Chasing Artwork Volume 005
A Limited Edition Built for Collectors
Creating an art book is always a careful balance between creative vision and technical execution. When artist and designer Justin Currie returned to Friesens for his fifth “Chasing Artwork” title, the goal was clear: produce something special…an elevated, limited edition intended for a small group of dedicated collectors.
This wasn’t about changing what already worked. It was about refining it, pushing details further, and delivering a finished piece that felt intentionally premium from the first glance to the final touch.
The Challenge
As a long-time Friesens customer, Justin was deeply involved in every aspect of the project. As both the artist and designer, colour fidelity was non-negotiable, and the cover had to live up to the expectations set by his previous books…this time with an added sense of exclusivity.
The biggest challenge was finding the right way to package the limited edition. A traditional slipcase was initially considered, but budget constraints meant it wasn’t the right fit. The project needed a solution that still felt special without compromising the overall vision, or the quality collectors expect from a Chasing Artwork release.
Adding to the complexity was the cover finishing. Foil stamping had always been a defining element of the series, and for this edition, the foil treatment needed to extend beyond the book itself and onto the outer packaging.
The Solution
Friesens worked closely with Justin to explore alternatives, sharing physical samples of both slipcases and sleeves to help visualize the final result. After careful consideration, a custom sleeve was selected as the best balance between cost and impact.
This decision became the turning point. Finalizing the sleeve a couple of months ahead of production allowed time to coordinate with an outsourced vendor while ensuring the book and sleeve would work as single, cohesive piece.
On the production side, the book was printed offset to achieve the highest possible image quality. A gloss text paper was chosen to enhance colour brightness and clarity…essential for artwork reproduction. Colour management was handled through advance test files and full contract proofs that included both the cover and interior signatures.
To manage risk, a dummy book was created to confirm sleeve fit before full production began, while close attention during proofing ensured consistent colour across the book and the sleeve.
The End Result
The finished piece delivered exactly what the project set out to achieve: a refined, collector-focused edition that feels premium without excess.
The book itself features a velvet-laminated cover, giving it a soft, tactile quality that immediately signals care and craftsmanship. Subtle silver foil on the cover adds restraint, while the sleeve introduces a bold contrast with striking blue foil, echoing the cover design without overpowering it.
Shrink-wrapped as a complete package, the final result feels intentional, balanced, and complete…an art book that rewards close inspection and holds its own as a collectable object.
Justin was thrilled with how the sleeve elevated the overall presentation, especially how the foil translated across both elements. That attention to detail didn’t go unnoticed: Chasing Artwork was named winner in two categories in the 2025 Canadian Printing Awards…Best Print Project, the Prairies, and Books, Softcover Offset. It was also named a Finalist for Best in Show.
A project defined by subtle decisions, careful coordination, and a shared commitment to quality…proof that sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact.