Ichiban/Budo Sport Ltd
– Book designs
– Editorial layout
– Typesetting
– InDesign templates
- Print production
- Roller banners
- Leaflet
Overview:
When Bob first approached me, he wasn’t sure whether his project was “too small” to warrant professional design support. After a frustrating year working with a previous designer, however, he had reached a point where he felt stuck and unsure whether his dream of publishing his first book would ever become a reality.
The project had already been through an extended design process, but the files weren’t set up to the professional standard needed for print. The main issues included:
• Software that wasn’t suited to professional page layout
• Inconsistent formatting and typography
• Poor layout decisions affecting the reading experience
• Low-resolution imagery and incorrect colour profiles
• File-format and print-production issues
• A lack of confidence in the existing workflow
The priority was to take the existing content and turn it into a professionally designed, print-ready book — while making the process straightforward and manageable for the client.
I rebuilt the book from the ground up in Adobe InDesign, creating a bespoke template and consistent design system that could be used throughout the publication and adapted for future books.
Alongside the design and production work, I provided practical guidance at every stage, including:
• Establishing a consistent page layout, typography and formatting system
• Preparing images to the correct resolution and colour profile
• Producing professionally prepared, print-ready artwork
• Guiding Bob through the ISBN process
• Liaising with the printer, overseeing production and delivery
Throughout the project, clear communication and patience were just as important as the design itself. My role was not simply to produce the artwork, but to give Bob confidence that his book was finally in safe hands.
Bob's first book was successfully published, with a professional design and production workflow now in place for the wider series.
Following the success of the first publication, I was commissioned to design the second book, applying and developing the established design system to create a consistent visual identity across the series. The second book is now at print and will be available to purchase shortly.
With a further two books already in the pipeline, the bespoke InDesign template and established design system provide a reliable foundation for future publications — helping to maintain consistency while allowing each book to develop its own character.
What began as a project Bob wasn't sure was “big enough” for professional design support has developed into an ongoing publishing relationship.
And sometimes, the best measure of a project isn't found in a specification or a deadline. A surprise bouquet of flowers arriving was a lovely reminder that the work had made a genuine difference.
Whether I'm working on a large corporate publication or helping someone bring a personal passion project to life, I bring the same level of care, attention to detail and professional expertise.
Because every project matters to the person behind it.
Testimonial:
Coming soon…
— Bob Jones, 8th Dan, Senior Instructor, Ichiban
Client:
Ichiban Leeds is home to aikido, karate, judo, kenjitsu and jiu jitsu clubs that share a vision. Egos are left at the door to make space for excellent teaching, training and performance.
https://www.ichibanleeds.co.uk/
Bob Jones is an accomplished martial arts practitioner, coach and educator with more than 50 years’ experience in Japanese martial arts. An 8th Dan Aikido practitioner, he has competed, coached and officiated at regional, national and international level. He is currently Chief Executive Officer and Fellow of the British Aikido Association and was instrumental in establishing the Worldwide Sports Aikido Federation. Bob continues to coach in the UK and internationally, promoting the development of Aikido while preserving its traditional values and etiquette.