A limited edition, faithful reproduction of the original 1974 CBC Graphic Standards Manual.
As a tribute and celebration of that work, we wish to create a limited edition faithful reproduction of the original 1974 CBC Graphic Standards Manual (written and designed by Burton Kramer), in its entirety, so that designers, educators, students and enthusiasts can own a piece of Canadian design history.
Our limited edition reprint of the original 1974 CBC Graphic Standards Manual will be faithfully reproduced in its entirety, at original size and in high archival quality. A reproduction worthy of any bookshelf or designer’s desk.
Scans
Each page of the original manual will be scanned at high resolution to capture the finest detail of the original print. Scans will retain all of the patina and detail of the now 40+ year old document. This includes any defects in the original printing, in order to be most faithful to the original.
Binding
While the original was bound in a three ring binder, the reproduction will be case-bound (hardcover) in cloth, by artisan inspired binders in Canada. The cover will feature a design inspired by the original manual using 5 colours of foil stamping on blue cloth, following the standards outlined in the 1974 manual itself.
Printing
Each scanned page image will be reproduced at 100% actual size in full CMYK colour using a 10-micron stochastic printing process (equivalent to around 650-line screen), with vegetable-based inks on bright white, archival quality #80 text substrate. Each page will be arranged exactly as it appears in the original document. Pantone swatch pages will be reproduced in CMYK as scanned, to preserve their appearance as it is today.
Below is the expected project timeline, as you can see we are on track for shipping in June 2017:
My name is Adrian Jean, a Canadian graphic designer and creative director.
I have grown a fascination with the highly prescriptive and deliberately structured world of identity design and more specifically of mid-century Swiss-influenced graphic work.
Over the years I became actively involved in my national professional association (GDC) where I was able to connect with national and international design communities. That experience sparked a growing curiosity about Canada’s design heritage.
This project is my way of helping today’s generation of designers connect to and learn from Canada’s design heritage, as well as honour the work of Mr. Kramer and celebrate an identity that has become part of Canadian culture, yet recognized around the world.
I hope you agree that this project is worthwhile, and pledge your support for it today.
I want to personally thank Mr. Kramer for lending me one of his only remaining original copies of the 1974 CBC Graphic Standards Manual for this project, and for the wonderful conversations and encouragement that ensued.
I want to thank Arlene Gehmacher and the Royal Ontario Museum for preserving this important piece of design heritage, and supporting this project in principle.
I want to also thank CBC/Radio-Canada for their openness, curiosity, support and authorization to proceed with this project.
I also want to thank the thousands of people from around the world who showed their support during the petition to rally support to bring this project to the CBC’s attention — we are here on Kickstarter today because of you and your interest!
With almost 20 years experience as a designer I have a clear command of what it takes to get a project like this done, as well as access to the resources to do it well.
I am already working with a respected and established Canadian printer with a strong track record in high quality printing and while I don’t expect any issues, I have padded the timeline to account for unexpected challenges.