DUT graphic design students get creative ahead of book fair
The students’ achievements in creating books have earned them a well-deserved spotlight at this prestigious event, scheduled to take place from August 9 to 13 at The Globe, Suncoast.
A GROUP of exceptionally talented students from Durban University of Technology (DUT) are set to leave a lasting impression on the literary world as they participate in the highly anticipated Durban International Book Fair.
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DUT graphic design programme coordinator and lecturer, Barry Lottering, said the brief was to write, illustrate, design, print and assemble a children’s book.
“Students had the option to approach someone else to write the book, provided they credited the author. The books were to include a local theme as well as some element of environmental awareness within the narrative. The theory and practice of sustainable design-for-print is also embedded in the teaching and learning.”
“All books are designed specifically for print and sale. Students were to include copyright information and an ISBN number and a barcode. Once the ISBN numbers are registered, the books will be donated to the National Library. Later, the students will learn how to set up their books on Amazon where they can be sold online.”
DUT student Joshua Naidoo said the project made him remember all his childhood books that had a significant impact on his life.
“To complete this project, I had to do a lot of research and rough sketches to develop a consistent style. A lot of the time was spent on my laptop creating an eye-catching design and exciting read for kids. My theme was related to the mom-and-son shopping experience. The boy turned his situation around and made the best of his time at the shopping mall. He was pushing a regular trolley around but, in his imagination, the trolley turned into a race car,” he said.
Also read: ‘Book’ a date at the Durban International Book Fair this August
Another student, Kaurin Reddy, said the project was an excellent learning experience for him, from doing research in the beginning to the final output of the book.
“I had an idea of what I wanted to do from the first time we were briefed on this project, based on all the books that had caught my attention when I was small and some that still [catch] my eye today. I started off with research and found out all the different styles, techniques and information required for illustrating a children’s book, which really helped narrow my focus. I wanted to do a pencil illustration from the start, so I spent most of my time drawing and colouring and receiving helpful feedback from my lecturer, which helped me take my illustrations to another level.”
“My book is based on a lost duckling trying to find his way home and learning new sounds on the way, which I thought would be a fun way for children to learn about farm-animal sounds. What did the book mean to me? Personally, I really enjoyed this project from start to finish.”
Shayde Blackbeard had to ‘really tap into my inner child to create my book’.
“I feel that support is very important in moulding a person’s mindset and needs to be enforced from a young age. My book is about showing support to those around you through their struggles and not giving up when things get tough.”
“The creation of the book was exciting – illustrating with as much individuality and character as I wanted. Of course, research was most helpful in understanding how best to appeal to a young audience, learning how to mask an educational lesson in a fun and engaging art piece, using language a child would be able to relate to and laying out the book in a manner that would keep the reader turning the pages and feeling like they were on the journey with the characters.”
The Durban International Book Fair serves as a platform for both established and emerging authors to connect with readers, publishers and industry professionals. This year, it will be graced by the literary and design prowess of these students, who have poured their creativity and passion into the design of their own books.
The full programme can be downloaded at www.durbanbookfair.co.za.
For more information on #DIBF2023, contact Anivesh Singh at director@durbanbookfair.co.za.
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