Matt's Exercise 1
This week, my Publication Design class assigned me to work on this experimentation of elements along with grids! Throughout the assignment, I learned that grids can be very helpful for organizing crowded amounts of information, which is why we're assigned with this exercise in the first place!
This and future exercises will help me construct my foundation for the Habitat Magazine, the final project we'll be working on throughout the quarter. However, keep in mind that 'this is just experimental; there will be drastic changes throughout the quarter!
a) 3-column grid
b) 4-column grid
c) BYO grid (11 rows x 11 column grid)
If I had to propose one of these designs for the project, I cannot say I have one that I'm particularly considering for the final because 'this is just experimental'! To choose the one I enjoyed working with most however, it would be the second one because the 'grass mask' allowed me to experiment with objects (or in this case text) that intersect pass the object to see if it's still recognizable! When it comes to headlines or logos in this case, it tends to work! Just look at Redbook and WIRED for example, where they would have the face of the celebrity or a part of their body, covering 'a small portion' of the logo!
Hi Matthew, I really liked all of your designs. They were all very different in their approach and each have strong points. I love the icon you used in your third choice to represent the department name... but I believe you used Featured Articles from the text instead of the department articles :-/ However, your first approach I would have to say is my favorite! I really like the way you've displayed the image, its a strong and large image and works well to balance out with the large amount of text surrounding it. It feels simple and balanced and the colors work well together to create unity within the piece.
ReplyDeleteGood and bad news; Bad news is that you're correct and will require new Think Stock Photos, but the good news is that the styles are saved, but that doesn't mean much! :/
DeleteHey Amanda, I want you to know that I made the changes based on your suggestions! Tell me what you think. Thank you so much!
DeleteMatt - the differences in approach for these designs is exactly the right way to "experiment" with these grids. Hopefully, one of the page designs will be something you want to move forward with into your magazine design. I had expected this to be a type of "rough" for the final project - meaning this experimental phase could be well-used in your conceptual/design process with the final project in sight.
ReplyDeleteBecause of the clever image, and good use of negative space, I can see how B Grid (4 column) could suite your needs for the magazine. Eventually, a conversation will need to happen that centers on your audience, and whether that type of clever imagery is appropriate - but it is certainly very interesting and a clever use of shape and texture.
My concern about this particular design (and other thin columns on the other pages) is that the ragged right edge is too ragged, with sometimes only 3 words on a line. You will need to reconsider your font and/or point size to allow for a smoother edge and for the sake of "ease of reading."
Oh - and I love your play on words that makes me smile as I look at the pages (especially the Department Head name for B Grid). That's it for now. Nice work Matt.
It took me a while to compose these layouts together, but I just wanted 'to go crazy' regarding my use of grids, images and typography! However, I honestly would love to experiment more with justified text (have a difficult time with it) to give my editorials more diversity and asymmetry! Regarding the issues with the ragging on certain paragraphs, that's very true and it took me a while to get comfortable with the spacing throughout each paragraph - my area of development right now mostly! Thank you for your wise input Coni as always!
DeleteMatt, my favorite of the three has to be the first one. You've got some great colors that really fit the farming topic. Everything feels quite breathable. My only concern would be seemingly small amount of space above 'underused and overlooked' as well as the two columns to the right of it. It feels a tad cramped here, you have space on the bottom to move these down and may want to give it a try and see how it looks.
ReplyDelete