Intro to Bookbinding: Self-Publishing Made Easy
Taught by Woody Leslie
Woody Leslie is an artist, bookmaker, cartoonist, and musician originally from Vermont, but now living in Brooklyn. He is the founder One Page Productions, an artist book printing press specializing in tiny books made from one sheet of paper (more at onepageproductions.com). Not only has he printed a wide range of titles through 1Pp, he has also self-published a multitude of handbound artist books, writings, comic books, and more.
Ever wanted to publish your own work in a book you could easily give to all your friends, or even sell? Poetry, memoir, stories, recipes, cartoons, photos, manifestos, you name it--here's the opportunity! In this two-part class everyone will self-publish a small edition of their own creation.
In the first class, we will begin by learning a variety of simple book structures--some folded, some sewn--all based around a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper, to facilitate easy production via digital printing or photocopying. With each book we will look at ways to easily format content (writing, pictures, or anything really) to fit the structures, through digital techniques, or cut and paste methods. Finally, we will discuss everyone's initial idea for what they might want to turn into a book, look at ways to match that to the structures we've learned, and how to turn it into a reality.
In the interim week, everyone will be given the assignment of creating, adapting, and formatting their own content for their desired book structure.
In the second class we will discuss production techniques for efficiently creating multiple books, and have workshop time to turn the printed sheets into the actual books. To cap it off, we will share our books with the rest of the class, to see what we have all created, and discuss where one can go from here. When it's all said and done, you'll have a small edition of your own book, the master sheets to print & produce as many more books as you want, and the knowledge and wherewithal to self-publish whatever you want, in a variety of methods, for the rest of your life.
Don't have an idea for what you might like to publish? Don't worry, our first class of structure-based work and discussion will no doubt get the wheels turning and inspire something. No experience necessary!