My posts for this week are backed up a few days because I wanted to let you know that Blurb launched a mobile bookmaking app. I know what you might be thinking. “Milnor, you are a techno-loser, what could you possible know or want with a mobile app?” That’s a good question, but I have a stelar explanation. First off, I’m back on Instagram so the world is definitely going to end soon anyway, but I was one of the first people to get giddy when I hear this mobile app was coming.
You know me by now. I PRINT anything, anywhere, anytime. This is just the latest tool in my stylish, leather man-purse. Just because my body emits a dangerous, invisible death ray that interferes with all electronic devices certainly won’t slow me down. Don’t be a hater. That’s my job. On a serious note I can think of several uses for this new option.
First, field notes. I’ll also going to roll this in with a “thank you” book. Okay, imagine I’m in some remote post somewhere dazzling the world with my insanely good photographs. Someone helps me get access, spends time with me, gives me a little insider info or is just plain cool and I feel I want to get them a little something. Edit, airdrop to phone, design CUSTOM book for his specific person…PRINT. A personal thank you. Did I mention there is a new size? 5×5. Softcover. Yes, me likey. I can design, publish and send to someone that day, that night or before I leave the area. A friend just did this with an 8×10 landscape, hardcover and the people went CRAZY.
Finally, think about this. A stack of 5×5 essay books, packaged and sent out as a calling card. So far I’ve made two 7×7 books with the mobile app and one 5×5, the sample you see here. I’m still learning, but what I like about the app is the simplicity. Give me too many options and I’ll never use it.
This app represents new and represents fun. I’m adding it to my quiver.
Comments 18
dan, it appears you printed on a glossy/coated paper for this book. I am testing on different paper combinations. i started with uncoated, proline. The work includes only b&w images and the printed version was quite warm and not neutral. do you think i might do better with proline coated? Yes, i converted to cmyk and used the indesign plug-in.
thanks in advance.
david
Author
David,
I love Proline Uncoated, probably my fav Blurb paper. My first question is whether or not you calibrated your monitor? I have to ask. A lot of folks don’t then don’t get good color. Hard to get one without the other. Proline coated won’t change your color caste. A very different paper. Super nice, thick, not too glossy. But, personal preference. If your book is off color you can also send sample to Blurb to make sure it wasn’t a printing error.
dan, thanks for the quick follow up. yup, monitor calibrated! I have printed routinely the same images with my epson 3880 and 7880 in B&W and no issues. But, I will look into it. Good suggestion.
Author
David,
Okay great. Then you should get neutral blacks. The Blurb site also has a calibration page, but I would send an image in to customer service and see about a reprint. I just got my last mobile phone book, which of all things that COULD have been off color, it wasn’t. It was neutral. Sorry for the inconvenience.
one more follow up — the cover photo was spot and was not warm toned.
Author
David,
Okay, good to know. Thank you.
Dan – I don’t think you mentioned that it is only for iphones – not for android!
Author
Christian,
Yes, finding out about that. iPhone and iPad for now.
App isn’t currently available in Canada!
Any inside knowledge as to when that might change….depending on the election a goodly number of Americans have threatened to come north…;)
Author
Aaron,
Finding out for you, hang tight. I LOVE Canada!
Dan you tease,
Giddiness struck whilst reading this, I could make books on my ipad whilst sipping delightful coffee in some quaint London establishment. If only for the fact this isn’t available on the UK app store…
We know you rule the roost at blurb, like a giant you roam the corridors as your co-workers cower at your magnificence 😉
Please implore them to send it to us less fortunate UK store folk. Just because of that whole Revolutionary nonsense back in the 1770’s . . . . .
Author
Mark,
You must have a spy because that is EXACTLY how it works at Blurb. The org chart has me at the top. Totally. I’m checking on the international thing now…..standbye.
Author
Mark,
They are working on international….
Great initial excitement thinking how i was going to fill up my lunch time. Great disappointment after, app not for Android …
Book looks good tho.
Author
Erlantz,
Yes, iPad and iPhone for now…..sorry about no Android.
Don’t be sorry, is not your fault, lol. But yeah, when you have Android you kind of get used to this …
Hi Dan, I remember you from ages ago when you ran a great meet and greet and show and tell in Melbourne down under! Only completed on Blurb book to date but others in the wings. Absolutely LOVE the idea of a mobile app. Can’t wait for android to be included. Used to waiting though it sucks.
One think I missed, where is the step from you making a thank you pressie and sending it to someone, who will be duly blown away, and the lucky person getting a printed copy of your book? Please tell..sorry if a ‘stupid question’
cheers and thanks for your great posts.
Janneke
Author
Janneke,
Not sure I follow you on this one. I would use the app to create a book while in the field so that I can create and move on while using the app to create books that help tell the story but also help people understand what I’m trying to do. When people see things in print it has a tendency to help them understand because the work has been edited, curated, etc.