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Maker's Manual: Learning through test books.
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Maker's Manual
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Ever made a test book? This is your sign to try.
Test books are simply an early version of your printed project—a
low-pressure working draft to see how your images, type size, layout, and paper choices actually look in final form. Blurb creative ambassador and pro photographer Dan Milnor is a longtime believer, and walks through his approach in his post below.
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One trip.
Five possibilities.
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After teaching a workshop in Morocco,
Dan set out to make a book
to capture the trip—which meant making five test books.
Here’s what he created, and what he learned.
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Book #1: 7x7-in layflat photo book, Mohawk Superfine Eggshell paper, Matte cover
Because he took landscape photos on this trip,
a layflat worked well as
he didn’t lose any details in the gutters, and could see his photos
stretch across two pages.
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Book #2: 6x9-in paperback book, Standard Color paper, Matte cover
This test book focused on the city of Chefchaouen, also called The Blue Pearl for its famous blue hues. This book reminded Dan to note mini-themes within a larger project.
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Book #3: 10x8-in softcover photo book, Mohawk Superfine Eggshell paper, Matte ImageWrap cover
The big finding from this test book? The size is right. “It’s large enough to show off your work, and small enough to carry,” Dan said.
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Book #4: 13x11-in photo book, Oatmeal linen cover with a matte dust jacket, Mohawk proPhoto Pearl paper
Dan’s biggest, boldest book turned out to be his most beautiful. With more room, he was able to let images truly breathe. Plus, the linen cover adds
a premium touch.
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Book #5: 6x9-in Wire-O notebook, Standard Color paper, Matte cover
Venturing away from photo books, Dan found
his Wire-O experiment to
be successful. He loved that it lays flat, has room for notes, and it is
totally customizable.
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Explore paper before you print
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Thinking about creating a test book? Start with a swatch kit.
Compare papers and color before bringing your first draft to life.
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