History of printing

Before DTP Publications were prepared by pasting pieces of text and art to light-weight cardboard. Changes were difficult.

DTP Using a personal computer to produce professional-looking publications PageMaker introduced in 1984

Elements of good design

Design Concepts Guidelines for –Appropriateness –Balance –Focus & Flow –Consistency

Appropriateness How well elements match the purpose and audience Fonts –Size –Classification –Appropriate for subject

Balance “Weight” comparison of elements and how they work together –Darker, thicker, larger elements are said to be “heavier” –Not symmetrical or perfectly balanced, but also not too “busy” with too many sizes Affects readability

Focus & Flow Focus –Where the reader’s eye goes first Flow –The path the reader’s eye travels in the path created by the page’s elements White space (blank area on a page) Tension (asymmetrical layout) –Creates a sense of movement

Consistency Visual cue –Pattern or object reader identifies with an element Repetition creates expectancy –Use of rules, dingbats, etc. The longer a publication, the more important consistency is

Designing a pub process of determining the format and layout of a publication … then creating it Format –How and what publication is made of –size, material, binding Layout –arrangement of elements on a page –Elements: text/titles, graphics, white space

4 major design signals Typefaces chosen Layout Paper selection Use of color

7 steps in designing Decide purpose, audience, format Draw thumbnail sketches (aka dummies) Review for design: appropriateness, balance, focus & flow, consistency Revise thumbnail sketches Create in PageMaker Print and edit Make changes

Purpose & Audience Purpose: Intent of the publication –Inform –Entertain –Persuade Audience –Age –Education level –Interests –Socioeconomic factors

Format Binding options –Saddle-stitch –Side-staple –Perfect bound Choose based on –Method of distribution –Budget –Amount of text/graphics included