The Process-Consultation
The business of repairing books is a complex process, that requires participation from both the client and binder. Some of the best projects I have worked on have been due to establishing a great relationship with some fabulous, and engaged clients. I'd like to take a moment to describe a bit of the process involved in repairing books, starting with the initial consultation, to give a sense of how this work comes together.
The first step to a successful start is always a consultation. When someone brings you a ziplock bag containing 1000 pages of something that looks like this:
be well advised that a lengthy discussion will ensue. In order to do the best job I possibly can, there are a few things that I need to know:
What does this book mean to you?
Is this a book that has sentimental value, are there specific parts that have special meaning, such as a dedication, or a particular image that you want to retain? Is it critical that the book look as much like it originally did when new, or can it be altered with the addition of new materials. Is this a rare collector's item, or a contemporary paperback? How you feel about your book will help guide the most appropriate treatment for the piece. I have many clients who have brought me books that could inexpensively be replaced with new copies. But, for a lot of readers there is a special value to the particular copy they own, and a replacement just won't do.
How do you want the finished piece to be able to function?
Is this a coffee table book, or a volume that spends a lot of time on the shelf, or is it a heavily read, well-traveled companion? Will this book be handled by children, or a very cautious and mindful adult? Will you be using it to cook Christmas dinner, or lounging with it in the tub? Usage patterns, as well as proper storage considerations, must be discussed to give your book the best chance for a functional future.
When I work with clients on what I like to call, "new construction" or custom books and journals, the questions go a bit further.
What is your project about, and what do you need it to communicate?
Particularly for projects such as artists portfolios, developing a strong concept for both the look and feel of the book is critical. Having a good sense of a client's vision and purpose helps the translation of ideas into suitable material choices, colors, and sizes. In developing a portfolio piece for a food stylist, we chose a pink suede to cover the exterior of her book, giving a tactile quality and impact that is often overlooked and generic in many portfolios.
As the book would need to be shipped often to prospective clients for review, we designed a foam padded slipcase that housed and protected the portfolio, while still looking attractive.
When the oversize print copy became too much of a burden to ship, we developed a smaller enclosure and concept to market a digital portfolio.
All of these decisions were successful because of a great discussion with a client who was clear about her needs, and also open to new suggestions, and materials.
While this may seem obvious when working with artists, a client's needs and vision for their project are always invaluable to achieving a great result. I try to encourage the right dialogue to help clients give me the information I need to make good choices for materials and design, and also to properly educate them about my skills, and the choices they have available. In a consultation meeting, I can provide swatches and samples of materials used, show actual examples of finished work, and answer any questions about the process involved. This is a great opportunity for clients to be creative and involved in the development of their finished product.
While phone conversations, and emails are helpful, I generally prefer to speak with clients in person when at all possible. While I am happy to share my general thoughts, I must have the book in hand before I can make any comments regarding repairs, as many factors influence the ability to accomplish certain types of treatments. Regarding repair work, I have learned that many clients tend to either underestimate or overestimate the work involved in completing their project. It's always best to bring it by, to find out all of the options available to you.
Red Letter Bindery always offers free consultations and estimates for your project, so feel free to call us for a no-pressure discussion to find out more.
The first step to a successful start is always a consultation. When someone brings you a ziplock bag containing 1000 pages of something that looks like this:
be well advised that a lengthy discussion will ensue. In order to do the best job I possibly can, there are a few things that I need to know:
What does this book mean to you?
Is this a book that has sentimental value, are there specific parts that have special meaning, such as a dedication, or a particular image that you want to retain? Is it critical that the book look as much like it originally did when new, or can it be altered with the addition of new materials. Is this a rare collector's item, or a contemporary paperback? How you feel about your book will help guide the most appropriate treatment for the piece. I have many clients who have brought me books that could inexpensively be replaced with new copies. But, for a lot of readers there is a special value to the particular copy they own, and a replacement just won't do.
How do you want the finished piece to be able to function?
Is this a coffee table book, or a volume that spends a lot of time on the shelf, or is it a heavily read, well-traveled companion? Will this book be handled by children, or a very cautious and mindful adult? Will you be using it to cook Christmas dinner, or lounging with it in the tub? Usage patterns, as well as proper storage considerations, must be discussed to give your book the best chance for a functional future.
When I work with clients on what I like to call, "new construction" or custom books and journals, the questions go a bit further.
What is your project about, and what do you need it to communicate?
Particularly for projects such as artists portfolios, developing a strong concept for both the look and feel of the book is critical. Having a good sense of a client's vision and purpose helps the translation of ideas into suitable material choices, colors, and sizes. In developing a portfolio piece for a food stylist, we chose a pink suede to cover the exterior of her book, giving a tactile quality and impact that is often overlooked and generic in many portfolios.
As the book would need to be shipped often to prospective clients for review, we designed a foam padded slipcase that housed and protected the portfolio, while still looking attractive.
When the oversize print copy became too much of a burden to ship, we developed a smaller enclosure and concept to market a digital portfolio.
While this may seem obvious when working with artists, a client's needs and vision for their project are always invaluable to achieving a great result. I try to encourage the right dialogue to help clients give me the information I need to make good choices for materials and design, and also to properly educate them about my skills, and the choices they have available. In a consultation meeting, I can provide swatches and samples of materials used, show actual examples of finished work, and answer any questions about the process involved. This is a great opportunity for clients to be creative and involved in the development of their finished product.
While phone conversations, and emails are helpful, I generally prefer to speak with clients in person when at all possible. While I am happy to share my general thoughts, I must have the book in hand before I can make any comments regarding repairs, as many factors influence the ability to accomplish certain types of treatments. Regarding repair work, I have learned that many clients tend to either underestimate or overestimate the work involved in completing their project. It's always best to bring it by, to find out all of the options available to you.
Red Letter Bindery always offers free consultations and estimates for your project, so feel free to call us for a no-pressure discussion to find out more.
Posted by Jen at 1/14/2010 2:17 PM 
Categories: Binding and book repair at Red Letter
Tags: the repair process bookbinding consultation book repair conservation
Categories: Binding and book repair at Red Letter
Tags: the repair process bookbinding consultation book repair conservation
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