Bookmaking
Bookmaking as an art form involves designing and handcrafting books using techniques like Coptic stitch and long stitch. It combines traditional craftsmanship with artistic expression, creating unique, tactile volumes that blend aesthetic appeal with storytelling potential.
Bookmaking Projects
In this bookmaking course students from many different majors from across USM learn to see the book as a form of artistic expression. This course is an art elective for the BFA emphasis areas (Drawing & Painting, Sculpture & Ceramics, and Graphic Design) and our the BA in Art degrees at University of Southern Mississippi.
Many different bookbinding techniques have been taught throughout the course and include: coptic stitch, long stitch, kettle stitch, pamphlet stitch, saddle stitch, and more. This course is only taught during the first 5 week session of the summer which limits student projects to roughly a week.
ART 375 and ART 492
- Stab Binding
- Long Stitch
- Coptic Stitch
- Kettle Stitch
- Clamshell
Stab Binding
Long Stitch
This classic project teaches students how to expand branding principles in a publication format. This project also expands on previously covered principles such as pacing, binding, and typographical layout and hierarchy.
Coptic Stitch
Student Problems: Advanced Bookmaking
In rare circumstances students can take an advanced section of bookmaking. When that occurs students are pushed to experiment with new method and to consider the course projects for a “body of work.”
The examples below from a student creating a body of work based upon their love of the Beatles.
