Chapter 5 Layout

Objectives (1 of 2) Discover the meaning of a layout. Learn the interconnected goals /function of a layout. Grasp the need to fit visual elements into a limited space and have them effectively function and be unified. Learn that successful layout facilitates communication.

Objectives (2 of 2) Comprehend fundamental principles governing the layout of a page: emphasis (focal point and visual hierarchy), unity, and balance. Recognize the importance of format in any layout. Use the grid as a layout device. Construct simple grids.

What Is Layout? The arrangement of type and visuals on a printed or digital page Concerns the organization and arrangement of type and visuals on two-dimensional surfaces to create effective visual communication

Goals Layout entails several interrelated goals. To fit visual elements into a limited space To arrange them so that they are functional, unified, and easily accessible to the viewer To facilitate communication To create visual impact

Basic Principles Operating in Layout When designing a page (print or digital), there are basic principles to keep in mind. Emphasis (focal point and visual hierarchy) Unity Balance Design firm: Viva Dolan Communications and Design Inc.

Considering the Format Remember, the format is a primary player in any layout. All elements respond to the shape of the page. Poster Designer: Thomas C. Ema

Process To solve any graphic design problem, a designer must conceive an idea and realize it visually. The designer must create, select, and organize visual elements to create effective communication.

Types of Layout Problems Single page, such as a poster or a print advertisement Multi-page designs, such as: books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, web sites, and annual reports

Compositional Tool: The Grid (1 of 3) When a designer has to maintain balance, emphasis, rhythm, and unity throughout a series of consecutive pages, most designers use a grid. A grid is a guide — a modular compositional structure made up of verticals and horizontals that divide a format into columns and margins. Grids for Print Designer: Steven Brower

Compositional Tool: The Grid (2 of 3) Grids for Print Designer: Steven Brower

Compositional Tool: The Grid (3 of 3) Here is a great example of how a grid operates over several pages. Grids for Print Designer: Steven Brower

Compositional Tool: Designing a Layout without a Grid Some designers do not utilize a grid for multi-page applications, instead they design a compositional structure, page by page. Contents spread, Emigre Designer: Rudy Vanderlans

Summary (1 of 4) To solve any graphic design problem, a designer must conceive an idea and realize it visually. The designer must create, select, and organize visual elements to create effective communication. A layout is the arrangement of type and visuals on a printed or digital page, and concerns the organization and arrangement of type and visuals on two-dimensional surfaces to create effective visual communication.

Summary (2 of 4) Layout entails several interrelated goals To fit visual elements into a limited space To arrange them so that they are functional, unified, and easily accessible to the viewer To facilitate communication To create visual impact When designing a page (print or digital), there are basic principles to keep in mind: Emphasis (focal point and visual hierarchy), unity, and balance Remember, the format is a primary player in any layout.

Summary (3 of 4) All elements respond to the shape of the page. You can begin to layout a single page, such as a poster or a print advertisement. Many graphic designers work on multi-page designs, such as books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, web sites, and annual reports.

Summary (4 of 4) When a designer has to maintain balance, emphasis, rhythm, and unity throughout a series of consecutive pages, most designers use a grid. A grid is a guide — a modular compositional structure made up of verticals and horizontals that divide a format into columns and margins.