Print, design and bind: a book in a week

What is the course about?

This course is ideal for those who are interested in experimenting with three-dimensional printmaking in the form of artists’ books. On this course you will be able to develop and produce your own artist’s book by combining image, text and structure in a series of workshops supported by specialists in each field.

What will we cover?

This intensive course is designed to develop your ideas by combining printmaking and book arts. We will explore the relationship between the content and structure of the book by experimenting with print techniques and a range of book styles which will culminate in a unique hand-made book exploring composition, sequence, narrative, space and structure. You are encouraged to follow your own interests and the workshop format of the course will support the development of your ideas. There will be a mixture of group demonstrations and individual tutorial support. At the start of the course there will be an introduction to basic bookbinding skills and structures and as you develop your individual projects, further structures and skills will be demonstrated as required.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Select and use appropriate materials and processes to produce content for books
• Make a range of models using a range of book arts structures
• Experiment with printmaking and bookbinding techniques
• Demonstrate an understanding of the book structure in relation to its contents.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for all levels although some experience in printmaking and/or bookbinding may help you to maximise the content of this course.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, to use the hand-outs which support demonstrations and to follow health and safety information, and you may also be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This course is suitable for all levels although some experience in printmaking and/or bookbinding may help you to maximise the content of this course.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, to use the hand-outs which support demonstrations and to follow health and safety information, and you may also be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
The course is part taught and part workshop-based to accommodate a range of skill levels, processes and techniques. Teaching will consist of demonstrations, one-to-one tutorials and group discussions. Hand-outs will accompany demonstrations. You will be encouraged to investigate the current and historical literature on the subject, and will be informed of publications and events which may be of interest. You will find it helpful to prepare materials and develop work outside of class hours.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All basic materials are provided. It is recommended that you bring visual source material i.e. photos, postcards sketchbooks, drawings as inspiration and a notebook is useful. As your project develops you may wish to provide your own bookbinding materials and advice will be given on this by your tutor.

Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You might like to pursue this subject by enrolling on one of the longer more intensive courses or continue your exploration by pairing short skills courses. For example:
- VS016 Japanese woodcut and VD416 Bookbinding: Japanese books and boxes
- VS994 Silkscreen for Graphic arts and VD419 Bookbinding: experiments in paper folding or VD292 Bookbinding: learn to bind artists' books.