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Geek Girl Authority
21 minutes ago
- Business
- Geek Girl Authority
How to Create (and Sell) the Perfect Coffee Table Book
Coffee table books occupy the intersection of art and publishing, serving as a piece for reading and a piece for display simultaneously. A well-made coffee table book invites curiosity, sparks conversation, and elevates any surface it rests on. And for creatives, brands, or storytellers, they offer a unique way to present visual content with lasting impact. Here's how to create a coffee table book people will be proud to show off and happy to buy. Start With a Strong Concept Every great coffee table book begins with a clear idea. You'll need a central theme or angle that ties everything together and gives readers a reason to engage. Ask yourself: What is this book about, beyond just the visuals? Who is it for? What will people feel when they flip through it? Whatever the concept, make sure it's focused, cohesive, and aligned with your audience's interests. Choose the Right Format and Printer Coffee table books are judged by their physical presence, so format and print quality matter a lot. You'll want to choose a size, layout, and finish that support your concept and enhance the reader's experience. Choose the right printing partner. A good coffee table book printer can make your life easier – and help ensure you end up with the highest quality finished product. Do your due diligence and select a partner most likely to help you succeed. Size and orientation. Standard sizes for coffee table books range from 8.5×11 to 12×12 inches or larger. Think about how the book will be used and stored; bigger books offer more visual impact but are heavier and more expensive to produce. Binding and paper. Perfect binding (like a traditional hardcover book) is the norm for coffee table books. If your book includes high-resolution images or detailed artwork, opt for heavier, coated paper stock with a matte or satin finish. This helps colors pop and keeps the pages durable over time. Design with the Reader in Mind A coffee table book isn't meant to be read cover to cover; it's meant to be browsed. That means each spread should stand on its own while still fitting into the overall narrative. Map out your content before diving into layout and strive to group similar themes or tones together. You can also use intro pages or quotes to break up sections and provide a rhythm to the experience. Tell a Story, Even Without Words Even if your book is mostly visual, think about the emotional arc . Where does it start? Where does it end? What's the journey in between? A loose narrative can add depth and make the book more satisfying to explore. Set a Realistic Budget Printing a coffee table book can be expensive — especially if you're aiming for a high-end product. Plan for printing and production costs, ISBN and barcode expenses if you're selling retail, packing and shipping costs, and expenses for marketing and promotion. Start with a small run if needed; you can always reorder once you know there's demand (and once you have some revenue flowing). Plan How You'll Sell It Creating the book is only half the work. To actually sell it, you'll need a strategy. Target your specific audience. This coffee table book was written for a particular target niche. Figure out who that niche is, how they think, and how (and where) you might appeal to them. The better you understand your audience, the more effective your marketing messages are going to be. Sell directly. Create a dedicated landing page on your website. Offer preorders or limited editions to build early interest. Leverage your audience. If you have a following on social media, email, or through your creative work, now's the time to engage them. When the book launches, offer early-bird pricing or bonuses to encourage quick sales. And if you don't have a following yet, start building one organically through community interactions . Distribute through retail or events. You can also approach local shops, bookstores, galleries, or coffee houses about carrying your book. Bring a sample copy to show the quality, and be prepared with a short pitch to convince others why your book is worth selling. Use print on demand for broader reach. It's also possible (and common) to tap into print on demand services, but be prepared to make some sacrifices and compromises if you do. A Coffee Table Book Worth Picking Up (and Keeping) Coffee table books can have an impressive influence and help you generate a meaningful profit. When created well, they reflect your style, your voice, and your creative vision. And when they land in the right hands, they can become permanent fixtures in a person's space — and something they flip through again and again. DOCTOR WHO: 5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From the Season 2 Finale RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Episode 4, 'Lucky Day'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lament for the IRL Craft Shop
On a trip to my local Joann craft-supply store recently, I felt a cheap thrill. An extremely cheap thrill. Huge signs posted on the front doors read STORE CLOSING and ENTIRE STORE 30%–70% OFF. One screamed NOTHING HELD BACK, which struck me as both desperate and alluring. I walked in and wandered up and down the picked-over aisles, skimming my fingers across the flannels, fleeces, silks, and satins. Buckets of yarn beckoned. I was even tempted to add a bathrobe, one of those items that places like Joann inexplicably stock alongside craft supplies, to my cart. And soon, in true Millennial fashion, I was lost in nostalgic reverie. When I was 10 or 11, I started a summer 'business' selling friendship bracelets to kids at the local swimming pool, the crafting equivalent of running a neighborhood lemonade stand. That diversion blossomed into a lifetime love of hand-making all sorts of things: blankets, clothes, bags, and many, many hot-glued monstrosities. Since then, I've spent countless hours in craft-supply stores of all kinds, including Joann, which this weekend was expected to finish closing all of its nearly 800 stores, after twice filing for bankruptcy. Joann's shutdown may sound trivial, or even inevitable—the chain is just the latest in a parade of stores that have marched to the graveyard of big-box brands. But many people in creative circles are worried about having fewer places to stock up. Over the past several decades, the expansion of chains such as Joann effectively snuffed out numerous mom-and-pop craft shops, and now many cities and towns may be left without easy, in-person access to a dedicated craft-supply store. This isn't the end of crafting, obviously. People still have Hobby Lobby and Michaels. Even Walmart and Target sell craft supplies, though hard-core crafters will point out, rightly, that those chains don't come close to offering the selection of fabric and other materials that Joann did. Smaller specialty shops exist, but their products tend to be more expensive. And yes, items can be ordered online, but that's always a gamble: Crafting is an intensely tactile experience, and when you can't see or touch supplies before buying them, the reality frequently fails to meet expectations. But the death of a reliable institution such as Joann isn't just about the demise of a business. Its closing creates ever more distance between materials and makers. Plenty of people aspire to indulge their creative side, yet some struggle mightily to find the space and time amid the pressures of day-to-day life. Joann, affordable and accessible, made all of that easier. Take it away, and people might not even try. [Read: Getting through a pandemic with old-fashioned crafts] Joann's disappearance also has, perhaps, an unintended consequence: the loss of yet another outlet for building customs and community, at a time when society could benefit from having more of both. Although crafting is frequently a solitary pursuit, even a kind of invisible labor, it can be a way to form deep, personal connections with other people. I've bonded with a friend at sewing class and spent a weekend with another making Christmas ornaments by covering plastic dinosaurs in Elmer's glue and dipping them in glitter. (Very fun, very messy.) Crafting is also, for many, a matter of family tradition. I learned to crochet from my mother, who was taught by her mother. When I crochet a blanket, I'm participating in, and perpetuating, a loving legacy. And the end result is something I can hold on to for years or even generations. One of my most treasured possessions is a pink, blue, and white afghan blanket my mother crocheted for me when I spent a winter in Chicago. Crafting isn't necessarily a frivolous pursuit (though it can be). Indeed, it occupies a storied place in America's cultural and political history. During the Revolutionary War era, the 'homespun' movement saw women spinning their own yarn as American colonists boycotted British imports. (One of the country's most famous creation myths—that Betsy Ross sewed George Washington's sketch of the first American flag—is of course a story of craft.) Sewing circles have long been a gathering space for political conversation, activism, and agitation. In 1846, Frederick Douglass wrote a thoughtful letter to an antislavery sewing circle in Massachusetts, most likely after its members had reached out to him regarding their interest in abolitionist movements. 'Craftivism' has also led to significant public displays. During the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, thousands of people contributed panels to the AIDS Memorial Quilt, an homage to people who had died from the disease. In 2017, people knitted and wore pink 'pussy hats' at the Women's March on Washington. [Read: The forgotten everyday origins of 'craft'] For the talented and deeply dedicated, crafting can morph into a sustainable livelihood or be elevated to fine art. But it is also, quite simply, fulfilling. I don't know how many hours I've filled reading patterns and sewing (and tearing out) stitches. I've crafted so many handmade gifts: some truly beautiful, such as a cream-colored fisherman's afghan I loved so much, I was sad to give it away; and others, such as an uneven, lumpy quilt I sewed in my early 20s, that were cute at best. Ultimately, losing a store like Joann means losing two of crafting's most necessary elements: inspiration and serendipity. Feeling the weight of a particular yarn, seeing the subtlety of certain colors in certain lights, spotting a finished product on a shelf—these tangible interactions are what move many crafters to experiment with something new. This rich display of possibility is part of what makes crafting feel worthwhile. Which is why, as I tried many different projects over the years, to varying levels of success, I never felt bad about giving a new medium a go. It's also why, on my recent—and most likely last—trip to Joann, as I walked toward the checkout with several skeins of discounted yarn, I stopped and picked up a beginner's cross-stitching kit. Maybe now I'll finally master it. Article originally published at The Atlantic
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 SSD Review: Ultra-fast, durable, and portable storage solution
In a world increasingly dominated by cloud computing, one might assume that external hard disks and flash drives are relics of the past. But the truth is, these physical storage devices still play a vital role in our digital lives — often in ways the cloud simply can't replicate. Imagine you're working on a critical project in a remote location with no internet access. Your cloud storage is unreachable, but your trusty external hard drive is right there, ready to deliver. That's the beauty of offline storage. Then there's the matter of speed. Uploading gigabytes of 4K video or massive software builds to the cloud can be painfully slow, even with a decent connection. External drives, especially those using USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt, offer blazing-fast transfer speeds that make them indispensable for creatives, gamers, and professionals dealing with large files. Security is another key factor. While cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity, no system is completely immune to breaches. For those handling sensitive or confidential data, keeping a copy on an encrypted external drive offers peace of mind that no hacker can touch. And let's not forget cost. Cloud storage often comes with monthly or annual fees, especially if you need terabytes of space. In contrast, an external drive is a one-time purchase that can last for years, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term storage. So while the cloud has transformed how we store and access data, external hard disks remain relevant — quietly dependable, always accessible, and often the unsung heroes of our digital workflows. On this note, Sandisk, a leader in flash memory storage solutions and now a subsidiary of Western Digital, has recently released two products that will resonate with customers seeking offline storage. SanDisk has stepped up its game with the Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, offering blazing-fast speeds and rugged durability. Designed for professionals handling large files, such as 4K/8K video editing, gaming, and real-time media access, this SSD promises top-tier performance with USB4 Gen 3×2 connectivity. Performance With read speeds up to 3,800MB/s and write speeds up to 3,700MB/s, this SSD competes with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 drives while maintaining broader compatibility. However, to achieve peak performance, users need a fully compliant USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port—otherwise, speeds default to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or lower. Design and build The Extreme PRO USB4 maintains SanDisk's signature rugged design, featuring IP65-rated water and dust resistance and drop protection up to 2 metres. While it's slightly larger than previous models, its textured silicone grip ensures a secure hold. The 5.51″ x 2.70″ x 0.47″ dimensions make it portable, though not the most compact option. Compatibility This SSD works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, making it a versatile choice for console gaming storage and cross-platform media use. However, some users have reported connection issues, where the drive occasionally defaults to 10Gbps or 5Gbps speeds instead of the expected 40Gbps. Pricing & Warranty The 2TB model is priced at Dh1,349. SanDisk backs this SSD with a 5-year warranty. Pros Blazing-fast speeds (when connected to USB4) Rugged, durable design Broad compatibility across devices 5-year warranty Cons Larger than previous models Premium price tag Occasional connection issues Final verdict The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is a powerful, high-speed SSD that caters to professionals and gamers alike. While its performance is impressive, users should ensure they have USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports to unlock its full potential. If you need fast, reliable, and rugged storage, this SSD is a solid investment—but be mindful of its size and occasional connectivity quirks.
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Tiny outdoor space? Turn it into an inviting retreat
Whether it's a modest balcony, a pocket-size patio or a tiny backyard, small outdoor spaces have big potential. With a few smart design choices and some creative flair, even the most limited square footage can become a welcoming and rejuvenating retreat. The very constraints of a small area can inspire more thoughtful — and impactful — design decisions.
The National
27-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Dh100,000 competition to design a Burj Khalifa projection extends deadline due to 'tremendous interest'
Emaar has extended the submission deadline for the Burj Khalifa Projection Design Competition, citing 'tremendous interest". Creatives now have until June 26 to submit their proposals, giving artists living in the UAE more time to take part in what could shape up to be one of the year's most anticipated public art opportunities. The Dh100,000 competition invites participants to create original three-minute videos or animations that reflect on Dubai's dynamic identity, while touching upon themes of innovation and creativity. Besides the six-figure cash prize, the winning design will be projected on the facade of the Burj Khalifa. The open call invites both established and emerging artists from across the UAE's creative landscape to participate. It continues the growing tradition of transforming the world's tallest tower into a medium of cultural expression – whether for national holidays, global awareness campaigns or artistic commissions. The Burj Khalifa's facade has been used to mark various occasions, including the Sheikh Zayed Centennial in 2018, where graphics and a video montage celebrated 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the UAE. It has also been routinely used during global holidays such as the New Year and International Women's Day. 'The true reward is something less tangible but far more lasting – global exposure, and the privilege of having one's vision light up the night sky for millions to see,' Emaar said in a statement announcing the deadline extension. Works should be submitted in MP4 and MOV formats, the former for preview purposes while the latter will be used as a final projection. The preview video must have integrated music, while a separate audio file should be submitted for the MOV format. Music used in the works should be copyright-free. Submissions should also be supplemented by a 300-word description detailing a work's inspiration and concept. The competition's winner will be revealed on July 14.
