Catalogue Production

Publishing for artists using examples: exhibition catalogue, catalogue raisonné, and the artist's book

Reviewing the processes of own publication vs. publishing house publication in the planning of editing, production, distribution, communication.

The publication of a catalogue is an aim of most artists during the course of their career. For artists, a publication can also increase their network, visibility and provide opportunities to show their work. But which type of publication, which format serves which purpose?

Besides the classic exhibition catalogue, publishing in general has become even more important for artists in recent years. Artists publish newspapers, magazines, text collections, thematic readers and use them to present themselves professionally.

In the course, basic questions will be discussed using examples of catalogues of group exhibitions, individual catalogues, institutional series and artists' books: Which type of publication best represents the artistic work? When does a publication "make sense"? How does one approach a planned publication? What are the costs? What processes need to be considered? How much lead time should be planned? When is a good time to present the published work and where?

What do artists who want to self-publish their work need? Who will do the design? Who will do the proofreading and editing of texts and directories? Do you need a publisher and if so, which one do you choose? What funding possibilities are there?

What do you do when you work with an institution? How do you deal with regulations on free copies, format, appearance, directories, naming of sponsors?  How can the artist have a say over such things as the choice of authors, design, fees?

What are successful communication and distribution channels for artists?