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The Anatomy and Psyche of a Title Page |
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George Guzzio |
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The Columbo Chronicle, Vol. 1, Nr. 1, July 1991 |
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In my opinion, the importance of a proper title page is often underestimated and misunderstood. I deem it so necessary, that I am giving the matter an entire page. |
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As a dear friend of mine is wont to say, "First Things First". It is also true that first impressions are lasting. |
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The international arena is split on the subject, that is, the use of a title page. Some jurors like them and a few do not entirely appreciate them. Of the latter, I believe it is because they have indeed seen so many bad ones, virtually useless, a waster of valuable space or at best sheer decoration. |
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Have you ever been enticed to purchase a book because of its dust jacket or by examining the title and content page? There is a large industry devoted to just that enticement. True, the entire content of a work ought to be commendable. The object then is to make a sale or sell the jurors to immediately take notice and to "entice" them to want to go further. You want to say, "Hey there, Morolli, look at this. This is my story (theme) in a nutshell, these are my parameters, here is the prologue, curtain raiser, setting, era and mood all wrapped up in one page. For further details, please consult the plan page." |
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The elements of a title page are: 1) Title. 2) Item, preferably postal. 3) Statement of thematic intent and scope. 4) Imagination and creativity. |
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The Title: |
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Make it the predominant element on your page, a standout easily seen, even from a distance. You can easily do this by using a commercial transfer type available in art supply stores. Using standard typewriter will only cause title to fade away and require effort to read. Consider your subject and choose a style of lettering that is compatible. "Martin Luther and the Reformation" would work well in German Gothic. It will also suggest time and place. There are types and scripts that are evocative of ancient Greece, Egypt, the Orient, etc. Lettering can be formal, bold, ancient, modern. Consider what works for you. |
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What does all this do? It makes a statement, gains attention. Keeps you from becoming anonymous and melding with other nondescript title pages. It has happened at exhibitions that judges coming upon a new exhibit, thought they were still reading the previous one. |
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Choice of Title: Be careful of single word titles such as "Music", "Sports", "Automobiles" and the same with "On Stamps" appended. These are vast subjects and suggest no parameters. They are better when clarified: "Music: Renaissance to Romanticism", "Sports of the Ancient World", "The Automobile (Its Impact on Civilization)". Most titles are done in black. If a particular color suits your subject, it is all right to use it so long as it is tasteful, neither garish nor outsized. I tried several sizes before finding the right one. |
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Item for Title Page: |
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For the international level, keep it "postal". The powers that be consider space very valuable. They are looking for plenty of good material. This is your chance to open with a bang and say, "How's this for openers and yes, more is to come." A key item that you feel exemplifies your subject is fine. It can be a stamp, multiple, cover, fancy cancel, essay or proof. The choice is yours. Make sure it isn't lost on the page and is not in competition with the title. Give each its place in the sun. If the item requires a description, keep it very brief. |
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Statement of Intent, A Scope: |
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Short and to the point. For my late exhibit "Penguinalia", I used, "The World of the Penguin as seen through the medium of philately: From Discovery in the wild to the captivity of modern civilization." First part is intent, second part, the scope. For my current thematic, "Edward - All For Love", the statement reads, "The life of Edward VIII from birth to abdication with brief epilogue." Keep descriptions and breakdowns for detailed Plan Page. |
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Imagination and Creativity |
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The Title Page is "YOUR" calling card. YOU are being interviewed. Put your best foot forward, express yourself and your theme. Don't just whip up a page and settle for it. Try a few versions. Experiment with sizes, fonts, colors, spacing and layout. If need be, seek a valued opinion. When is it right? You are the best judge. |
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And, keep in mind that the Title Page and the Plan Page will be requested by most exhibitions. |
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