Village : Ben Holmes

villagebooks.co

"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."

- Started Village 6 years ago just after finishing Uni
- Make independent publishing accessible 
- Wanted to offer an engaging inspirational business 
- Contribute giving a space for artist's and designer's to gain experience, recognition and inspiration.
- Provides space for artist or designer exposure
- Works collaboratively with an artist idea 
- Versatile space open to anyone with an idea
- Contribute and help young creatives get their work out there 
- Also do work externally, such as for the Picture House

Why Self Publish?
A good book is a combination of all of these. 

- The Book as Promotion
In this age it's so easy to put your work online, but no control over how work is seen. A book captures attention that seeing work on a screen doesn't do. Works as active participation. A book adds value by getting people to see and appreciate only your work at the time. 

- The Book as an Artefact 
A physical manifestation of your work. A way of showcasing your work in a different way that makes your work as a designer stand out such as, Nourished journal. Creating an object to showcase a style and aesthetic. Offers an opportunity to build relationships.

- The Book as Art 
Working with the form of a book to tell an idea or story.

- The Book as Collaboration
The opportunity of enhancing a publication. A designer designs how a book can be perceived. A collaborative process through sharing ideas and feedback.

- The Book as Product 
 A way of making money. Producing something that people buy and share with other people. This adds true value to a book whilst also being a form of promotion.  

What Village look for in a book?
The concept of the idea behind it. This forms the foundation of the book, it should be clear and book should communicate this. The right idea and concept creates a publication truly unique.

Thinking about the physical elements such as type and stock. Considering how you as designer think work should and is perceived. Think about a focus on an idea, such as reading backwards, image or type getting larger on each page. Ideas should come together to convey context. Physicality enhances and conveys the concept of the book. How something is printed can alter perception. Consider the nature of the work to format a cohesive artefact. 

How to sell your book?
Consider large or smaller print run i.e. print just 5 copies or will multiple copies be printed. Price drives print run, shops and distributors will take a cut of the costs. There are print, production and often distribution costs. Think about how to enhance value of the book without adding to the cost. Working with a good distributor can really add value and understanding to self-publishing. Production costs roughly equal to a third of the book. Promotion is also an important part of selling a book this can be done in many ways from online, book launches or exhibitions. Nothing sells a book better than interacting with the person who made it. Aim to promote yourself and engage collaboratively with other designers. 

Advice 
Edit - be self critical does every element of the book contribute to the idea 
Start small - do something simple well, does it say what it needs to say 
Make mistakes - experiment with print 
Support others - best way to get inspiration and develop a style is to learn from other people. Also get involved talk to people, consider opportunities for collaboration.