Here are 7 Tips for Creating a Look Book. Traditionally defined as a collection of photographs compiled to show off a model, photographer, a style or a clothing line – a Look Book can be used to showcase a whole range of the creative arts, from fashion to jewelry to painting to landscape design.
The ultimate companion for any creative spirit, a Look Book is all about presenting the best of your work. Similar to an artists’ portfolio, the benefit of a Look Book is that instead of representing an entire work history, it focuses on presenting one particular aspect of your work – one product line. In the fashion world, for example, this might be a Spring /Summer collection.
Use of Look Books is prominent in the fashion industry, particularly in the online stakes where retailers and aspiring designers are taking to the internet to showcase their latest season styles.
But it’s not just the fashion pros that are having all the fun. Fashion bloggers too have taken to the trend, updating their Look Books on a regular daily/weekly basis (more akin to a fashion diary) in an effort to keep devoted fashionistas up to date with the latest fashion trends and styles.
An ideal way to package and present your designs and express your creative vision, check out our top tips for creating your own Look Book:
1. Remember that a Look Book is a selected catalog of your best work – so be selective. Hard as it is, focus on one idea, one product line, one collection and present your vision in the best possible way. Don’t be compelled to include too much because you’ll risk confusing the viewer of your Look Book.
2. Consider your audience before you start compiling your Look Book. Think about who you are targeting your Look Book at, as knowing this will help you to tailor your Look Book (content and presentation wise) appropriately. For example, if you simply want to showcase some of your designs to an undefined market segment, the way you present your Look Book will vary substantially to how you would compile it if you were gearing it towards a potential employer for example.
3. The placement of materials in the Look Book should be logical. The Look Book should tell a sort of story that flows as the book is flipped or scrolled through. Each time the viewer looks at a new picture, it needs to be in the context of what was just looked through on the previous page, and what will be looked at on the next page.
4. A Look Book is not just about photos. It can include any number of materials that will assist the viewer to gain an accurate perception of the designers’ intention. For example, sketches show original ideas and intention of the designer. Photos represent how accurately the ideas are realized, and swatches of material can be included to show color and texture of fabrics that cannot always be depicted through imagery alone. But beware – if it doesn’t add value, then don’t put it in, the last think that you want to do is distract viewers from your creative vision.
5. Just because you are not a designer doesn’t mean you can’t put together your own Look Book. It doesn’t even have to be about you. There are heaps of Look Books out there focused on the looks and style of other people, particularly celebrities, socialites and politicians.
6. It’s not all about the imagery. It is quite acceptable to include a running commentary (albeit minimal) on each or selected pages of your Look Book. But, don’t just do it for the sake of it, words like the other materials in the Look Book should only be used if they add value, that is, enhancing the story or the design vision.
7. Don’t stop at just one Look Book. You can create one for every look, every season and every occasion. A great tool for archiving all your designs and keeping a record of changing trends, they are also a great online resource that you can add to an update and trends and styles change.
