A few years ago, Tina De Souter established her own business focusing on book design, graphic design, and bookbinding. She did so after a successful trial year as a self-employed student. Since then, she has become one of our favourite designers. She is someone with drive, passion and exceptional creative talent. So it’s high time for a meet-and-greet on a sunny terrace in her home town of Mechelen!
‘I am someone who needs variety to stay sharp. In addition, knowledge of different fields offers many advantages to both myself and my clients. For example, because I am skilled in hand bookbinding, I understand the anatomy of a book. This know-how offers enormous added value to clients. My expertise in binding methods and paper types enables me to advise them even better. At the same time, I can continue to be creative.’
‘When I was looking for a printer for my first book, ‘Ajuin’, a teacher recommended Buroform to me. At the time, I had a clear vision of what the book should look like. When I visited you for the first time to go over everything, I was inundated with print samples and paper samples. By joining forces, we turned it into something really beautiful. I’ve been coming back ever since.’
‘That they can trust me blindly, haha. (laughs) Many customers want control over every step of the printing process: the choice of printing technique, the colour palette, the type of linen or paper, you name it. Or they ask for a proof before the book actually goes to press, but that is very expensive. Of course, as a customer, you should have a say. When working with clients, I always carefully go over the various options using samples and other examples. However, each choice is only one facet of a larger whole. Thanks to my experience, I see more than just those samples; I can really picture the finished book. That’s why my advice is: trust me, because I know what it takes to achieve a beautiful result.’
‘That’s easy: good printing is printing that does full justice to the content. As a photographer or artist, it must be awful to get a design that doesn’t match your identity at all after all your hard work. I really consider an art or photography book to be a printed exhibition. A space you can leaf through, where you should be able to experience the work as authentically as possible. Sometimes the content lends itself to a sober, no-nonsense design, but sometimes it can be more intense and colourful. I strive to make every book unique. You, as a printing company, are also of great value in this regard. Thanks to your know-how, personal guidance throughout the process and passion for paper types, printing techniques and binding methods.’
‘People have said to me: “Oh, you make art books? Is that really your full-time job?” And then you can see from their facial expressions that they’re wondering how I can make a living from such a job (laughs).
You have to understand: printed books are not dying out, the market is simply shifting. Disposable printed matter such as leaflets and flyers are increasingly being replaced by online advertisements, and novels are being reduced to e-books. But art books remain a kind of calling card for artists, because they make their work tangible. An art book is also much more affordable than a work of art, and the high print run of books ensures a wider distribution of their work.’
Otabind® binding technique: With this binding method, there is an opening between the spine of the book and the spine of the cover. This opening allows this softcover binding method to open beautifully.
Hardcover binding technique: This technique has a kind of fanciness that no softcover can match. However, in my world, hardcovers are used so often that you sometimes stand out more with an original softcover.
Favourite printing technique: hot foil: I’m a real sucker for hot foil. I try to sell it to every customer. (laughs) It has been scientifically proven that our eyes are attracted to it. When you walk past it, the image glitters in the corners of our eyes, making it seem to move. Fascinating!
Would you also like to stay up to date with the latest trends in the printing sector? Attend a breakfast session at Buroform! You can register easily and free of charge via the Café Cliché website: cafecliche.be/ontbijtsessies.
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