This is a prototype of an 11 in x 8.25 in book featuring 175 pages of my writing & matte colored images, which is bound with a smoke colored fabric hardcover and a waxed cover dust jacket. It’s filled with journal entries, poems, photography, paintings and memories of my experiences in Big Sur.

-

I made this book last summer while maintaining my full-time job and pursuing art. I made 1 initial copy which amounted to a grand total of $200 after shipping.

-

From this copy, my girlfriend Madeline, a talented writer and editor, helped make adjustments to which I printed out 3 more copies to give as gifts for another grand total of $500.

-

I made some additional final edits and printed out 2 more copies for $400, which I’m now using as a showcase item in manager meetings to collaborate on a book for them. I’m using the book as a conversation starter as well as to showcase my talents and give them an idea of what I’m capable of offering for editorial, design and publishing work.

-

A personal project which started out as a fun idea for family and friends is now turning not only into a product I can offer for sale through my shop but also physical locations like book stores and gift shops. It’s a product that can be used to capture my vision, express it and do so while storytelling and inspiring. The art can turn into money from the sales of the book but also now can be used as leverage in meetings as a skill set.

-

Turning something like journaling, documenting my experiences and practices, painting, photography, poetry and creative practices can be connected and compiled into a book people can hold and feel.

-

Information taken from my Instagram, my notebooks and my notes on my iPhone are what allowed me to create this.

-

Now I’m in the development phase of this project to figure out details, final touches, adjustments and changes that are needed before doing larger scale printing.

-

I’m speaking to a printing company and awaiting samples to proceed forward and make this book available at a price point worthy and affordable for my audience.

-

Beau Bernier Frank