

SCREEN PRINTING

Screen printing is a great and virtually limitless alternative to foil stamping. When you place your order we will send you a digital template showing the boundaries of cover and the fabric. You will plug in the color separated artwork, creating a separate file for each color and email those back to us. From that artwork a fine meshed screen is made where the negative space is blocked out so that the ink cannot go through in those areas. Where the mesh is exposed a thin layer of ink can be pushed through and onto the surface. Multiple colors can be layered using a sophisticated registration process and the colors of your logo can be matched exactly.

We can cover an entire portfolio in screen printing, the only size limitation is the size of the screen which is almost always larger than the book that is being printed so these limitations are very seldom an issue. The printing can wrap around the spine and onto the back of the book or box as seen in the image below or even run off the edges of the book. This process can be a lot of fun and can really test the limits of the traditional formal artist presentation. We can help you navigate this process so please reach out with any questions you may have. Below is a breakdown of the Pros and Cons of Screen Printing

PROS

-any color can be matched

-any number of colors can be layered

-there is no size limitation

-image can wrap around edges and spine of book or box

CONS

-color may not seem as rich or vibrant as foil stamping

-there is no impression into the surface

-production time, screen printing will add a week to production time

If you have any questions about either of these processes or which would best apply to your artwork and project please call or email kristin@kdbooks.com. We’d love to hear from you

Posted on February 25, 2017 by kdbooks blog

Choosing a Format: Landscape, Portrait or Square?

We’re going to start a series of posts I’m informally calling Which Portfolio Presentation is Right for Me?

Where we’ll cover everything from the basics: Style, size and color, and structure to the tiny details that can set you apart- embossing, color blocks, insets, screen printing. Let’s start with maybe the most basic decision, but an important one nonetheless. Landscape or portrait? Which one is the best to showcase you and what you do? We find that the same sorts of people working in similar media and fields tend to gravitate towards similar styles of portfolio, and with good reason.

Landscape or Horizontal Orientation:

Architects, Photographers, Industrial & Lifestyle Designers.

Many of our landscape portfolios, especially those that lay flat, are perfect for two page spreads for panoramics and- even for those who may work a lot in more vertical, portrait oriented work- fantastic for showcasing dyptics and triptics or photos alongside text.

Album for my own Wedding- Photos by Lisa Callamaro

Rodney Richards sleek photography Portfolio. His logo and his work are stunning.

Overall, the 11 x 14 landscape hidden screwpost portfolio is
our most in-demand style for visual artists. Some prefer our 11 x 17 inch landscape portfolios for extra horizontal space.

Portrait or Vertical Orientation:

Portrait Artists and photographers, business manuals,
playwrights, restauranteurs (the 11 x 8.5 inch format makes a gorgeous menu)

Handsome Portrait format Hidden Screwpost Menus for Miro Whiskey Room*

Sharp Portrait Format Photos in the Portrait Format Portfolio of David Lopez *

Portrait Format Portfolio Showcasing the Gorgeous Photographic Portraits by Joy Wong*

And, lest we forget, the Square Format!

This is both a sleek and versatile option. Adored by analogue photographers and those who love the symmetry and timelessness of square format. The 12 x 12 inch Coffee Table Style Portfolio is also a favorite for those wanting a custom book to hold those precious family
memories: for everything from baby books to Wedding albums!

Coffee Table Square format baby book for a bookbinder’s daughter

Be Unique and Unexpected!

Know your style and trust your gut- no one knows your branding more than you. Just because you paint or design or shoot primarily in the vertical does not mean you necessarily need to use a portrait style portfolio or vice versa.

Beautiful Landscape format Photos by David Lopez displayed in his Portrait format portfolio

Mixing it up! David Lopez keeps it interesting with mixed format photographs in his portrait style portfolio

The above from David Lopez’s Portfolio show a prime example of how gorgeous and unexpected playing with the negative space of your page can be in highlighting your work.

We know how difficult it can be selecting a portfolio style can be. While there are many options to choose from it doesn’t have to be a paralyzing decision. Remember that each format has it’s benefits and hopefully the examples we’ve shared with you today give you some ideas.

It may also help to make a few mockups of your layout either InDesign or IRL- wherever you do your best work!

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Kristin Dunn

Bookbinding and the Unexpected Everyday Object

Custom bookbinding is an old tradition and pretty niche
industry. Whether a binder makes handsewn embossed leather tomes or sleek modern structures like our screwpost portfolios, albums and portfolio boxes, most of us in this industry got into our profession, at least in part, because of our love of books: their form, their varied structures and their roles in our everyday lives: as beautiful and protective capsules for important text, images and information. But every so often a job calls for us to reframe our roles as bookmakers to create something a little more unorthodox.

We enjoyed our recent collaboration with Garnica Interiors to create these beautiful and hardy boxes as a smart clutter
solution for a client’s laundry room. The larger of the boxes features a
magnetic front for easy access as it will sit high on a shelf, and the custom
turquoise color ordered specifically for these boxes matches the tile in the
room. We hope for photos and can’t wait to see how they are incorporated in the
space.

This recent job also brings to mind the deceptively simple
flax linen storage boxes we made for another of Garnica’s clients a while back, among other home furnishing orders. These sleek, utilitarian containers are all function without sacrificing form, with the quiet power to transform a domestic or working space into a more serene, productive space.

Days like these have us thinking it might be time to really
step up our own laundry room game! Why not update the old Ikea Kallas with something a little more chic and coordinated to the room’s color scheme? Why suffer flimsy corrugated file boxes or that weird junk shelf under the entryway table when you have hearty bookboard and a variety of bookcloth colors to choose from?