Needing a portfolio for an upcoming interview, a recent architecture grad asked us to build this book around his work. We're planning to add custom portfolios to our product line in the coming months. See what you think!
Want more? See other custom portfolios here.
We recently bound this incredible graphic design portfolio for local designer Kelly Kerwick. We bound archival printed pages {printed by our friends at Pushdot Studio} with a debossed cover {by Grossenbacher Bros.} into a coptic-bound book complete with clamshell box. The results of all that collaboration are magnificent. Kelly is pleased and so are we. {See her photos of this portfolio.}
{Want more? See other binding styles. See more clamshell boxes. See some clam shell styles.}
When clients ask us to create a book or portfolio, their book's content usually dictates its binding style. Below are some of the binding styles that we build most often, along with a short explanation of how they function.
When you think of a traditional hardcover book, this is the style you're likely thinking of. The spine is encased, the book opens to lie virtually flat, the presentation is traditional. However, photos and ephemera cannot be added to the book, or else it will fan, or "yawn" open.
We choose to make our product line using this binding style because the books lie flat, but can accommodate added dimensional ephemera and photos. The exposed spine stitching adds a decorative element.
A traditional Japanese binding style, Stab Binding is useful for binding flat (versus folded) pages into a book. Stab binding can accommodate photos, but only if spacers are added to the spine. This style of book doesn't lie flat when opened, but a longer horizontal dimension can minimize this issue.
Much like stab binding in structure, the difference with Post Binding is that posts can be removed so content can be added to the book. This style is great for portfolios with rotating content.
Just like it sounds, pages are folded into an accordion, a cover is added to both ends, and the book can be held closed with a ribbon. A fun binding style, accordions are great for guest books as they can be laid open across a table and multiple people can sign at once. Photos can be added to accordion books, as they have no spine.
One of the oldest binding styles, coptic is different in that the signatures (folded page groups) are exposed on the spine of the book. These books open flat, photos cannot be added (or they will yawn), but the knotted sewing threads have a wonderful look to them.
Whew! That's it for now. Coming soon, Handmade Box Structures! (For now, you can check out our post on Clamshell Boxes.)
Our online store is currently centered around photo albums, but a lot of our work involves making hand-bound portfolios. We love any opportunity to make books and boxes with content. Here are photos of a few recent portfolio projects:
An grad school applicant had us make these portfolios for him to send to top-choice architecture schools. They will definitely make his work stand out. Good luck, Josiah!
A clamshell box for oversize prints works great for the amazing work of Toni Greaves:
Graphic designer Kortni Bottini uses these leave-behind mini portfolios when she meets with agencies interested in her freelance work:
Call on Hinged Strung Stitched if you need a custom portfolio of your own -- you can see more in our gallery of handmade books and boxes.
(Maybe you want to see DVD or CD Folios? Or maybe you just want to see cute pictures of pets?)