Making dummies

At some point in the design process, a concept needs to be made tangible. Today, the possibilities for digitally suggesting tactility are easily accessible—whether it’s a T-shirt, menu, mug, magazine, or book, an online digital mock-up can be created in no time.

However, both designers and clients often prefer a physical dummy that conveys the tactility and characteristics of the final product. Only then can you truly see the actual size, feel the real weight, and experience the texture of the chosen paper.

In this course, you will create three book dummies. You will assemble a book block and learn three different binding techniques, each with its own characteristics and applications: the simple cahier stitch, the artistic Japanese binding, and the widely used Coptic binding. Additionally, you will learn how to attach a linen-covered hardcover to the Coptic binding.

By the end of this short course, bookmaking will no longer feel abstract. You will understand the steps and considerations involved, gaining hands-on knowledge and experience that you can apply in your practice as a designer, editor, or publisher.