Print & Production

VIKA is unique in our ability to manage both lithographic book printing and UX development with technical expertise and attention to detail. Here we talk about print management, the process of taking a book from the design stage through pre-press and manufacture. In this, VIKA works hard to negotiate and collaborate with manufacturers of all kinds to retain design integrity, accurate colour reproduction, and careful material selection.

Lithographic printing is known for its precision and quality. VIKA have 15 years of experience in managing this complex process for a wide range of projects and a wide range of clients. Victoria works closely with artists, publishers and organisations to ensure each client’s vision shines through, in every piece, from limited-edition artwork to mass-market publications.

Collaboration with artists
Our partnerships with our artists are vital. Each project is unique, as we look to the artist’s input to guide the concepts that form the basis of our work. Through continuous communication and collaboration, we work to ensure that every aspect of the printing or production process reflects both our design vision and the ambitions of our client.

Technical skill
Printing lithographic books requires a lot of technical know-how. After working in printing for 15 years, in locations across the globe, VIKA have the knowledge and experience needed to navigate this process smoothly, aiming to foresee any potential pitfalls before they occur.

From selecting materials and inks to reprographics and wet-proofing, VIKA use our technical skills, and the skills of our network of collaborators, to achieve the very best results. To find out more, read our articles on Bespoke duotones and Press-passing.

VIKA designs books and brands that showcase the work of the artists and organisations of the future. We combine the conceptual rigour of book arts and the high production values of fine art publishing with the dynamism and connectivity of creative technologies.

Bespoke duotones

Press-passing

Environmental Considerations. Design VIKA are one of few designers to reverse engineer book design from the production line. Page size, pagination and realistic print runs optimise and reduce wastage (see opposite). The choice of inks used was also minimised. Photographs were printed as duotones, and colour was used sparingly to enhance the texture of the recycled papers. Printer Printed using vegetable inks at Taylor Brothers, a carbon balanced printers certified by both the FSC and the World Land Trust. Chosen for close proximity to VIKA negating international shipping, couriers, and press-passing. Paper Printed on Fedrigoni’s Recycled Materica Viva: FSC certified, ECF free, Acid free, Heavy metal absent, selected secondary fibres. Paper is further carbon balanced through The World Land Trust, an international conservation charity endorsed by Sir David Attenborough. Papers used are: Woodstock: a pulp coloured, recycled, uncoated paper with 80% recycled fibres and 20% ECF virgin fibres, FSC certified, smooth finishing. Symbol Freelife Matt: an environment-friendly ECF paper, FSC certified. High content of recycled material with a 40% minimum recycled guarantee. Triple blade coated on both sides with matt finish. This material was challenging to use with the ink denisities for such dark images. We found that the recycled fibres are shorter and flakier than pristine fibres, meaning that small white dots appeared in some books. To negate this, dots were hand spotted by the printer and the artist. Such imperfections are the cost of sustainable materials. We must stop holding recycled stocks to the same bar of quality as pristene materials. We must learn wabi sabi and embrace what these imperfections represent. Cloth Bound using Winter & Company’s Toile Ocean, the first book cover material made from recycled polyester yarn derived 100% from ocean bound plastic and coated with water-based acrylic. For every metre sold, 1% of turnover goes to clean water projects. This material was challenging to use as it does not adhere easily to recycled board. We are using the cloth’s reverse side as we wanted the bright red colour and so were not using it as designed. We needed to test several glues to get the fabric to adhere well. Foils The cover is blocked using Foilco vegan, recyclable biodegradeable, compostable foils supported by the Zero Foil 2 Landfill scheme.

Sustainable Publishing

Attention to detail in colour-matching
Any artist or publisher knows that colour accuracy is crucial in publication design, especially in lithographic printing, but nowhere more so than in photobook production. VIKA not only understand the importance of getting colours just right to faithfully reproduce the artist’s work, but we have extensive experience in doing so on screen and on press.

By using a carefully considered process of colour calibration comprising professional reprographics, Epson proofs and careful adjustments on the press, VIKA ensure that every print matches your original artwork as closely as possible. Indeed we aim not only to match, but to improve, on the photographer’s match prints.

Careful material selection
Choosing the right materials is essential for quality printing. Each material prints in a different way and also lends a different tone to the works. We pay close attention to material selection, considering factors like paper stock, feel, weight and coatings. Our goal is to enhance the visual appeal of the final product while also prioritising sustainability.

Environmental considerations
We’re committed to minimising our environmental impact. This includes using eco-friendly materials and practices throughout the printing process. By prioritising sustainability, we aim to create beautiful books that are also environmentally responsible. To find out more, please see our article on Sustainable Publishing.

Logistics
Efficient shipping is crucial for price, ecological imprint, and timely delivery. We ensure that our shipping logistics are optimised to minimise delays, reduce customs charges, and our carbon footprint. We do our best to ensure our clients, and our suppliers, receive the printed materials for the project on time and in mint condition.

Price and deliverables
This service requires a detailed book and specification design. We advise our Free Half Hour Consultation and Concept Design service so we can help you define your needs.