What is design bookbinding? Design bookbinding involves hand binding a book that is both a functional object and a work of art. It is a specialized area of bookbinding that combines higher level of craftsmanship and attention to detail than standard bookbinding. It is where the bookbinder’s skill meets artistic expression. The binder interprets the content of the book and translates it into a unique, visually striking book. As inspiration for the design, the binder might use the text, illustrations, or overall theme of the book. Every element, from the choice of materials to the finishing, is carefully considered to create a cohesive and visually appealing whole. Often this involves unique designs extending to the inside and the edges of the book.
Robin Brandes’ passion for design bookbinding evolved from her deep knowledge of graphic design. Robin was owner and creative director of an award-winning San Francisco design firm.
In 2015, Robin completed the Bookbinding Core Certificate Program at the San Francisco Center for the Book. During the summer of 2022, Robin completed the Design Binding Intensive Master Class taught by Dominic Riley at the San Francisco Center of the Book. She has studied with Kathy Abbott, Coleen Curry, and Lang Ingalls.
Her design bindings have been exhibited at Arion Press, American Bookbinders Museum, The Book Club of California, Guild of Book Workers, The San Francisco Center for the Book, the San Francisco Public Library, the Historic City Hall, Philadelphia, The Leonardo, Salt Lake City, Utah, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming, Laramie, and the Dayton Library, Regis University, Denver, Colorado. Her design bindings are held in personal collections, as well as at the San Francisco Public Library and the Book Club of California.
In 2023, Robin won First Place Winner of the Rocky Mountain Guild of Book Workers 2023 Traveling Exhibition! Her fine bindings: 2020 Vision featuring nineteen wood engravers, one collector, and the artists who inspired them and LISTEN her book design, binding and content inspired by the recording of “The Maids of Cadiz” performed by Miles Davis and arranged by Gil Evans. https://rockymountain6.wixsite.com/rmgbw/2023-traveling-exhibition-winners
Robin designs and produces the Hand Bookbinders of California Annual Members’ Exhibition Catalog: HBC48 HBC49 HBC50 HBC51 HBC52 HBC53. She is a member of the Hand Bookbinders of California, and the Guild of Book Workers.