PUBLISHING DESIGN: TASK 3A
24/09/2024 - 11/09/2025
Week 01 - Week 3
Adrianna Sofea Mohd Fauzi (0350661)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Publishing Design: Exercises and Task 1
1. Lectures
2. Progress
3. Final Outcome
4. Feedback
5. Reflection
3. Final Outcome
4. Feedback
5. Reflection
Lectures
Lectures 01 to 05 can be found here
Task 3A (Book)
This task builds on the previous one, focusing on integrating layout design, content generation, and illustrations. After mastering the fundamentals of layout design and completing the content and illustrations, the next step is to combine these elements into a cohesive structure that aligns with the style I've chosen, guided by my research and moodboard.
References
Fig 1.2
Fig 1.3
Fig 1.4
Notes:
After looking at different book designs, I chose a childlike concept, similar to a children’s storybook, but not meant for kids. This style fits the book’s focus on how childhood shapes a person, especially my sister, who the book is about. It highlights the struggles she faced growing up and shows her strength. With this approach, I hope readers can feel connected and understand the raw emotions in the illustrations and texts.
The chosen colors were carefully selected to create a calm mood while incorporating bold tones in certain moments to emphasize emotions and enhance the flow of the plot. This approach also helps to engage the reader more effectively.
After looking at different book designs, I chose a childlike concept, similar to a children’s storybook, but not meant for kids. This style fits the book’s focus on how childhood shapes a person, especially my sister, who the book is about. It highlights the struggles she faced growing up and shows her strength. With this approach, I hope readers can feel connected and understand the raw emotions in the illustrations and texts.
The chosen colors were carefully selected to create a calm mood while incorporating bold tones in certain moments to emphasize emotions and enhance the flow of the plot. This approach also helps to engage the reader more effectively.
Content Generation
Process
Chosen Size (180 x 240 mm)
Fig 2.1 Test Paper
Fig 2.2 Preview in InDesign
Deciding margins
Fig 2.3 Margins and Columns
Fig 2,4 Preview of Margins and Columns
Fig 2.5 Layout design (Before)
Fig 2.6 Layout design (After)
Fig 2.7 Placement (Before)
Fig 2.8 Placement (After)
Fig 2.9 Chapter cover and Illustration
Notes:Chosen Size (180 x 240 mm)
Fig 2.1 Test Paper
Fig 2.2 Preview in InDesign
Notes:
I chose a 180x240mm paper size because it’s neither too small nor too large. Since this book uses more words, I wanted to avoid overwhelming readers with too many pages while also ensuring each page isn’t overcrowded. This size strikes a balance, allowing the story to flow smoothly and effectively. P.S: Our lecturer asked us to write more than 3,000 words, however, I ended up writing around 6,000 words.
I chose a 180x240mm paper size because it’s neither too small nor too large. Since this book uses more words, I wanted to avoid overwhelming readers with too many pages while also ensuring each page isn’t overcrowded. This size strikes a balance, allowing the story to flow smoothly and effectively. P.S: Our lecturer asked us to write more than 3,000 words, however, I ended up writing around 6,000 words.
Fig 2.3 Margins and Columns
Fig 2,4 Preview of Margins and Columns
Notes:
It took me some time to figure out the best margins, especially considering the large amount of text in InDesign. Initially, I set all the margins to 17mm, but it felt too small and compact. Some paragraphs didn’t align well with the illustrations, so I had to adjust repeatedly, settling on 20-22mm for the inside and outside margins instead of keeping them uniform.
Experiment with layout and design It took me some time to figure out the best margins, especially considering the large amount of text in InDesign. Initially, I set all the margins to 17mm, but it felt too small and compact. Some paragraphs didn’t align well with the illustrations, so I had to adjust repeatedly, settling on 20-22mm for the inside and outside margins instead of keeping them uniform.
Fig 2.5 Layout design (Before)
Fig 2.6 Layout design (After)
Notes:
I started by experimenting with elements in InDesign, trying to bring the illustrations to life. For instance, I played with the idea of a ball rolling outside the illustration and moving towards the text. However, after a few attempts, it didn’t feel practical or structured enough. Instead of placing the full illustrations on the page, I removed the background and traced only the objects from the illustrations. This allowed me to move them around freely, experiment with the layout, and create a more dynamic design while keeping the overall look minimal.
I started by experimenting with elements in InDesign, trying to bring the illustrations to life. For instance, I played with the idea of a ball rolling outside the illustration and moving towards the text. However, after a few attempts, it didn’t feel practical or structured enough. Instead of placing the full illustrations on the page, I removed the background and traced only the objects from the illustrations. This allowed me to move them around freely, experiment with the layout, and create a more dynamic design while keeping the overall look minimal.
Fig 2.7 Placement (Before)
Fig 2.8 Placement (After)
Notes:
As I mentioned earlier, removing the background gave me more flexibility. I was also able to use tools like the pen tool to make the text flow around the objects, adding a playful and engaging element to the reading experience.
As I mentioned earlier, removing the background gave me more flexibility. I was also able to use tools like the pen tool to make the text flow around the objects, adding a playful and engaging element to the reading experience.
Fig 2.9 Chapter cover and Illustration
I had to remove the chapter cover gradient as it did not align with my concept. Thus, I just included a title of the chapter only to keep everything minimal as possible.
Book Cover Process
Fig 3.1 Gradient and Noises effect for Book Cover
Notes:
I initially used a gradient in Adobe Illustrator for my book cover, but after consulting with my lecturer, he pointed out that the style felt different and didn't align with the illustrations or the overall tone of the book. After reflecting on his advice, I agreed with his perspective and made another attempt that better aligns with the illustrations and overall tone of the book.
Fig 3.2 First attempt
Draft Sketches
Fig 3.3 First draft
Fig 3.4 Second draft
Fig 3.5 Third draft
Notes:
I sketched on my iPad to explore different ideas for the cover, and out of the three concepts, the second one stood out to me the most. The figure of the girl seemed to align well with the title. I envisioned slicing off her head to symbolize the weight she's been carrying on her shoulders, while making her lips more prominent to suggest that she wants to speak.
Digitisation ProcessI sketched on my iPad to explore different ideas for the cover, and out of the three concepts, the second one stood out to me the most. The figure of the girl seemed to align well with the title. I envisioned slicing off her head to symbolize the weight she's been carrying on her shoulders, while making her lips more prominent to suggest that she wants to speak.
Fig 3.6 Vector smoothing and digitsing
Notes:
While digitizing in Adobe Illustrator, I made several adjustments. I struggled with creating the lips and nose, so instead, I focused on ensuring the shape of the face remained smooth and stable.
While digitizing in Adobe Illustrator, I made several adjustments. I struggled with creating the lips and nose, so instead, I focused on ensuring the shape of the face remained smooth and stable.
Fig 3.7 Eye lashes
Notes:
I added lashes to her eyes, as I felt it would enhance the visual appeal and make the design more striking.
I added lashes to her eyes, as I felt it would enhance the visual appeal and make the design more striking.
Fig 3.8 Final Book Cover
with halftone effect and drop shadow effect for title
Final Outcome
Spread Compilation
Spread Compilation
Final Spreads
Mockup Printout
The Words We Never Said is a heartfelt story about two sisters—a younger sibling, introspective and uncertain, and her older sister, Alissa, who’s protective and nurturing. Set against the backdrop of their shared family history and personal growth, the story explores the complexities of sibling relationships, revealing the quiet, unspoken bond between them. The younger sibling struggles with self-doubt and feeling inadequate, looking to Alissa for strength and as an example of perseverance. Though Alissa seems to have it all together, the younger sister learns that their connection runs deeper than expected. In moments of vulnerability, the two sisters find comfort in each other’s presence, even when they can't find the right words. As the younger sibling reflects on their relationship, she comes to understand how it shaped her sense of self—from once feeling like an outsider in Alissa’s confident shadow, to realizing that their love and understanding go beyond words. The story builds to a powerful realization: true connection isn’t always spoken—it’s felt in silent gestures, shared moments of comfort, and constant support, whether near or far. In the end, The Words We Never Said is a story about growth, self-discovery, and the deep bond between siblings that remains unbroken, even in the silence.
Flip Video
Flip HTML
Reflection
Experience: This task has been an incredibly tough journey for me, and I didn’t expect it to turn out this way. When I was first briefed about the task, I was excited and looking forward to it. I even started writing from week 3 onward. However, life doesn’t always go as planned. I live with my grandmother, and when she fell ill, I had to juggle hospital visits while keeping up with my assignments. A few months later, she passed away in my arms, and that day felt like darkness had descended upon me. It was extremely difficult to begin writing or illustrating because I felt emotionally drained, even though I kept telling myself it wasn’t an excuse. Despite everything, my lecturer was supportive, and I pushed myself to complete what I had started.
Observation: Through this process, I had used InDesign before, but I gained new insights and shortcuts that I hadn't known, which was really exciting. I also remembered lessons on typography, like kerning, tracking, and spacing. However, I struggled a lot with rearranging the content. I found myself doubting where to place certain illustrations or text, as well as what text sizes to use.
Experience: This task has been an incredibly tough journey for me, and I didn’t expect it to turn out this way. When I was first briefed about the task, I was excited and looking forward to it. I even started writing from week 3 onward. However, life doesn’t always go as planned. I live with my grandmother, and when she fell ill, I had to juggle hospital visits while keeping up with my assignments. A few months later, she passed away in my arms, and that day felt like darkness had descended upon me. It was extremely difficult to begin writing or illustrating because I felt emotionally drained, even though I kept telling myself it wasn’t an excuse. Despite everything, my lecturer was supportive, and I pushed myself to complete what I had started.
Observation: Through this process, I had used InDesign before, but I gained new insights and shortcuts that I hadn't known, which was really exciting. I also remembered lessons on typography, like kerning, tracking, and spacing. However, I struggled a lot with rearranging the content. I found myself doubting where to place certain illustrations or text, as well as what text sizes to use.
Findings: This task pushed me to think critically about balancing consistency with an engaging design. Creating the layout for the first chapter provided a strong starting point, allowing me to build upon it and introduce slight variations in the subsequent chapters. It was also essential to have a clear plan for structuring the artwork, despite the times when I struggled with placement.
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