Scrimshaw Update 02.21.2011

Hello everybody!!! This is where we will be uploading all the progress that the Typography class makes on the Scrimshaw. Please feel free to comment and add suggestions. We should plan on meeting every Wednesday at 4:00 pm in Mead, and you should expect a new batch of images uploaded to this blog every Monday evening. Right away we need to address a few issues and make sure that everyone is on the same page regarding format and publisher:

1. Give the definition of "scrimshaw" (shamelessly copied and pasted from wikipedia):

The name given to handiwork created by whalers made from the byproducts of harvesting marine mammals. It takes the form of elaborate engravings in the form of pictures and lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth, with the engraving highlighted using a pigment, or, less often, small sculptures made from the same material. However the latter really fall into the categories of ivory carving, for all carved teeth and tusks, or bone carving. The making of scrimshaw began on whaling ships between 1745 to 1759 on the Pacific Ocean, and survived until the ban on commercial whaling.

Given this definition, the Typography class has been designing the journal on a nautical theme. Hopefully everyone is comfortable with this arrangement. Thoughts?

2. After comparing the prices of several Print on Demand (POD) publishers, we have settled on Lulu.com as our publisher of choice. The prices are less expensive than Blurb.com.

3. The most recent examples of the Scrimshaw seem to have been in A5 dimensions (8.264" x 5.833"). In actuality, the dimensions are quite odd and deviate significantly from A5. At Lulu.com, A5 and US Trade (9" x 6") are the same price; we we have moved forward in our design using US Trade (free extra inches!!!). I have ordered and received a copy of an example printed in our format (US Trade, paperback, standard paper, full color, perfect bound, 32-50 pgs). Many of you have already seen it, but it will live in Mead if anyone would like to take a gander.

4. The cost of the journal will be as follows:

160 copies @ 32 pages each = $1352 ($8.45 each)

160 copies @ 50 pages each = $1798.40 ($11.24 each)

These prices do not include shipping. I am uncertain if the Scrimshaw staff have a separate shipping budget, or if the price of shipping needs to be considered when determining quantity. We cannot generate an accurate estimate of shipping until we have the document print ready.

5. Our calendar is not great. The deadline for submissions is March 10. Spring break begins on March 11 and continues until March 20. We really should have the files to the printer no later than the 23rd to allow for printing and shipping, in order to receive the books by April 1. This only leaves March 21 and 22 for editing and getting all the files print ready. The typography class will have a template in place so that this is feasible, but in all honesty, we should reconsider the calendar. I recommend moving the deadline to March 6 (at the latest, March 1 would be so much better) to give the editorial staff and the design staff time to send the documents to the printer prior to spring break. It would be a shame to lose that dead week. Thoughts?

6. We have broken the document into several sections in order below:

a. Front and Back Cover

b. Colophon

c. Table of Contents

d. Introduction/Editor's Preface

e. Content by section

f. Contributors

g. Designer's Colophon and Font credits

If anyone feels that the document needs additional sections, please let us know ASAP. All of the Design work will be listed under additional blog posts so that commenting will be easier.

I hope everyone likes what we have so far; please comment often through this blog, so that we can be prepared to address issues during our meetings. We look forward to seeing the editorial staff on Wednesday at 4:00 pm.

Best,

Typo-