A lookbook presents your work in a detailed, highly visual book that is longer and more detailed than a catalog or brochure. It includes photos, descriptions, and detailed information about your products or major projects.
A lookbook printing project is an important marketing tool. It’s also a visual record of your work and a way to engage new and current customers. Here’s what you need to know about lookbook printing and design that will help you stand out.
What Is Lookbook Printing?
The main benefit of a lookbook is that it allows people to spend time with your products and images. A lookbook is typically longer than a standard catalog. It provides detail about a company and allows readers to engage deeply with the products and the company.
When you plan your lookbook, your ideal reader is someone who gains new insights into your company by seeing it in-depth and reading the background story behind each image.
Who Needs a Lookbook?
Anyone who works in a highly visual medium needs a lookbook. If your work or your products need to be seen, a lookbook is the best way to present your work. Some professionals who routinely use them are:
- Fashion designers
- Models
- Photographers
- Advertising professionals
- Jewelers
- Graphic artists
- Interior designers
- Home improvement contractors
Elements of a Lookbook
A lookbook invites readers into your creative world. Typically, it provides more detail than a standard catalog or brochure. In a fashion lookbook, for instance, you wouldn’t just include the standard pictures of each piece of clothing.
You might include close-ups showing important details like buttons, trims, or seams. Your lookbook might include information about where you sourced the fabrics for your collection or show different ways to wear each piece.
A lookbook for a home improvement company might show the “before” pictures, the work in progress, and how the customer is now enjoying the finished room.
Content is important, but pictures should always take center stage in lookbook printing. Imagine your ideal customer, and use content that engages that customer emotionally. Include details about the process that put your reader in that customer’s shoes.
- Photos: These are key to any lookbook. Choose photographs that tell the story of your products and company.
- Covers: A beautiful, inviting cover is a must in any lookbook.
- Page count: How many pages should your lookbook have?
- Size: The size of your lookbook pages can vary from standard size to almost any custom size you want. Keep in mind that large, bulky lookbooks may look impressive on a display, but they will be difficult to mail.
What Lookbook Printing Can Do for You
Makes you stand out
Lookbooks stand out because they’re more than the traditional catalog or brochure most customers expect. Seeing your lookbook on display at an event, or receiving one in the mail, is an impressive experience.
Gives you a polished edge
Professional lookbooks make any company look sophisticated and professional. It’s easy to talk about how good your work is and how much you care about customers. A lookbook shows your work in action. Professional lookbook printing is key to getting a great-looking lookbook you’ll be proud to share.
Makes your customers feel special
A lookbook is like a private window into your company. It allows new and current customers to feel like they’re part of a select group of people.
Promotes your brand
A well-designed, professionally produced lookbook helps define your brand. How do you want your customers to see you? By offering them a chance to get to know you without the pressure to buy something immediately, you earn their trust.
Is a record of your work
A lookbook can give people advance notice of your work, for instance, fashion designers use lookbooks to announce upcoming shows. It can have another valuable use, however, as a record or archive of your work. With more detail than a standard portfolio, it can be a wonderful way to record your accomplishments.
Puts you in control of your story
Your lookbook is your chance to tell your story. You may not want or need lengthy descriptions. Sometimes, it’s better to just let your pictures tell the story.
It’s also a chance to explain the story behind your business. Are there unique insights about where you find your products, workers, or clients? Do you have an interesting story about how your business started? Here’s your chance to explain it in your own words and pictures.
Lets customers take their time
One of the benefits of a lookbook is that it’s not designed to urge an immediate buying decision. It’s a way to let customers get to know you without the pressure of purchasing something.
That’s why it’s a great idea to send lookbooks to past and current customers. Remind them that you’re around, show them your products, and give them an enjoyable experience.
Tips for Designing Your Lookbook
1. Plan the design and lookbook printing
Before you start, decide on the details:
- How many pages will it be?
- What is the cover image?
- What kind of binding will you use?
For most lookbooks, we recommend perfect binding. This gives your book an elegant look that makes it look more like a book and less like a catalog. You may, however, choose a spiral binding to highlight your work. The binding style you choose depends on the overall look and style you want for your book.
How often should you print a lookbook? Some companies produce them seasonally, and others produce yearly lookbooks. The choice is yours.
2. Focus on the images
Select eye-catching images that show you at your best. A lookbook is likely to spend some time sitting on a customer’s table. The customer may occasionally pick it up, look through it, and become immersed in the world you’ve created. Give them lots of beautiful images to look at.
3. Choose a great cover
You want to capture your reader’s attention, so use a great-looking cover. Your readers should look at the cover and feel like they can’t wait to open the book and look at it.
4. Use a storyboard
Any strongly visual layout can benefit from a storyboard layout. If you have never worked with a storyboard, it can seem a little intimidating at first. The best way to get started is by using a professionally designed template.
Look for templates designed for professional fashion lookbooks as a starting point. Many of these will work across industries. Follow the design tips in the template for the placement of your artwork and text.
5. Use high-quality details and professional printing
Never try to produce a lookbook by cutting corners or choosing the cheapest options. You will end up with a cheap-looking, second-rate lookbook. This is one time when it’s worth spending the money on high-quality paper, high-resolution images, and professional lookbook printing. To get a truly polished final product, hire professional photographers and graphic artists.
Get a Beautiful Lookbook
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to lookbook printing. If you want to produce a great-looking lookbook that helps you stand out, Dazzle Printing can help. We are a full-service printing company that offers outstanding service at affordable rates.
