Screenprint tests

Glossy stock on the inside has been decided on, and in tests I have learnt to get the fluorescent colour I want I need to first put white ink behind it and then print the pink. Pink has been chosen as it is the least gharish and associated with horror/halloween themes, and out of the fluorescent colours in the print room (green/orange/pink) it is the most common colour of neon signage I have seen within my journey taking photos for this publication and while I have been appreciating and in awe at neon signage for the past few years.

Because my book is all black this raises two main problems regarding my design decisions such as the inks transfering fully coloured and there being different tones of black.

These are tests on my gloss stock inside which will have my Jiri Geller on the 'contents' page as an intriguing introduction inspired by the 'Close Your Eyes' book which due to first time error printed the wrong way...but was sized and positioned in the curved typeface just like intended. Sadly adding more time to the process by re exposing...

These are on firstly, black card, which in appearance against other stocks appears grey and would have a cheap feel which really has no relation to my design and would bring the design down dulling its content and feel. 

Secondly, bookrum made out of cotton made into a stiff cloth, ties in with Manchesters proud heritage of cotton production and adds a relevant texture and a classic feel which neon signage also has whilst being made more modern within this publication and seen in a different way. Combined with the very modern title and Manchester bee a motif adopted and developed since the revolution, it is a celebration of old and new perspectives and designs of neon signage brought together in admiration of the effect neon signage have to passersby like myself and the creative audience interested in such aesthetics, photography, typography, or a book that is a little different/quirky/mysterious which the imagery reflects powerfully.

As an ideal stock couldn't be got hold of in time or without expense added, attempting screenprint on black vinyl seemed worth trying as it is a thick, shiny, plastic reflective surface which is cost effective and gives the book a more full rounded modern effect rather than clashing. The ink seemed to set rather well despite doubts about it potentially wiping off. It is also the blackest black which is ideal for my design. It however is easily stained and damaged and would be hard to work with as it also ends up with many indents.

Furthermore as it is my first time screenprinting there have been errors along the way such as having too much of a coat of emulsion and words being backwards meaning my time management plan has been halted a couple of times unfortunately meaning it won't be bound and ready until a week after the final crit. My plan seemed it would go swimmingly, but unfortunately I have found screenprinting extremely stressful and time consuming for doing it for the first time whilst wanting to make this brilliant. Commercially, this would not be an issue as it would be in the hands of the experienced and my time management plan would have been appropriate in time for the final critique.

As seen on this test against white, the pink is fluorescent as intended so all prints will have to have white behind whereas

The glowing ink works succesfully on all the stocks just meaning because of the black stock there is a visible white colour of the ink, but this perhaps maybe be better as some perhaps wouldn't know of the glow feature and reading the back quote and seeing the bee could prompt them to pick it up more than if not. This can be screenprinted over the title not hiding it in any way or hiding the glow.