I got my first lulu.com published book in the mail yesterday. This is simply a test-work, an artist proof of sorts, so you won’t be able to find it in their database just yet.

The proof is only 40 pages. I mostly wanted to get an idea of their colors, but also wanted to be aware of the texture of the paper, and overall format, before I move towards the final work, which will be somewhere between 400-700 pages. (Yeah, big book and also big window for size) Mostly because I haven’t yet compiled all the scans for the book, so I don’t know what I’m working with yet. The first piece will sort of operate like a ‘volume one’, but will be unlabeled as such, in a series of continuing works.

This is all a bit obtuse. Just you know that I think it’s great and that I highly recommend – as I had a talk last night with another artist – that artists use these print-on-demand (POD) services. With basic computer knowledge, and the ability to generate simple PDFs (a format that if it isn’t already is becoming more and more ubiquitous) means artists can ‘print’ copies of their works without needing major financial investment (there is no ‘minimum print run’ with PODs). These approaches are somewhat an extension of zine culture and artists are well-familiar with that medium; essentially, there’s no reason not to use POD services for artists books!