I am working on a new version of the Pentel Pencil ID Book, and one of the things I would like to do is make the text a little more readable. There is only so much I can do, since this is database driven, and the text is stored in memo fields.
One change I have contemplated is adding spaces to the beginning of paragraphs. Here is an example:
Before:
As someone who works in graphic design, I would say ‘no’ to the paragraph spacing mainly because the paragraphs are actually quite short, resulting in a single line of following text that disrupts the visual flow on the left margin. This kind of spacing works better when you have long form articles.
What I suggest is to explore paragraph line spacing (if available), or simply add line-breaks.
The other trick I used to solve ‘lack of space’ was to increase the number of text columns - the text is redistributed more legibly. Not sure if that’s possible.
I like this arrangement: clean separation of the paragraphs, no indentation required, a few items on a two-column layout, but overall very clear. Nice job!
I also like this one best. It’s good to see someone working on such a book. I’m working on one myself on my niche collection interest. Are you planning on printing the book in the future (of course, hyperlinks wouldn’t work - but still)? I really like the books by Jonathan Veley.
The problem with printing the book, is that I don’t have permission on all of the pictures. A lot of them are grabbed off the web, especially the more uncommon pencils, plus some are grabbed from Pentel catalogs.
I do list where the pictures came from, but I could not publish the book for sale.
I have thought about putting it together as a Publish On Demand, where I don’t make anything on it, but the other problem is that this is always evolving and I put together a new version 2-3 times a year.
Off topic a bit (sorry) but a testament to Jimmy’s work - every time I bought a Pentel pencil I’d print out that page from Jimmy’s book. Eventually, I got so many I had to bind them into a book. It’s the yellow binder.
With imitation being the best form of flattery, I proceeded to do the same with all the other pencil manufacturers that I have and that is the orange book.
I am certain that it is Jimmy’s work that has influenced me and my collection to be so Pentel heavy as all the research was already done, and for that I am extremely grateful.
This has gone on to become the basis for my YouTube channel! Pretty much anytime I run across anything interesting about one of the pencils I own, I jot it down on it’s page. Including the price I paid so I hope my wife never finds this book and reads it.
