Village Bookstore

Village is an independent bookshop and gallery based in Leeds, UK. We offer a curated selection of contemporary art, design, fashion and photography books and magazines. We also source self-published and small press zines from artists around the world.

The talk really inspired me to want to explore editorial/zine layout and publications as before it intimidated me, since this talk I have collaborated twice to create look books. 

Village Talk led by Ben Holmes

About Village: They started in the Corn Exchange near the end of 2012, with the aim to create a space in which independent and exciting publications would be easily accessible to the public. The publications would come from around the world whilst also focusing on bringing artists/publications in Leeds into the spotlight. With doing this they wanted to create a permanent creative community in Leeds. Another perk of Village is the incorporated non-profit gallery space, giving opportunity for emerging creatives to gain exposure. 

What is a zine? A simple staple bound publication, anything which is independently published could fit under the umbrella term. 

Why should you self publish? 

• creating something permanent
• making a book you've got a passion for whilst showcasing your skills as a designer
• age of internet makes it a lot easier to get your work out however as this is what everyone is doing, it is harder to be noticed
• allows the opportunity to collaborate

What do Village look for?

• they specialise in photography books
• an object created in which each element says something about the content

Speaking of the concept of a book:

• the concept is the foundation of any book
• is the concept obvious?
• it should be more than its content, it should have a purpose
• the format of a book is important and can communicate a lot to a potential buyer
• format should drive idea

Speaking of the design of a book:

• how the work can be perceived through design
• layout, how content is presented on the page
• printing method must fit the book, as can change how the book is percived
• paper stock can change throughout the book

Speaking of binding:

• there are multiple binding methods, think about how time consuming and cost effective they are
• a book doesn't necessarily have to be bound
• details: spot varnishing, foiling, embossing
• must fit the content/concept
• not just a gimmick

Commercial considerations:

• price tag
• exposure is just as valuable as sales 
• the book is a product, how will it look on the shelf and next to other books