For the final project, I worked in a group with Ashley and Calvin. As a group, we discussed several topics before deciding on a final topic. We chose to do a publication on a recap of 2016. When we finally came to a decision, we started to brainstorm more ideas and events that went along with it. We included topics such as trends and challenges that were popular on social media, celebrities’ deaths, tragic events such as police brutally on civilians, and the president elect. After picking out the topics we wanted to express in our book, we discussed the look and content of it. We agreed to illustrate images to represent our topics. As for the content, we wrote down our opinions and a brief description towards the topic. As a group, we divided the work equally. For instance, each of us chose the topics we wanted to work on and illustrate.
Working in a group made me realize the importance of communication and expression towards a certain idea. In my opinion, it also made it easier to make a final decision. One challenge I faced during the process of the final project was managing the limited time frame to finish my spreads and to send out the final version for publication. Although it was a challenge, I managed to complete it. If I were able to do this again, I would just add more events to make a longer book.
We printed our book on MagCloud.com. It was a very helpful site since it provided a template and instructions on how to prepare the InDesign file for printing. MagCloud is also affordable and inexpensive. Our finished product was as expected. We were worried our numbered pages would be trimmed out, but thankfully they weren’t. I believe the color didn’t shift and looks exactly as our PDF file. As for the paper, I think it feels too thin and light in weight, but other than that it looks great. I would definitely print from MagCloud again and would recommend it.
Overall, I enjoyed making this book and working in my group. We all got along and took into consideration each other’s ideas and critiques. As for the class, I learned a lot of new things when it comes to printing. I’m glad I took this course and it will benefit me for my career.
PRINT PRODUCTION FOR DESIGNERS 