Dec 06 2015
The Basics of Book Design, Inside and Out

The Basics of Book Design, Inside and Out

Presented by Indiana Writers Center at Indiana Writers Center

Instructor: Andrea Boucher

People really do judge a book by its cover, so learn how to make one that catches the eye and entices the reader to take a closer look. In the first part of this four-hour class, students will learn how to evaluate a text for key words, underlying themes, and important images that they can turn into a cover concept that fully conveys the author’s vision and gives the book its “feel”. We’ll talk about fonts, tools, tips, tricks, and resources available to you as a designer. We’ll also talk about design clichés to avoid and rules that can be broken—not everything needs to be centered.

But book design doesn’t end there: the interior matters as well. The second part of the class focuses on interior design, from the front matter to running footers to drop caps. Students will learn what fonts to use for readability and appeal, the value of white space and proper leading, and what the heck a gutter margin is.

The thing to remember about book design is this: While you do have guidelines to follow, ultimately, this is an exercise in creativity. This class will teach you design parameters while also showing you how to conceptualize and create a book that is its own work of art, something that matches the beauty of the writing it contains. (As a follow-up to the class, students will have the option of emailing the instructor one of their cover designs for feedback.)

Note: No Photoshop or InDesign experience is required. The focus of the class is concept and guidelines, not the use of software to execute the designs.

Admission Info

$76 Nonmembers, $52 members, $44 student members/teacher members/senior members/military members

Dates & Times

2015/12/06 - 2015/12/06

Location Info

Indiana Writers Center

812 E. 67th St., Indianapolis, IN 46220