Book Arts for Designers

Adrienne Hooker, assistant professor, Louisiana Tech University

A revival of the handmade is here. A desire for tactility is ever-present in contemporary design. Students effectively create this quality in the fully interactive digital realm of complex ornamentation and organic patterning. However, they forget the original interactive experience—the narrative of a book. Students must be able to craft a unique physical experience as well as a digital environment. With knowledge of a few simple binding techniques, students can create quick, yet memorable, handmade forms for teasers, leave-behinds, and personalized portfolios in conjunction with already intricate web sites and online resumes. In this fast-pace, hands-on workshop you will learn to use the basic terminology, techniques, and tools of traditional bookmaking. Highlighted techniques in the exploration of book forms will include folded structures, pamphlet stitches, and single sheet exposed binding. Each participant will make these forms to take with them, along with instructional handouts, as learning examples for classroom inclusion.

Participants: 12 maximum, 5 minimum

Level: beginning; no prior book arts knowledge is necessary