Week 1: Done.

I had a strong start to my week. I am happy to say I am working ahead with my book and am where I want to be with the web stuff. So far, not falling behind. Yay!

I started the week with a lot of research for the website. I checked out other farms and also looked at websites to see the type of layouts I liked. The other farm websites gave me a better idea of the content I will need and this helped me understand the type of layout that should work. My advisor, Mike, agreed with the concept I chose to be the strongest, so that is good news. I should have a busy week staring at blank papers and trying to come up with some variations and details. I also will begin to gather my content, it is in pieces right now and I need it to come together to tell the City Farm story.

I then dove into the book layout. For some reason it all came together easily. I think this happened because I have had the book ideas floating around in my head for so long and I couldn't get sketching fast enough. I have the entire thing sketched out, which is what I hoped to have done by week 3. So happy! Once I finished I found a lot of holes, areas that need to be refined, and I need to add another section. So I have a lot to keep me busy.

On top of the book and web sketches I also got through about 1/2 of the photo shoot edits. I was hoping to be done this week, but I have a lot more than I realized. They came out awesome and I love editing them. Maybe this week I will have them done and will be sure to post some of my favorites.

Then on top of that.... I also got my first book test done. I wanted to be sure my chosen binding method would work, and also get the book set up for me to practice all these hand-made elements for each spread. This test gives me all the motivation I need for the semester. I am in love with the binding, the colors, the cover, and the end sheets. I have had these sketches and ideas done for a while now and it is cool to see them coming to life. I am really happy I began my tests early because I already see so many pieces I need to improve and fix with the binding, gluing, and the way the paper sits on the cover.

Now if you will excuse me, I am starving and need to go find food to fuel me through week 2.

Japanese stab binding, with the overview of City Farm typed and glued to the cover.

Cut endsheets to resemble grass.

1.5" gutter, with individual folded pages to help the book lay flat when opened.