Empty Kyoto Book Update - Jan 7
[This is a repost/re-edit of yesterday's Kickstarter status email, for sharing on social media]
Hi everyone:
Thanks again for your support. It’s been a little while since my last report, but there’s been a lot going on. So let me get you up-to-date!
The book is getting closer and closer.
Friday, I visited SunM Color again. I received a printout of every page in the book, on the new thicker paper, trimmed and folded to simulate the actual book, from the large 8-up sheets it is printed on.
The thicker paper is not much thicker, but it’s a big improvement in the feel. And for a real book, the touch and feel is important, wouldn't you agree?
As I looked closer, I was astonished at how sharp the images looked. I’ve been making my calendars (more on this in a second) for 17 years, using a short run print–on–demand process, and I’ve been very pleased with the quality. But this book is something else! Really sharp!
Mr. Osaka from SunM also gave me a copy of the bound book mockup, exactly as it will be – but without any printing. I had already reconciled myself to the fact that the book would be not be all that large, so the final size is pretty much what I expected. It feels good, the cover is fairly solid, the pages lie flat. The many double-page photos in the book will look great. Then there will be the heavy, coated paper dust jacket surrounding it. I think it will be great.
Next is that final check, adjust a few photos, and finish up the cover. This should be done within the next week. If you haven't ordered your copy of Empty Kyoto yet, you can support this project by ordering a book at this link.
The digital PDF version is waiting on the cover. So after the cover is finished, the PDF version can be finalized. I think the digital PDF version can ship by October 20. You can order a PDF version of Empty Kyoto here.
Speaking of the calendar, I am happy to announce that the 2024 calendar is also at the (different, on–demand) printer, with a much faster turnaround. I’ve been gushing about the book's quality, but the calendar will look good too, same as last year’s. Not as good as the book, but it’s also hanging on your wall, not sitting on your desk, so the quality difference should be acceptable. I’m hoping to have them this Saturday, the 14th of October.
More information about the calendar is available here...
The international shipping situation still sucks, but if you order now, the two month voyage by sea will still get to you before Christmas. Otherwise you can pay extra for tracked air shipping. If you would like a calendar, you can order at this link.
This year‘s theme is "Images of Japan." There are photos from as far north as Akita Prefecture, to Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu in the south. Many of the photos are pastoral photos of nature, the better to look at all month.
My Previous Life, revisited.
In one of my previous lives, I was a musician and beat box guru. Some things about my work in the 80's have popped up recently:
• An album of synth tracks called Traces of Illusion features my recording of "Dewdrops." This version was recorded for Oberheim Electronics, the synthesizer maker where I worked. Listen here...
• An Instagram story by the Los Angeles Times talks about me and my work with Dr. Dre. If you're interested in the track that Oberheim used as hold music, it was track I created to demonstrate the sounds of the DMX drum machine, which I digitized and edited while working at Oberheim. You can listen here on SoundCloud.
I've worked in a number of creative endeavors during my life. They have all been places at the intersection of art and technology; where new technology is used for creative purposes. My photography and publishing are just the latest manifestations.
Anyway, that's that latest news. Hope you have a great weekend!
Regards, Daniel
Member discussion